Regardless of the quality of a manufacturer’s solution it’s the service that will often keep builders coming back.
Combine both and the loyalty of trade customers will inevitably follow. With its performance, ease of installation, and the promise of a quality finished project for the homeowner – all backed up by comprehensive design and on-site support – Eurocell’s Iconiq aluminium roof lantern is very much delivering on that double act.
This is a company that can already point to a proud heritage in roof lanterns. Eurocell’s Skypod was the first slim framed, pitched roof lantern designed specifically for flat roofs and, with significant improvements to what is currently available, the Iconiq builds on that success. The new product is currently going through Approved Document Q testing, for example, which will give it true security accreditation. Thanks to very high levels of thermal efficiency, it’s future proofed against further changes in energy performance regulations and it’s very easy to fit.
Sean Bunyan is Head of Extended Living at Eurocell and the Iconiq has been his project. Having previously worked on the tools he knows exactly what installers need and has put the processes in place to provide it.
“We’ve listened to tradespeople who are fitting roof lanterns and gone to some lengths to make sure that what they want is included in our offering. The result is a roof lantern with the largest available span of up to 4m as a maximum, slimmer sightlines, and increased strength – with further testing for larger spans taking place.”
This is a product that has been two years in the making and that’s demonstrated in the attention to detail. Historically, lanterns have suffered from leaks and broken seals, whereas the Eurocell solution prevents any water ingress through an integral drainage feature.
Many roof lantern manufacturers are reporting a 1.0 W/(m²K) U-value, but that is on the centre pane. By contrast, Eurocell’s Iconiq is 30 per cent more efficient than any other roof lantern in the market currently. That’s achieved by a unique glass reinforced plastic (GRP) eaves beam that enhances thermal efficiency by creating an insulating barrier against heat transfer, complemented by 28mm double glazing.
Added to that is a fuss free installation experience facilitated by some very clever, and patented, technologies, as Sean reveals: “Installers told us that they don’t want to be tackling fiddly nuts, bolts or screws on site nor do they want to be cutting, or drilling. Thanks to Eurocell’s Q Lock system that’s now a reality, with mechanical fixings kept to an absolute minimum. Instead of reaching for a cordless drill or a socket set, the ring beam, hip beam, ridge beam and rafters simply click into place and lock for a secure fit, whilst bespoke glazing clips secure the glass. The unit is thoughtfully packaged for when it turns up on the job and the aim throughout has been to offer the peace of mind of knowing you can fit and forget without callbacks.”
At the same time, builders can deliver a more personalised space for their homeowner clients with the straightforward addition of features such as LEDs, which can be inserted into a dedicated internal ledge on the eaves.
“Regardless of how good your product is, if you don’t have the service to back it up then tradespeople will often look elsewhere,” continues Sean. With Iconiq, Eurocell believes it has both sides of the equation covered. “When dealing with our builder customers, the overarching theme is ownership and accountability, where all account managers are experts on the product and queries can be answered quickly. It’s about presenting a human face to the trade professional.”
“That includes full support throughout the design and installation process, with site visits from Eurocell personnel to help tradespeople who are transitioning to a new system. Moreover, rather than adhering to rigid lead times, we’ll make sure that the Iconiq is delivered to site exactly when it’s needed.
“If either your product or service is not fit for purpose then tradespeople will call you out,” concludes Sean Bunyan. “With what we’ve put in place at Eurocell the Iconiq can make a significant difference to an installer’s working day.”
For further information on Eurocell’s Iconiq roof lantern click here
