Quantal RSS News Feed

Quantal opens new markets with sun room launch

4/19/2011

Quantal has unveiled, its new sun room, developed to facilitate access to new markets by emulating the interior appearance of an orangery but at a price more affordable to the end user.

The system, the first to be launched to the conservatory market has been designed to sit in the middle ground between an orangery and a conservatory.

An internal soffit emulates the internal aesthetic of an orangery using a traditional conservatory construct with the aim of tapping into the aspirational consumer appeal of an orangery but combining it with increased flexibility and lower cost delivery.

Ian Cocken, general sales manager, Quantal, said: "Orangeries enjoy huge consumer appeal but simply aren't affordable to everyone who might want one. The Quantal sun room is pitched as those people who want more of a year round living space but who don't perhaps have the budget to stretch to an orangery."

The system is built around Quantal's box section eaves system. Engineered to accommodate twist-fit brackets eaves sit on top of the window frame and forms the anchorage for an internal 300mm soffit.

This is built around 19mm plywood timber webs, pre-cut to accommodate cross members, cable cut outs and the Quantal Heritage internal cladding. Timber cross members are then fixed to create an internal frame and fix for plasterboard. An internal heritage cladding option means that a decorative internal cladding can be added to deliver an alternative decorative finish to the more contemporary 'flat' plasterboard option.

An internal top cladding is added to close the soffit from above. Alternatively Quantal also supplies a DGSU, which features a translucent film pre-fixed to the internal pane to hide fixings around sun room eaves.

Cocken concluded: "The additional benefit that the system delivers is that the sun room's construction is significantly lighter than that of a traditional orangery. This means that it can be installed on original footings where an earlier conservatory is being replaced. This flexibility clearly has an impact on price, increasing affordability and market accessibility."

The system follows Quantal's launch of its orangery cassette system. Developed in a similar vein and unveiled last year, it modularises the construction of a timber orangery cassette.

Manufactured in kit form, the orangery cassette eliminates a sizeable slice of construction time on site plus specialist joinery skills sets traditionally required for construction, opening access to the traditional orangery market to a wider industry audience.

For more information about Quantal, part of the Epwin Group, please contact 01626 832355 or visit www.quantal.co.uk.

FACTBOX: The Quantal sun room roofing system

Factory-fabricated conversion kit
Contemporary box gutter or ogee gutter options
300mm internal soffit width
Pre-fabricated 25° roof pitch
Stainless steel twist-fit brackets
19mm plywood timber webs with cable cut outs

Quantal selected for 18th century stately home

4/19/2011

Quantal's aluminium roofing system has been selected by Sash UK for a 190 sq m conservatory installation at a Grade II listed stately home.

Sash was appointed by Bijou Wedding Venues to create a bespoke conservatory at Botleys Mansion, Surrey, a paladin style mansion house which was originally built in 1765.

In addition to sheer scale, Sash had to overcome a number of technical challenges caused by the design and structure of existing buildings.

Colin Poole, conservatory director, Sash UK said: "It's a big project and anything on that scale raises challenges, especially considering the age of the building.

"The design and long bi-fold doors running along the lengths of the building raised particular challenges because it meant that a number of our portals had to stop short of the ground and be designed to slot directly into RSJs.

"This in itself meant that we had to do extensive and structural calculations to ensure that the weight and forces generated by the roof didn't push the existing buildings out.

"The strength of the Quantal system is that not only does it have the structural integrity to deliver larger and more complex projects but it can also be adapted with comparative ease to create a bespoke solution."

The new conservatory is being used by the luxury wedding venue as a reception room.

The Quantal system features a number of innovations among them, the patented RotaFit twist-and-lock allowing Quantal's new hip bars to be fitted without the need for nuts or bolts; a Jack Rafter system, delivering improved weather tightness through precise factory-fabricated sections, speeding up installation time by creating positive location for all fixings; and Twin fast, a simple fixing system allows installers to slide glazing bars into place while Twinfast's in built spacer to create the perfect glazing plane.

It also features a structural box gutter eaves beam that supports pitches of up to 40 degrees on gables and lean-tos without the need for mechanical fixings; UniRidge, designed to address a range of design problems and which can be used on pitches between 22 and 30 degrees, accepting 24mm DGSU; and a Valley Detail, designed to speed up glazing and increases design flexibility through a new glazing stop that eliminates glazing slip.

Ian Cocken, general sales manager, Quantal, said: "The systems greatest strength is the flexibility that it delivers. It features a number of design efficiencies that make it easier to fit combined with huge structural strength for larger projects.

"This is paying dividends for our customers who work in the commercial sector because it allows them to pitch for business, particularly in the commercial sector, that simply isn't available to fabricators and installers using less highly engineered systems."

Quantal selected for 3,347 sq m equatorial installation

4/19/2011

Sash UK has completed a massive 3,347 sq m luminatrium installation in Equatorial Guinea, Africa using the aluminium roofing system from Quantal.

Featuring three octagonal and two extensive square sections linked by glass corridors, Quantal was specified for the project through Sash and the Italian architectural practice, Makinen Venture Corporation, which created the design.

One of the largest installations of its type anywhere in the world, sheer scale, logistics and climate posed the greatest challenges.

Colin Poole, conservatory director, Sash UK said: "The location of the site presented us with the single biggest challenge, along with differences in technologies and very different working practices.

"The scale of the project meant that the use of an engineered system critical. The other main element was the extremity of the climate, which made an aluminium system the only suitable choice."

Offering a specialist conservatory, luminatrium and orangery export operation, to areas as far flung as America, Australia, Cyprus and Africa, Sash UK pre-manufactured the Quantal system in its Barnsley factory, before export to Equatorial Guinea where it was installed by a local workforce.

The project will provide a substantial extension to the living quarters of the original property including banqueting hall and botanical garden which will house a collection of unusual and exotic flora.

Ian Cocken, general sales manager, Quantal, said: "The Quantal system is a comprehensive roofing system and because it's a comprehensive system it is far more versatile and suitable for a greater range of designs, for example variable pitches and a valley detail design fully geared to bespoke structures – it's a complete glass roofing system with the structural integrity to deliver large scale projects."

The system features a number of innovations among them, the patented RotaFit twist-and-lock allowing Quantal's new hip bars to be fitted without the need for nuts or bolts; a Jack Rafter system, delivering improved weather tightness through precise factory-fabricated sections, speeding up installation time by creating positive location for all fixings; and Twin fast, a simple fixing system allows installers to slide glazing bars into place while Twinfast's in built spacer to create the perfect glazing plane.

The system also features a structural box gutter eaves beam that supports pitches of up to 40 degrees on gables and lean-tos without the need for mechanical fixings; UniRidge, designed to address a range of design problems and which can be used on pitches between 22 and 30 degrees, accepting 24mm DGSU; and a Valley Detail, designed to speed up glazing and increases design flexibility through a new glazing stop that eliminates glazing slip.

Quantal and City Glass Bristol deliver on a Grade II heritage project

4/19/2011

City Glass Bristol has worked in close partnership with Quantal to deliver a complex aluminium roof installation, linking a Grade II Regency property to a new flat roof, brickwork extension.

The Grade II Regency building, located in the heart of Bristol, was extended by its owners to incorporate a new kitchen extension. However the extension was subject to strict planning controls. This included the condition that the new building was built a minimum of one metre away from the original building. As a result, City Glass Bristol was commissioned to install an aluminium Quantal atrium to seal and close the distance between the two buildings.

However, the fabrication and installation process was also subject to a number of planning conditions. For example, the profile was not only specified in a unique shade of cream but it had to be fabricated to 'fit' around original Victorian square downpipes. Not only that, just one connection between the roofing system and the original building was allowed while the use of lead flashing and cutting into the original brickwork was strictly prohibited.

Kevin Cole, managing director, City Glass Bristol said: "We had to adhere to a list of conditions laid down by the planners. By working closely with Quantal and incorporating the bespoke roof with our customised installation methods, we created a complex yet effective design that met all of the planning authorities' requirements."

The system included a number of innovative measures. By creating a special sealing detail, located between the rafter system and the wall, the single connection point was achieved. In addition, a special injection system was devised, similar to damp proof coursing, giving the construction the same level of weather tightness.

Furthermore, the profile was customised to fit around the Victorian downpipes and other intricacies of the building, while the colour was matched exactly using Quantal's in-house paint mixing plant.

Ian Cocken, national sales manager, Quantal, said: "Traditionally timber, and to a certain extent slim steel sections, have been dominant in the refurbishment of heritage properties. But the key to this installation was customisation and even though the Quantal system was aluminium, it formed an integral part of the only plan accepted by the planners.

"Bespoke Quantal systems can give fabricators and installers the flexibility and versatility to take on more intricate projects such as this. Not only does this mean increased access to different, and in some cases niche, markets but importantly to higher value, more profitable opportunities."

For information on City Glass Bristol, please visit www.cityglassbristol.co.uk or call 0117 965 7563.

Newmarket racecourse backs a winner with Breckenridge

4/19/2011

Leading conservatory specialist, Breckenridge Conservatories, has completed a stunning new Summer House Restaurant at the July Racecourse in Newmarket using Quantal's conservatory roofing system.

Kier Eastern, the main contractor for the project, was keen to find a company that would be able to take the project and run with it from initial design and build through to completion and they approached Breckenridge Conservatories for this very reason.

The original brief was to construct a bespoke high-quality glass restaurant that had to be robust, in keeping with the surroundings and suitable for use 365 days a year.

Paul Vaughan, group managing director, said: "Breckenridge was thrilled to win the contract and I believe that our reputation as a firm that can tackle any project big or small combined with an eye for detail for perfect design, planning and construction procedures helped us secure it.

"Breckenridge Conservatories are built to last and in order to maintain our high standards, we switched to the Quantal conservatory roofing system a number of years ago. For this challenging project, the Quantal system was perfect as it has the capacity and flexibility to deal with complex design solutions whilst being simple to fit.

"Quantal's aptitude and knowledge regarding portal frame construction was essential and the ease in which the roof components went together made the workers' time on-site much more efficient. Its powder-coated aluminium was also the perfect partner to Breckenridge's aluminium frame system so we made a great team."

Breckenridge's own groundwork teams spent a total of three weeks preparing the footings, over-site and dwarf walls ready to receive the superstructure. The building works commenced in the snow with nine men and the assistance of a large crane to help carefully lift the heavy portal components into place.

Once in place the fitting crews were able to carry out the main build taking a further six weeks to construct and glaze. Each piece of roof glass was individually lifted and put in place and the roof alone housed 239 units of glass weighing around three and a half tonnes.

Lee Vaughan, company director, said: "The glass we used was top-of-the-range comfort solar-controlled glass, designed to keep diners warm in the winter and cool in the summer, a standard requirement for most Breckenridge customers on south facing sites.

"We also added four electrically-controlled Quantal roof vents to allow for added ventilation when required – all at the touch of a button."

Lee added: "Due to dogged hard work and sheer determination by the whole team the Summer House Restaurant was completed ahead of schedule.

"The Breckenridge and Quantal components fitted together perfectly for this project and we've provided visitors to Newmarket racecourse with a distinctive dinning environment.

"I understand that dinner reservations for big race days are booked well in advance now."

For more information about Breckenridge's bespoke conservatories in a choice of materials visit www.breckenridgeconservatories.co.uk, email sales@breckenridgeconservatories.co.uk or call 0845 070 1973.

Quantal passes with honours at Oxford

4/19/2011

Commercial specialist Tull & Darch has completed a challenging 63 sq m conservatory installation for Oxford University using the Quantal aluminum roofing system.

Appointed by university’s mathematics department the building was commissioned as an extension to the department’s restaurant – sited some four storeys up amongst the city’s famed spires.

Stephen Tull, partner, Tull & Darch, said: “It was a challenge, there were no two ways about it. We had to apply for a license to bring a crane onto site and simply gain access.

“It was exceptionally complicated, we had to stock pile materials and equipment and get it delivered and up to site within the five hour time frame.”

The new ‘high-rise’ restaurant dining area posed structural challenges in equal number. Having identified that the original curtain walling was not structural, the company commissioned the construction of five steel portal frames to form the skeleton of the new building.

Stephen continued: “The Quantal system was a good aesthetic match but more importantly was structurally flexible so we were able to integrate it with the original system and our own steel portals and box guttering. The fact that it’s such a highly engineered roofing system with such high tolerances gives it that flexibility.

“The structural integrity of the wide-span heavy duty rafters also gave us greater flexibility to match sightlines with the portals.”

Tull & Darch is one of a growing number of conservatory specialists who have successfully established reputations within the commercial sector, working with a variety of clients from care home providers, the NHS to schools and local authorities and in its own case, even an international embassy.

Ian Cocken, general sales manager, Quantal, said: “For retail specialists the step across to include a commercial operation as part of their offer may, as long as they have the skill set and the right product portfolio, makes good sense.

“Most ‘commercial’ aluminium systems are relatively restricted. They aren’t usually manufactured as dedicated roofing systems and as a consequence don’t have the flexibility so capabilities are restricted to perhaps a lean too or gable end at best.

“The Quantal system is a full roofing system and because it’s a full system it is far more versatile and suitable for a greater range of designs, for example variable pitches and a valley detail design fully geared to bespoke structures – it’s a complete glass roofing system.”

Watch the Quantal Orangery Video

4/19/2011

Ian Cocken, National Sales Manager speaks to the Glazine about the benefits of the Quantal Orangery roof system.

Quantals step by step orangery installation guide

4/19/2011

Using modern techniques Quantals orangery cassette system slashes installation times.

"The product makes sense," says Ian Cocken, National Sales Manager, Quantal. "Installers are going to get it straight away, they're going to recognise it. It's the way that product is made and the consequential time savings that it delivers on-site that ass such huge value

Read the full Conservaties Active Magazine feature

Quantal Orangery System Saves Time and Money

4/19/2011

The Quantal orangery flat roof can be fitted in half a day compared to up to eight days using traditional techniques.

"With a focus on craftmanship the timber conservatory industry has never embraced offsite modular construction but with huge time savings. A new conservatory roof cassette system may be about to change all that. Conservatory Magazine reports."

Read the full Conservatory Magazine feature

Quantal launches fully-integrated bi-fold door offer

4/19/2011

Quantal has unveiled its new bi-fold door offer, launched to compliment the aluminium conservatory roofing specialist's unique bi-fold reinforced eaves beam.

Manufactured from aluminium and featuring a polyamide thermal break, bi-fold doors from Quantal are available in two to seven pain opening options.

Combined with the company's patented reinforced eaves beam, which eliminates the need for additional support beams, Quantal bi-fold doors can easily accommodate an aperture of up to 6.4m.

Ian Cocken, national sales manager, Quantal said: "Bi-folding doors continue to enjoy growing consumer popularity and a number of new products were launched over the course of last year.

"Where we believe that we are different and have a better proposition is that our bi-fold door can be fully integrated with our bi-fold eaves beam. This provides optimum strength performance and eliminates the need for additional components, cutting manufacturing time and on site, which should give it fabricator and installer appeal."

The Quantal bi-fold door has also been developed to have consumer appeal featuring 18 opening configurations, multi-point locking and anti-lift features as standard. Slave leaf locks have shoot bolts and work on a finger operated mechanism. High security hinge bolts, restrictor stay arm and magnetic catch options are also available.

A wide choice of colours ranging from subtle Oyster White, Graphite Grey and Chestnut Brown to vibrant Ruby Red, May Green and Night Blue, offer additional appeal.

Bottom running with stainless steel wheels and top rollers with hardened carbon steel bearings, means the easy glide system can be installed to slide either to the left or right. To ensure weather performance to achieve 600pa water tightness, all doors can also be set to open outwards as well as in, in addition to a low threshold option.

"The Quantal bi-fold is a great consumer proposition" added Cocken, "It builds on our existing high performance aluminium roof system and compliments the innovation that we have already delivered.

"You only have to pick up a home or lifestyle magazine to see how much appeal bi-fold doors have. We can offer fabricators and installers a product that allows them to tap directly into that demand but which is also more flexible and easier to manufacture and install."

Quantal’s Biggest Project Yet - Remarkable 3,347sqm Luminatrium

4/19/2011

Quantal has played an integral part in one of the largest ‘Luminatrium’ (large unique glazed building) projects in the world and supplied its distinctive, yet easy to fit roofing system to the development.

With a total glass area of 3,347 square meters (35,500 square feet) the impressive structure is made up of five main elements linked together by glass corridors and is one of the largest roofs of its type anywhere in the world. Components include three octagon designed sections and two expansive square sections.

Quantal was specified for this project through Sash UK and Makinen Venture Corporation (MVC) a leading Italian architectural practise to supply it’s aluminium roofing system. The advanced system will be installed in Equatorial Guinea, Africa.

“The structure spans a huge area and will be remarkable once completed. What was fundamental in our specification was the structural of our aluminium roof system. Also due to the sheer scale of the project, the need for an engineered solution and ease of installation were massive contributing factors,” said Ian Cocken, sales manager, Quantal.

Thanks to the straightforward installation of Quantal roof systems, construction of the structure should be straightforward and free of challenges. Quantal supplied its premium quality product with several bespoke features to allow for the shape and size of the luminatrium.

Given the climate aluminium is the obvious choice, because it will not be affected by the solar heat. The strength, durability and structural integrity of aluminium makes it suitable for more demanding projects.

“We have provided Sash with an engineer for this project, to ensure there is a knowledge expert to hand whenever he may be required. Our product provides a structural engineered solution, is versatile, high quality and perfect for the commercial arena but I believe it’s this sort of added value that makes us the leading supplier,” Cocken added.

The project will provide a substantial extension to the living quarters of the original home providing room for banqueting and socialising. One of the atriums will also be used to house a collection of unusual and exotic flora.

Given the very warm and humid climate of the country the structure will offer protection from the weather conditions, whilst still providing a light, bright space.

Quantal’s straightforward installation, premium quality aluminiumroofing system features six patented innovations designed to cut installation time and allow installers to use standard fitting techniques no matter how complicated the design. Which will be invaluable in a project of this size.

The Quantal aluminium conservatory roof system provides superb aesthetic appeal and offers an engineered solution to complex roof designs for orangeries, atriums, glasshouses and conservatories.

Quantal at Wembley!

4/19/2011

Specialist conservatory supplier Quantal, has showcased its high end conservatory products at G09 Wembley. A highlight at the show was the innovative orangery roof kit, an easy to fit system to cut on site installation time significantly without compromising on design, strength or durability.

Launched in response to the growing demand for more flexible construction, the innovative kit offers installers a more efficient solution to other complex kits available.

The kit provides installers with an opportunity to fit orangeries more quickly whilst retaining a high standard. The kit erases the need for a separate carpenter or joiner and can save up to five days in outsourced labour, consequently saving time and money.

Alongside the orangery roofing kit at the show will be the complete range from Quantal, offering visitors the chance to see the high quality, bespoke roofing system. The range offers installers an opportunity to provide a premium quality aluminium conservatory system that can be sold at a premium price, offering decent margins.

“The Quantal system can really add to the aesthetics of a home and add genuinely useful space too. Installers should cash in on this whilst people are looking to improve instead of move,” said Ian Cocken, national sales manager, Quantal.

The Orangery Roof Kit is delivered direct-to-site and includes pre-cut high performance insulation panels and thermally-broken fixings. When assembled, the orangery cassette system is fixed to the building wall using a unique bracket system which, with two front supports, also supports the structural weight.

“Demand for orangeries is growing incredibly. A bespoke solution such as Quantals offers high performance, looks great and also enables opportunities for installers to up sell from their more standard conservatory offering and offer that something extra to their customers,” Ian added.

The new orangery roof kit makes the typically complex task of constructing orangery style conservatories easier and more cost effective. Combine this with the high quality roofing system itself and here presents installers with new opportunities to compete more, win more jobs and increase margins.

White woodgrain for Quantal roofs

4/19/2011

Specialist roofing supplier, Quantal, has introduced a new white woodgrain foil option to their range of coloured conservatory roof systems, meeting increasing market demand for enhanced aesthetics.

Available from stock, the new foil option has been designed to improve decorative options in the Quantal range.

Ian Cocken, national sales manager, Quantal said: “Reports show that more and more homeowners are demanding superior aesthetics to choose from. As a result, the more decorative an installation is, the higher its installed value.

“The new option has been added to give homeowners the opportunity to match their Quantal conservatory roof with widely available white woodgrain windows. In addition, the foil eliminates the need for installers to paint a timber profile, helping them to make time and cost savings in the fabrication process.”

Quantal, part of the Epwin Group, has heavily invested in product development and has launched the white woodgrain foil as a complete suite. It is also available in the Heritage range which offers consumers a period style profile.

In addition, the white woodgrain foil is available for ancillary products such as the Quantal Luminaire eaves lighting system, which allows consumers to conceal lighting strips in the roof system.

Ian said: “It is a tough market out there and our continuous product development programme is geared to help installers generate opportunities and drive new sales.

“Coloured options give homeowners the chance to enhance any property, period or otherwise and by expanding our product range, we can offer our customers the tools they need to keep building business, generating sales and maximising margin.”

Quantal Announces 2008 Award Winners

4/19/2011

Specialist roofing supplier Quantal has announced the winners of the Quantal Installer of the Year 2008 Awards.

The competition which ran throughout 2008 was held as a celebration of the innovation and creativity in conservatories and conservatory design when using the unique roofing system.

The individual categories included National installer of the year, Regional installer of the year, Orangery of the year, Colour conservatory of the year, Indoor showsite of the year, Outdoor showsite of the year and Commercial installation of the year (education, retail and leisure).

Ian Cocken, national sales manager, Quantal, said: “We had a very enthusiastic response to the competition. Because the system comes complete with wide-span, heavy duty glazing bars, it can be used to easily install more complex conservatories.

“This meant we received a huge variety of entries. While all entries showed real skill and creativity in incorporating the system, we finally decided on those that really shone.”

Among the winners were Paramount Home Improvements’ which won the Orangery of the Year award. Because strong aesthetics were fundamental for this project, the unique corner posts and dividers in addition to colour matching facility provided by Quantal gave an element of elegance to the conservatory.

The versatility of the system, with wide-span glazing bars, enabled The QRS Group to build a larger conservatory with wider door openings adding capacity to not only a garden centre but a new look to a hotel. This resulted in QRS being awarded Commercial Installation of the Year in both the Retail and Leisure categories.

The Commercial Installation of the Year - Education was awarded to Hazelmere Windows Co Ltd. The project was commissioned by a local school which had strict deadlines to adhere to. Because of the time constraints, ease of installation was therefore critical for Hazelmere in selecting the right system.

Other awards included CR Smith for National Installer of the year Scotland, Posh Windows and Conservatories for Indoor showsite of the year and Nova Group for Distributor of the Year.

Quantal, part of the Epwin Group, developed the unique roofing system complete with wide-span, heavy duty glazing bars to make it easier to installer more complex conservatories such a these. Not only that, the system eliminates the need for structural bolsters, purlins and portal frames, substantially reducing costs for the customer.

Ian said: “In changing markets, newer, higher specification projects are bringing new opportunity to the table. The competition shows how having a system that can adapt to a number of different requirements is fundamental to winning these contracts which can not only open more doors for an installer, but maximise margin as well.”

Quantal launch exciting new 'Orangery Roof Kits'

4/19/2011

Quantal are pleased to announce the launch of their unique Orangery System Roof Kit which is ideal for constructing Orangery style conservatories with the Quantal aluminium conservatory roof system.

Designed and structurally guaranteed by Quantal’s experienced technical team the kit contains BBA Certified timber joist assemblies. The joists are constructed into modular elements for simple and speedy assembly on site and are designed to complement the BBA Approved Quantal roof.

Also included are pre-cut high performance insulation panels and thermally-broken fixings which enable a U-Value of 0.2 to be achieved for the timber roof element.

The unique warm roof design principle removes the need for difficult through-ventilation to be provided, and any suitable waterproof covering material can be applied to weatherproof the installation.

To find out more about the kit contact Quantal’s experienced team
or phone us on 01626 832355.

Caledonian Windows and Conservatories - Regional Installer of the year

4/19/2011

Steve Whistler, Quantal's Technical Services Manager recently presented Caledonian Windows and Conservatories with their Regional Installer of the Year Award.

Caledonian are a family owned firm with over 10 years experience in the window, door and conservatory business in the Scotland. They're proud of their excellent reputation in and around the Ayr area and were awarded this prestigious award for providing excellent customer service and installing the very highest quality conservatories.

Pictured from the left are Tom Middleton, Managing Director of Caledonian and Steve Whistler of Quantal.

Guardian Systems of Scotland - Regional Installer of the year

4/19/2011

Quantal customer Guardian Systems of Scotland were delighted to be presented with their Regional Installer of the Year Award recently.

Established in 1994 Guardian Systems are one of Scotland's leading manufacturers and installers of windows, doors and conservatories. They are proud to install the Quantal roof on their range of conservatories and have been awarded the Regional Installer Award in recognition of the quality of their installations and the high standards of service they offer their customers. To find out more about Guardian Systems visit www.guardiansystems.co.uk.

Pictured from the left are Steve Whistler of Quantal and Fred Findlay, Managing Director of Guardian Systems.

Quantal announces 2008 award winners

4/19/2011

Quantal Roof Systems is delighted to announce the winners of their 2008 Installer of the Year Competition. The winners below have all impressed Quantal with the quality of their installations and the high level of service they offer their customers.

The judges are currently considering their decisions on the other awards for 2008 which include Best Orangery, Best Show Installation and Commercial Installation of the Year.

2008 Award Winners

Regional Installer of the Year
Banbury Doors & Windows

Regional Installer of the Year
Securahome

Regional Installer of the Year
Tradeplas Ltd

Regional Installer of the Year
TWB

Regional Installer of the Year
Posh Windows & Conservatories

Regional Installer Award
Breckenridge Conservatories

Regional Installer of the Year
Channel Windows

Regional Installer of the Year
Caledonian Windows & Conservatories

Regional Installer of the Year
Futura Conservatories Ltd

Regional Installer of the Year
Sheer Class Home Improvements

Regional Installer of the Year
Cairngorm Windows

Regional Fabricator of the Year
Guardian Systems (Scotland) Ltd

Regional Fabricator of the Year
Aura Conservatories

Regional Fabricator of the Year
C R D (Conservatory Roofing Direct)

Regional Fabricator of the Year
T P C (The Plastic Centre)

Regional Fabricator of the Year
QRS (Quality Roofing Systems)

Regional Fabricator of the Year
SBS (Cumbria) Ltd

National Installer of the Year
C R Smith

Regional Installer of the Year
Hazlemere Windows

Regional Installer of the Year
P & P Glass

Regional Installer of the Year
Franklin

Regional Installer of the Year
Romsey Windows

Regional Installer of the Year
Joedan Manufacturing

Regional Installer of the Year
Wessex Window Systems plc

Regional Installer of the Year
Newglaze Windows Limited

Regional Installer of the Year
John Williams Group

Distributor of the Year
Nova Group

Orangeries Installer of the Year
Paramount Windows

National Installer of the Year
Pennine Conservatories

Best Internet Business
U-fit

Quantal delivers stylish year round living space

4/19/2011

The Window Centre and Quantal have unveiled a new orangery at the retailer’s Solihull showroom to illustrate how conservatories can meet the demand for high-end year round living space.

The orangery’s graphite window frames are complemented by Quantal’s painted aluminium roof which has been designed with an innovative combination of materials to enhance aesthetics and performance.

It also features a new bifolding door which continues to grow in consumer popularity. The wide opening of the doors has been achieved with Quantal’s unique new reinforced eaves beam which, as part of the roof’s construction, removes the need for additional support beams.

With continuous investment in the latest product technology, Quantal is developing quality roofing systems and helping its customers add value to their offer with higher-specification products.

Ian Cocken, national sales manager, Quantal, said: “Orangeries date back to the seventeenth century where they were not just a glasshouse in the garden but a symbol of prestige and wealth.

“Today, these elegant glass structures combine the aesthetic qualities of a glasshouse with the functionality of a modern conservatory, providing extra light and an airy interior year round living space.”

Although the conservatory market remains tight, the high-end market, which includes high-spec products such as orangeries, continues to perform well.

Mark Edom, The Window Centre, Solihull, said: “The new orangery has proven to be very popular with our customers as it gives them real inspiration on how to upgrade from the standard 3x3 white PVC-U conservatory.

“It also features Quantal’s unique new eaves beam which provides optimum strength performance without detracting from the product’s overall aesthetics and as there is nothing separate to fit, installers benefit as well.”

Recent findings by the Halifax Home Improvement Survey and the Sainsbury’s Home Insurance Survey confirm that homeowners continue to look to home improvements for adding value. It is also suggested that 5.3million property owners intend to make some sort of major structural work in the next 12 months and of these 1.2 million are planning a conservatory.

Ian said: “These findings show that there is still a market to go at but you have to be able to deliver more to get it. This could mean up-selling as people are prepared to pay more for quality.

“Installers who simply install white conservatories should consider adding new products as consumers are increasingly looking for extra space and style, including unique colours.

“An orangery provides the perfect solution to elegant year-round living space, which is high on the list of priorities for homeowners. Ancillary products, for example bi-folding doors, also add additional value and give these rooms even greater flexibility.”

Ian added: “The current market climate means it’s paramount that fabricators and installers add value to their ranges in so doing generating the opportunity to up-sell and explore new markets.”

Solihull Window Centre benefits from new show Orangery

4/19/2011

Conservatory roofing systems specialist Quantal has launched a unique new eaves beam which provides extra strength whilst making installation simple.

In retaining all of the aesthetic qualities that make Quantal stand out from the crowd, the high-end conservatory roof system supplier has invested in research and development to produce some of the most advanced products on the market.

Ian Cocken, national sales manager, Quantal, said: “Quantal’s new eaves beam is a unique product innovation that delivers structural performance without detracting from the product’s aesthetics.

“As the reinforcement is concealed within the eaves beam, installers benefit as there is nothing separate to fit or clad which makes the installation process quick and easy.”

The new eaves beam is particularly suited to gable-fronted conservatories which require extra strength in the end frame, as well as many bi-fold door applications.

Ian added: “This new product innovation provides the answer to a number of structural challenges in conservatory design. For example, for a lean-to conservatory, the eaves beam provides a solution for up to a five panel bi-fold door.

“By making the Quantal system more durable but retaining the same emphasis on quality, it is now easier for installers to offer Quantal products to their customers.

“With competition pushing down margins on lower-cost products the high-end market remains buoyant so adding a high-end product to your range can give you the crucial extra margin to support your business.”

Airscape - simple to fabricate or install

4/19/2011

The all aluminium Airscape roof vent is suitable for ALL types of systems including PVC-u, aluminium and wood. Complete roof vents can be supplied ready to fit or we can supply bar length for you to fabricate yourself.

The Airscape roof vent offers an ideal opportunity to upgrade your customers’ conservatory and increase your profit potential.

The Airscape roof vent is the only roof vent to combine the following features:

Thermally broken
BBA tested and approved with a 300 pascal weather rating
Aluminium construction both internally and externally witha durable polyester powder coating
Comprehensive choice of glazing options available
Removable lid with fail safe mechanism for access and cleaning

Airscape is simple to fabricate, requiring minimal tools or alternatively can be supplied ready to install with full easy to follow instructions. To find out more about Airscape visit www.airscaperoofvents.co.uk
or call 0800 043 9792.

Ian Cocken comments on opportunities in the conservatory market

4/19/2011

Falling house prices, a global credit crunch and rising energy bills don’t make for comfortable reading for anyone in retail. But according to Ian Cocken, national sales manager of conservatory roofing systems company Quantal, while uncomfortable, they shouldn’t be seen as 'terminal' for the conservatory industry.

He argues instead, that opportunity remains in the high end conservatory market but suggests that within that market product choice and particularly choice of colour are critical.

"While there will always be customers who want white, there is unquestionably major demand for coloured products," says Ian. "It’s been a growing trend for the past three or four years, customers expect choice and you have to be able to offer it if you’re going to win new business.

"Things are tight but companies who adopt a flexible approach can continue to win new business and grow. Offering a range of products, including colours can increase footfall through your business, generate leads and with the option of higher end products, increase margins."

And Cocken is anything but a voice in the wilderness. The Halifax Home Improvement Survey published earlier this year revealed that homeowners continue to look to home improvements for added value. Meanwhile as house prices flatten, more than a quarter of homeowners said that they were planning to undertake home improvements in the next 12 months.

The findings of the Sainsbury’s Home Insurance Survey, published this summer, also provide a welcome shot in the arm.

It revealed that 21 per cent of homeowners questioned said that they intended to make home improvements. Even better, placed over a population map of the UK, the survey suggests 5.3million property owners intended to make some sort of major structural work in the next 12 months and of these 1.2 million were planning a conservatory.

That puts the total conservatory market based on current prices and according to the survey at £9.6 billion. "The £9.6million figure may be a little optimistic", says Cocken "but it does show that there is still a market to go at. You simply have to be able to deliver more to get it.

"This will frequently mean up-selling, people are prepared to pay for quality. The addition of colour gives you just that opportunity. The additional processes involved in the manufacture of coloured conservatories means that they are going to come in a little higher on price.

"And having the flexibility to offer a customer a product in a choice of colours will support fabricators and installers in meeting the customer expectation of choice, to close sales and to take advantage of the higher margins that the high end market still offers."

Quantal is one of the few conservatory roofing systems companies to operate an in-house spraying service. It says that this means it can offer its customers greater flexibility, at the same time retaining control of the operation safeguards quality. It sees the opportunities that colours offer conservatory fabricators and installers as being of such importance that it has recently announced six-figure investment in trebling the size of its paint shop.

Cocken says: "We can manufacture roofing systems in a comprehensive range of Ral colours. The investment is worth it because we can see the potential in the market.

"The major advantage that we have over other systems providers is that because the Quantal system is aluminium and doesn’t 'flex' with temperature change, paint sticks so that we’re able to offer a 10-year colourfast guarantee."

While the industry has dallied with colour before, a number of dowdy blues and racing greens, surfaced and then sunk rapidly in the late nineties, demand for the new generation of colours has tended to be concentrated on much more subtle pastels and heritage colours.

"There are a lot of buyers, particularly in the high end market who own period properties and who want to choose a colour, for example, a heritage green or cream that matches the character of their home," says Cocken.

He adds that the simple addition of a coloured conservatory to your range can generate new interest in your business. "We have a customer in Northern Ireland who added a heritage green conservatory to their showroom and footfall doubled. Many customers opted for white conservatories after further consideration but the colour ignited interest and got people through the door.

"The conservatory market is maturing and as it does it companies must be able to offer customers greater choice and a higher standard of product and service, if they are going to succeed in maintaining growth."