We recently wrote an article highlighting how our incredible SupaLite Support Vehicle (SSV) helps our trade partners. It got us thinking… what does an installer visit from Carl Linney, SupaLite’s Business Development Manager entail?
We’ll be delving deeper into what our SupaLite installers can expect during a visit from the man himself.
Find out everything, from the most frequent questions Carl gets asked about SupaLite’s products, to the most common myths and misconceptions he encounters about the roofing industry.
What Type of Installers Do You Visit?
During an installer visit, we see a diverse range of people and installation companies of all sizes. We visit solo installers, to companies with 10 vans! It doesn’t matter whether you’re new to the industry, or have worked in the fenestration market for years, we’re here to provide our customer support to all.
It’s fantastic to visit so many companies that vary in size. I love meeting and networking with so many installers within the roofing industry. Every installer has one trait in common: they’re passionate about delivering the best products and service to their customers.
Do They Know About SupaLite’s Range of Products?
Most installers I visit in the van are familiar with our products; most prominently our SupaLite Tiled Roof System. We’ve been a strong brand for over 10 years now, and we’re only getting stronger.
SupaLite is a big, reputable name in the market. We pride ourselves on creating, supplying, and delivering the best roofing solutions in the market to our customers.
During an installer visit, they want to have a deeper understanding of our SupaLite products and how easily they can be installed. I can show them this first-hand with our roof samples.
What Are the Most Common Questions Installers Ask About the Product?
One of the most asked questions I get during an installer visit is; what are the benefits of our SupaLite Roof System? I always answer with this… We truly believe our SupaLite Roof is the best in the market.
We’ve provided installers with a lightweight, easy-to-install solid roof which fits onto the existing conservatory window frame. This provides an insulated space that can be enjoyed all year round. Essentially, we have eliminated the dramatic seasonal temperature changes seen in traditional conservatories.
The SupaLite system is available with Tapco Slate or with ExtraLight tiles. This makes it seven times lighter than traditional roofing materials and five times faster to install!
The system is fully tested and accredited for building regulations approval. It can also be delivered across the UK within 7 days. This is always a big hit with our customers.
Another common question I get asked is how long does it take to install? It takes around 2-5 days, depending on site conditions.
What Holds Installers Back from Trying the Product?
I would say the most common element holding installers back is, they’re busy with other installations. Depending on where they are located, and what time of the year it is, it can be a busy time for our trade customers.
Other factors such as trade shows, internal training, and more, can also have an impact and limit their time. It is my job to work around our customers and ensure I visit them and showcase our products when it best suits them.
This is the main reason why we came up with the idea for the SupaLite Support Vehicle.
What Are Frequent Misconceptions or Myths You Hear in the Industry?
The main myth and misconception I would say, are installers thinking under cladding and over cladding are okay. We strongly advise against this.
An underclad is where the existing conservatory framework is left in place and a hollow cladding is pinned to this framework. It acts as a false ceiling. It causes condensation and doesn’t really insulate a conservatory structure, it just covers the roof.
An overclad is again where the existing conservatory framework is left in place and lightweight tiles are fitted over the existing roof. This puts more weight on the roof structure. The existing roof spars are not designed to take the extra weight.
Both options can be extremely expensive for what they are, especially when a customer has both done. They also do not comply with building regulations.
Sometimes customers just want a quick fix, but in the long term, it’s not a good solution. Our SupaLite Tiled Roof System offers a complete roof replacement. It creates a brand-new structure which is tested and compliant to current building regulations.
What Happens When You Visit an Installer?
When I visit our trade customers, I show the layers of our roof sample, detailing how our frame is stronger and how it will hold the weight of the new roof. It’s great to show our customers this first-hand, so they can gain a greater understanding of why we are so passionate about our products.
What our customers may not know, is all our roof designs are drawn by our in-house team using a fantastic CAD software system. This allows us to create incredibly detailed 2D and 3D drawings of the conservatory roof structures, so our installers can see exactly what the install will look like.
This is a great way to ensure we’re building and providing exactly what the customer wants. Our SSV van features a TV where I showcase our CAD system in action, so installers can see exactly how we create the roof designs. It really is a great way to demonstrate the level of support we provide our customers, and how closely we work alongside them.
We also have great videos providing an in-depth look into how we install the tiled roof.
How Long Do You Visit Installers For?
This depends on the size of the company and the knowledge of the installers. Some of my visits have lasted less than an hour, this is mainly with the solo installers. Other times, my visits have taken half or most of the day. This is mainly with the larger companies featuring a higher number of installers.
Each visit is incredibly beneficial for both parties. Not only do I get to showcase our SupaLite products, I get to understand our customers’ needs more, allowing us to support their individual requirements and provide effective solutions.
Who Asks for the Visit?
Both our trade customers and I can request a visit. A key part of my role is to develop our relationships with new and existing customers, and to do this, I ensure our customers have all the knowledge and skills they need to be a SupaLite installer.
Whether they want to know more about our new products, the support we offer, or want a deeper look at our roof samples, I am always available to visit their business and offer any help they need.
Are There Any New Products You’re Excited to Showcase?
We recently launched our brand new Double SkyVista, and it’s a product I get asked about a lot by our customers.
By integrating two SkyVista glass roof panels into a single unit, we have crafted a solution that not only enhances natural light infiltration, but also maintains the structural integrity and heat efficiency.
Our Sales Director, Wes Clarkson, helped develop the product, so it’s designed with the installer in mind.
Want to find out more about our SupaLite Support Vehicle or our products? Get in touch with our experts today.
