FROM THE EDITOR
GAINING GROUND IN 2026: HARNESSING OUR HORSE POWER
» SINCE OUR FEBRUARY ISSUE OF CLEARVIEW CAME OUT and began landing on reception desks, boardroom tables and factory floors across the country, it’ s been full steam ahead for the fenestration sector. And, as we move into the spring season, there’ s a renewed sense of momentum.
At Clearview HQ, we’ ve already been out and about at industry events, catching up with manufacturers, suppliers and installers who are setting the tone for 2026. Our wallplanner is filling quickly, and the conversations we’ re having reflect a sector that fabricators, installers, systems houses and hardware specialists alike are gearing up for what promises to be an energetic few months.
Mid-February also brought Lunar New Year celebrations, with many of our colleagues and partners across Asia welcoming the Year of the Horse. The symbolism feels particularly apt for the fenestration community right now.
In the Chinese zodiac, the Horse represents drive, resilience and an unrelenting forward motion. It’ s energetic, adaptable and quick-thinking – qualities that strongly mirror today’ s fenestration businesses. Whether navigating supply chain pressures, responding to evolving regulations or embracing new technologies in glazing, sustainability and smart home integration, this industry has consistently shown it knows how to respond and push ahead.
There’ s also a strong parallel in the Horse’ s reputation for instinct and awareness. Successful fenestration companies understand their markets. They read consumer trends, anticipate design preferences and respond to performance demands around energy efficiency and security. Like the Horse, they combine strength with intelligence – balancing craftsmanship and engineering with commercial awareness.
And let’ s not forget confidence. The Horse is known for its presence and self-assurance. From cutting-edge glazing solutions to advanced fabrication and installation expertise, this sector has every reason to stand tall and communicate its value loudly and clearly.
Here at Clearview, we see that‘ Horse energy’ reflected in the businesses we feature and the people we meet – innovative, resilient and always looking ahead. As spring gathers pace, now is the time to harness that‘ horse power’: to invest, to innovate and to move confidently into the months ahead.
See you next time, Gemma
The Solid Roof Market: What’ s Changed( And What Most Are Still Getting Wrong)
LUCA MUSPRATT, BUSINESS DIRECTOR, WARMER ROOF
» I’ M NOT APPROACHING the solid roof market as a career commentator or long-standing industry spokesperson. I come at it from a slightly different angle, from a newer generation involved directly in manufacturing, operations, and day-today decision-making, watching how products are specified, sold, installed, and ultimately lived with.
From that perspective, one thing stands out clearly: the market has moved on, but much of the conversation around solid roofs hasn’ t.
When solid roofs first gained traction, they were positioned as a straightforward upgrade, stylised as warmer, heavier, more permanent than polycarbonate. That was true at the time. But today’ s systems are far more complex and reducing them to simplistic comparisons no longer reflects how they perform in the real world.
A lot of discussion still centres on headline figures or material choices alone. Thermal performance is important, but it isn’ t the full story. Structural design, condensation risk, junction detailing, and how a roof is manufactured and installed all influence long term performance. Looking at any one factor in isolation often leads to poor comparisons and, in turn, poor decisions.
Another area where I think the industry sometimes misses the mark is building control. It’ s often talked about as a hurdle, when it should be a baseline. Systems that are properly designed, structurally calculated, and supported with the right documentation generally don’ t struggle with compliance. Where problems arise, it’ s usually because products are brought to market without enough validation, leaving installers to manage uncertainty on site.
Commercial pressure is also reshaping how installers think. Margins are tighter, lead times matter more, and callbacks are more damaging than ever. From what I see, installers are becoming more selective, not just on price, but on predictability, technical backup, and how confidently a system can be installed without surprises. The strongest systems tend to be those designed as complete solutions, not assembled from loosely connected components or propped up by outdated messaging. The solid roof sector is maturing. As it does, the industry conversation needs to mature with it by moving away from oversimplification and towards clarity, evidence, and accountability.
www. warmerroof. com
4 MARCH 2026 CLEARVIEW-UK. COM