Glassex 2006 sees the introduction of a number of innovative new enhancements to Ultraframe’s popular Classic system. After listening to its customers the company has unveiled a number of improvements to the market leading system to offer even greater choice and improved design. As well as launching a first in structural design with the new Tie Bar Replacement Kit, Ultraframe has also invested in other enhancements including an improved raised back box gutter, new bolster end caps and a new tie bar boss. The company has also revised its pricing system making the Ultraframe Classic roof even better value.

Andrew Thomson, Design and Development Director at Ultraframe said: “Classic was the original roofing system and is still widely recognised as the best. With unmatched flexibility it can cope with any roof design. You may think that this product has been in the market long enough to meet all anticipated needs but markets are constantly developing and there is always room for improvement to meet the new requirements. In the light of this we are delighted to announce a number of enhancements to the Classic system.”

The UK’s only effective tie bar alternative
Ultraframe’s new Tie Bar Replacement Kit for the Classic system offers a fast fitting and comprehensive alternative to the traditional tie bar often required to support larger span conservatories. It combines radical new features including an innovative new aluminum extrusion to bolster the main ridge body, which acts as one with the existing ridge to improve its resistance to deflection, a new Ridge Compression Plate, that enables the wall starter bars to form an ‘A’ frame prior to the ridge body being offered up and a structural aluminum moulding that attaches the eaves beam to the host wall. The existing starter bar is reinforced by a 300mm aluminum profile which prevents the starter bar crushing and which also spreads the forces across a wider area of masonry.

The kit significantly reduces the need for tie bars whilst maintaining the structural integrity of the conservatory even in extreme weather conditions. Designed to strengthen the roof ridge, it reduces the requirement for tie bars by more than 75%, meaning less than 10% of Classic conservatories will now need them. Ultraframe will be demonstrating the aesthetic and structural benefits of the tie bar replacement kit on its B100 stand.

New Tie Bar Boss
Ultraframe has launched a new tie bar boss cover to hide the ends of the treaded bar where it meets in the centre of the conservatory roof. It consists of a front and back cover plate featuring a threaded connector and receiver. The two plates simply fit together with a quick spin, making finishing much quicker and easier.

Even better news for installers is that on five way tie bars, when the boss is laid horizontal, as opposed to fitted vertically, the cover plate with the new receiver screws onto the end of the threaded ridge drop rod creating a sleek finish.

New Bolster End Caps
Where large projection lean-tos require an extra bolster bar to give the design structural integrity, Ultraframe has introduced new bolster end caps to ensure a ‘right first time’ installation.

Available on Classic Lean-tos, these injections moulded end caps will replace complex compound mitres on the standard cladding where an installer is finishing into the eaves beam. The new end cap simply push fits over the box section profile to give a discreet but effective finish. The end cap is supplied at both ends of the bolster whenever a bolster is needed and is included in the overall cost of the roof.

Raised Back Box Gutter
Following extensive CAD, theoretical modelling and factory testing, Ultraframe has improved the engineering and weathering details on its raised back box gutter.

Ultraframe has used new materials and improved its welding techniques and manufacturing process to create an enhanced raised back box gutter. Key to the gutter, is the inclusion of a refined parabolic bolt slot head detail and the integration of a short run of glazing bar along the raked edge of the box gutter. This ensures the glazing material is securely retained and does not solely rely on the glazing end.

New Tie Bar Boss, Bolster End Caps and Raised Back Box Gutters will all be available on the Classic system from late Spring 2006.

Chambered Top Cappings
Another recent addition to the Classic range is Ultraframe’s innovative chambered top cappings which have proved a big hit with installers. The PVC chambered top cappings significantly improve the thermal performance of the roof and comfort levels for the homeowner.

Available in a choice of two designs, dome and bevel; the chambered top cappings’ multi-chambered extrusions trap air in expertly designed air pockets to enhance thermal efficiency. This design prevents heat loss through leakage points, virtually eliminates cold bridging and condensation and lowers the overall ‘U’ value. The cappings demonstrate an 18% improvement over standard cappings and are 40% more thermally efficient than competitor systems.

Home County Conservatories Ltd, based in Chelmsford, has been particularly impressed with Ultraframe’s new chambered top cappings. Steve Mileham, Managing Director, at Home County explained: “Chambered top cappings have been a great addition to Ultraframe’s Classic roofs. They are much easier to install than the traditional cappings and like all Ultraframe products, are finished to a high standard so they are aesthetically pleasing to homeowners. In terms of raising the level of thermal performance, no other competitor product can compete.”

Now Offering Even Better Value
Acting in response to tough market conditions, Ultraframe is delivering its customers greater value. After a period of customer consultation, Ultraframe has restructured the Classic pricing system, introducing new pricing matrices in a simpler format to make it easier for customers to compare prices against competitor roofs and demonstrate Ultraframe’s excellent value.

By listening to its customers and stretching the boundaries of design, Ultraframe continually strives to improve its established products. As a result the Classic roofing system which is widely recognised as the original and the best on the market is now even better.