Approximately twenty percent of homeowners make the decision to retrofit blinds onto their conservatories, a process that can prove extremely costly and time consuming. Andrew Thomson, Director of Design and Development at Ultraframe explains why engaging with the customer about the issue of privacy and glare at the outset of a sale, can provide a massive opportunity for retailers looking to increase profits by branching out and cross selling into this area.
Historically, privacy and glare are issues that are not always openly discussed when selling a conservatory, however once fitted, it isn’t long before the homeowner discovers these realities for themselves and often install blinds as a solution.
Furthermore, retrofitting traditional pleated roof blinds can prove costly for consumers, a significant purchase that they hadn’t factored into their budgets.
While in some instances retailers are making a small percentage rebate by referring consumers to national blind brands, the potential sales value that is being missed by not offering a solution to these issues, is significant.
A Superior Solution
In a bid to combat this issue, Ultraframe has developed a range of integrated conservatory roof shades which have been specifically designed to fit seamlessly into its innovative Classic Plus roof to create privacy, enhance winter comfort levels and provide dappled screening in summer, ensuring the overall conservatory is finished to a high standard.
No other roof system brand can offer this option.
Ultraframe’s range of Shades include 24 fabrics and 13 wood weaves each one offering differing levels of light transmittance and solar protection.
Shades provide a more cost effective alternative to retro fitted blinds and feature no unsightly strings, gaps or light bleed. There are also no fixings puncturing the primary roof structure.
Fully integrated into the Classic Plus roof system, Ultraframe Shades can be fitted to the whole roof, one slope or even just in one panel - rectangular panels can even be make to slide up and down.
Innovative features
To ensure a solution which is aesthetically pleasing but is also technically superior, Ultraframe Shades have been carefully designed to work alongside Ultraframe’s proven Classic Plus roof. The innovative design of this roof allows for quick and easy installation - all fits are simple, snap together, pre-prepped tight joints.
While retaining the same popular external finish and internal robust engineering as the Ultraframe Classic roof, the Classic Plus roof features deeper internals, meaning the glazing bars mimic timber joists. It is also extremely thermally efficient using PVC chambered wall technology both internally and externally.
The Classic Plus features Eavesflow between bars at the eaves, giving enhanced crossflow ventilation and better comfort levels for the homeowner. The ridge board profile is also deeper and uses chambered technology which provides the perfect place to hide cable runs or recess spotlights
The platform for further developments
The work that the team and I have invested in this project has given us further stimulus to improve the whole ownership experience – this has included a re-examination of the thermal performance of the roof and how the elements perform. This is leading to new ideas within the company – watch this space.
A Great Selling Tool
The Ultraframe Classic Plus Roof and Shades solution provides fabricators and distributors with the potential to increase their profits and meet the wants and needs of their customers, now and in the future.
To sign up to be a Classic Plus and Shades dealer, or for further information on Classic Plus and Shades, please talk to you local fabricator, distributor or call Ultraframe on 0843 208 6971.
