With the continued debate on the thermal performance of conservatories and the bizarre conversation which took place on Good Morning Britain suggesting banning the build of new conservatories, the market for solid roofs will get even bigger. Heidi Sachs, Managing Director of trade fabricator Modplan, explains why.
We’ve seen a huge surge in solid roof sales since the pandemic. It’s hardly surprising. They turn conservatories into genuinely year-round spaces that give homeowners the additional living or working space they need in the new world of hybrid working.
We don’t see any signs of sales tailing off. In fact, we think solid roofs are about to become even more popular.
With the requirements for improved thermal performance along with the new Part L of Building Regulations that came into effect in England on 15 June 2022, the demand for solid conservatory roofs has continued. This revision is the first step on the government’s path to ensuring homes are future-proofed with world-leading levels of energy efficiency.
In some sections of the media, the new regulations mean the death knell for conservatories. We wouldn’t go that far. They’ll certainly spell the end of the poorly-designed or poorly-insulated conservatory, though.
The regulations say that conservatories for new homes and conservatories added to existing homes will need to meet stringent new requirements for thermal efficiency.
This is where solid roofs will really come into their own. They offer astonishing U values that insulate a conservatory incredibly effectively. Solid roofs have often been seen as a retro-fit product. The new regulations mean they’ll become increasingly popular on new build conservatories too.
Take the Leka roof as an example.
It comes in five different thermal efficiency and budget options so you can choose the one your customer needs.
The Leka A+ system offers a U value of 0.12w/m2k. It uses the unique Leka internal boards and 130mm High Grade Kingspan insulation to create the best U value on the market today.
The Leka ‘A’ system is the original Leka system. It offers a U value of 0.15 w/m2k and uses the unique Leka internal boards and 130mm PIR insulation.
The Leka Eco++ offers a competitive option and a U value of 0.15 w/m2k. It uses cut-to-size 130mm PIR insulation board but the installer uses their own 12.5mm foil-backed plasterboard.
The Leka Eco+ meets building control requirements with its U value of 0.18 w/m2k. It uses the unique Leka internal boards and cut-to-size 130mm high-grade EPS insulation.
Finally the Leka Eco is a sound budget option. It has a U value of 0.18 w/m2k and uses cut-to-size 130mm high-grade EPS insulation with 12.5mm foil-backed insulation supplied by the installer.
Aside from the impressive thermal efficiency, Leka roofs offer all the benefits of a well-designed product that’s been designed with the installer in mind.
Leka roofs are up to 40% lighter than other replacement roof solutions. This means that in most retro-fit projects the existing conservatory frames are able to take the weight of the roof without needing additional reinforcement. It also means less reinforcement on new builds too. This makes them much more straightforward to install than competitor systems.
In fact, Leka solid roofs are easy to install, typically taking just two or three days, including removing the old conservatory roof. This is around half the time it takes to install a traditional solid roof replacement.
As well as its iconic solid roof, Leka also offers an orangery roof and the Leka Xi modular system, which allows you to create thermally efficient home extensions or freestanding garden rooms. We’ve seen big sales increases for both these products too because they tap into homeowner aspirations. The orangery roof creates a sophisticated living space and the Leka Xi provides a quick and easy way to extend a home.
Our customers tell us that Leka is rapidly gaining a name for itself in the market, which is another great reason to have them in your portfolio. And by working with us you benefit from the reassurance of a trade-only supplier who’s as committed to your success as you are. It’s an approach that means we’re approaching 50 years in business and won the Conservatory Roof Fabricator category at the National Fenestration Awards 2021.
For more information on our Leka roofing range, visit www.modplan.co.uk