Top 3 Reasons Why PVF Film Makes a Great Alternative to Coil Coatings

By Cass Jacoby.  

What makes DuPont™ Tedlar® PVF Film a superior coil coating alternative? Let us count the ways. 

We know that DuPont™ Tedlar® PVF Film on a metal roof is a gamechanger, because it allows coastal homeowners a beautiful, durable and resilient roof, but what specifically is behind the magic of this metal protective solution? What is it about PVF film that makes it such a strong contender against traditional coil coatings? Read on to learn the top three ways that PVF film outperforms coil coatings on coastal applications and for insight on the inherent properties that make this film so innovative. 

1 – A better application process 

Tedlar® PVF Film is typically applied directly to the metal coil, with the application process certified by DuPont to ensure a lasting lamination. Tedlar® PVF Film applies the adhesive directly to the coil for a high-quality application, unlike other coil coating processes like PVDF, FEVE or SMP coatings. “These coatings typically require a primer, a top coat and sometimes a clear third coat to achieve a desired level of metal protection,” according to DuPont. Each layer of material needs time and heat in order for the solvent to dry.  

Tedlar® PVF film is made with a biaxially-oriented process, where the film is stretched in every direction to improve flexibility. During this process the film reveals any holes or weaknesses, and makes the film stronger which ensures that it will perform optimally.  

The way in which PVF film is applied eliminates the possibility of gas bubbles forming and popping under the paint surface, which can happen during the coil coating process. This also reduces the risk of weaker areas in the coating that corrosive elements can penetrate. Because the film stretches to retain the shape of the metal when it is adhered, you can be sure that there is a consistent level of protection in all areas. 

2 – Greater flexibility and chemical resistance 

Tedlar® Film naturally exhibits excellent formability. The film can achieve a 0T bend regardless of what metal or substrate it is applied to. This level of malleability is unique to metal coatings as it won’t crack or bend at the edges over the metal’s lifetime, so you won’t have to worry about the coating exposing the metal to corrosion when panels are shaped.  

When other coil coatings use paint formulations that help them achieve greater flexibility, it usually comes at the price of chemical resistance. Even when coatings exhibit good chemical resistance, they typically blister and crack significantly faster than Tedlar®, exposing the metal and making periodic re-coating necessary in highly corrosive environments. Thanks to the film structure and PVF polymer properties, you can expect superior chemical resistance with PVF film at a much greater flexibility.  

3 – Easy maintenance 

Tedlar® Film maintains its look over time, with minimal discoloration or staining. This is due to the dirt shedding and stain-resistant properties of the film, as well as their excellent UV resistance, which makes it easy to maintain its appearance for years to come. 

Typically, when a coil coating gets dirty, or damages require a new panel replacement, the entire roof will need to be re-painted to match the color. But with Tedlar® PVF Film you can count on the same color that you installed on day one to be maintained throughout the roof's lifetime. So if a replacement is required, you typically only need to replace the one panel without having to repaint to match consistency across the roof. This means that you can count on reduced labor and material cost in the future when you install PVF film. 

Plus, Tedlar® does not require a rinse and typically requires less maintenance under warranty. Many coatings require a fresh water rinse as part of care for the roof, but with Tedlar® PVF Film you can experience virtually no maintenance with a product that will continue to look brand new even in applications by the coast. Tedlar® has been proven in real world exterior applications for 60+ years, looking as good as new in demanding environments. 

Conclusion 

The PVF film makes for a powerful metal coating solution due to the specific qualities of the film that are built to be more durable than typical coil coatings. Don’t let the restrictions of coatings dictate how you use metal any longer, get PVF film and take metal to new places! 

Learn more about DuPont™ Tedlar® in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit tedlar.com. 

About Cass  

Cass works as a reporter/writer for RoofersCoffeeShop, AskARoofer and MetalCoffeeShop. When she isn’t writing about roofs, she is putting her Master degree to work writing about movies and dancing with her plants.