Heidi Sachs, Managing Director at trade fabricator Modplan, considers how the conservatory roofing market has changed in recent years and how Modplan supports its customers in exceeding consumer expectations.
As business owners, we’re often so busy on daily operations that it’s easy to overlook the remarkable progress our industry has made. Just a few years back, a typical conservatory roof order would have a been a modest 3m x 3m Edwardian design, often glazed with polycarbonate.
Reflecting on this now seems almost surreal. Today, advancements in roofing have propelled glazing technology to new heights, defying our previous norms.
It’s also true to say that the industry has worked hard to raise awareness of the benefits of performance glass and paving the way for its widespread adoption.
Today, a combination of market innovation and consumer expectation means it’s rare for us to receive an order for roof glass with a U value other than 1.0 W/m²K.
At the same time, here at Modplan we’re always aware of the need to go above and beyond so we can help our customers secure market advantage.
In the conservatory roof space, we have created a compelling offer that adds real value above and beyond performance glass.
For example, we’re able to offer the aspirational expanses of glass that homeowners want – in fact, up to 4,000mm spans of roof glass. This negates the need for problematic muntin bars and allows us to create much larger designs. The results offer an incredible wow factor that our installing customers can use to set themselves apart.
We go further too. Our in-house profile painting plant gives us the ability to offer any RAL colour across our roofing, so we can create bespoke projects that command high-ticket retail prices. And, if required, we can turn an unglazed roof around in ten working days so our customers can offer rapid home transformations.
These advantages are available across our extensive conservatory roof offer which is designed to offer something for everyone.
Our products include the classic Vertex Roof System, the lightweight and durable aluminium structure with the unique one-piece peripheral main beam.
Our Wendland Glazed Roof System has been installed on all types of conservatories across the UK, and it’s a worthwhile addition to any installer’s product portfolio.
Our lantern roofs can be installed as a replacement roof option or as part of a new-build conservatory, creating attractive symmetry and a bright, airy living space.
The LivinRoof is designed to give a conservatory a more permanent feel and features a plastered perimeter ceiling with extra layers of insulation.
Loggia conservatories are an ideal compromise between a traditional brick-built extension and a fully glazed conservatory. They are perfectly suited to more traditional properties and can also be designed to complement more contemporary buildings.
Alongside our impressive glazed conservatory roof offer, we also offer LEKA solid roofs, which have been chosen by thousands of UK homeowners. These innovative products offer incredible U values as low as 0.10 W/m²K thanks to their GRP construction. They have huge retro-fit advantages because they are one of the most lightweight solid roof options on the market and are comparable in weight to glass roof systems, meaning that existing structures typically don’t need additional reinforcement.
Our LEKA offer includes the classic LEKA Warm Roof, the elegant LEKA Orangery Roof and the transformational LEKA Xi, the exciting alternative to a traditional brick- or block-built extension. Completing the lineup is the LEKA Carport and Canopy system which provides a durable, lightweight and quick-fitting carport system alternative.
All our conservatory roofs are manufactured to order in our dedicated conservatory roof facility in Newport, where state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment ensures finished products are consistent in their high-quality finish, which means installers can have complete confidence every time.
For over five decades, we have been at the forefront of manufacturing and supplying leading-edge products for the fenestration market. Fundamental to our success is the Modplan Mission – a commitment to consistently exceeding our customers’ expectations with the widest choice, the finest quality and the highest standards of customer service.
So, if you’re looking for a reliable trade supply partner to maximise the opportunities in the conservatory market, take a closer look at Modplan.