Annual Predictions
Installers join the transformer revolution
Cladding is the next big thing for installers transforming the looks and energy efficiency of customers ’ homes , says Richard Jackson , Freefoam UK Sales Director .
» AFTER THREE LOCKDOWNS MOST of us will have spent more time in our houses than ever before , and with hybrid working becoming the norm , the home will continue to play an even more important part in our daily lives .
Many homeowners also have more money than ever sitting in the bank , getting on for an extra £ 200bn in fact , according to the Bank of England . Covid restrictions and complicated travel rules have made it harder to spend on holidays and other forms of entertainment . Many are investing to make their properties to make them more spacious , to live and work in , more attractive and more energy efficient .
This time last year , we predicted cladding and cladding transformations would grow fast in 2021 , and we weren ’ t wrong . External cladding is an easy , low maintenance way to give homes an instant transformation . We ’ ve seen countless makeovers this year where cladding has been used to replace existing timber cladding or tired hanging tiles , and update drab rendering . The results are truly stunning , spectacular in fact . But , given the need to rapidly improve the energy efficiency of Britain ’ s housing stock , one of the most timely benefits of cladding is its ability to improve a property ’ s energy performance . Around 20 % of heat , and carbon emissions , leak out through windows , doors , the roof and walls . Cladding is a straightforward installation , and when fitted with insulation , it can make a substantial difference to the amount of energy that is lost to the sky . Homeowners love the double benefit of looks and energy savings . There ’ s a bandwagon building serious momentum .
Over the past 18 months Freefoam ’ s premium X-Wood , and Fortex cladding sales have grown strongly . So strongly , that in response to this demand , we are working on a couple of new cladding solutions . Launching in Summer 2022 , these will include an easy-to-install system , ideal for home renovations and garden rooms .
www . freefoam . com
HOME IMPROVEMENTS REMAIN A PRIORITY
SAM NUCKEY , MANAGING DIRECTOR , WINDOW WARE
» IT MIGHT BE A BRAND-NEW YEAR , but all market indicators suggest that it should be a good start to the year in 2022 .
Increased demand for hardware will continue whilst home improvements remain a priority for many householders and consumers remain cautious around other spending options and homeworking . It certainly doesn ’ t look like demand will drop off dramatically but rather slow once the market sees a consistent slowing in inbound homeowner enquiries .
The global supply chain will continue to feel the squeeze for some time , as demand continues to outstrip supply and logistics and environmental factors provide ongoing challenges . That makes communication and transparency all-the-more critical in managing expectations , meeting
deadlines and keeping our customers and partners happy across the business .
With many of our customers investing in extra capacity , with new machinery and added resource to cope with the extra demand last year , we will do our utmost to continue to provide them with the level of service and the critical volumes they need to realise their growth plans and keep their businesses moving .
As always , we ’ ll be maintaining a strong customer focus in the year ahead and working as hard as ever to guarantee the stock availability , dependable service , and consistently quick response our customers need to make their businesses a continued success .
We ’ ve had plenty of practice at overcoming all kinds of challenges in every one of our 35 years . That invaluable experience and resilience ensures our customers can count on us to deliver whatever 2022 has in store .
www . windowware . co . uk
30 JANUARY 2022 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM