What a guarantee’s worth

The economy is slowing down and the industry is going through a difficult period. But although the market is more challenging, many homeowners who cannot move are looking to improve their property, creating sales opportunities for proactive installers who offer something extra.

Roofline is often ‘out of sight, out of mind’ or one of the jobs homeowners think can be done later. Damaged roofline can cause big problems, especially if it is made from timber. Installers who sell the benefits of fitting low maintenance PVC-UE roofline can put themselves ahead of the competition, especially if they offer products which last, backed by a rock solid guarantee.

Guaranteed to last longer

Guarantees help installers sell, and differentiate them from rivals. But most roofline guarantees last only 10 to 15 years. By becoming a Freefoam registered installer, companies can extend our standard 10 year guarantee to offer homeowners 20 years’ cover! Launched in 2002, the scheme been taken up with enthusiasm and helped many installers grow and win new business from competitors. The number of registered installations in the UK and Ireland grew 176% between 2005 and 2008, and since 2003 the scheme has seen registered installations increase by 635%.

Extra peace of mind

The scheme is a web-based initiative and we think it’s a next generation guarantee to match our next generation products. The extended guarantee is issued when a project is carried out where no other brand is used in roofline, cladding or rainwater installations. Once the work is carried out the property details are registered online within a month at www.freefoam.com. This can be done by the homeowner or the installer. The extended guarantee applies to all roofline and rainwater products and colours, with the exception of foiled woodgrain which is covered by a 10 guarantee. It covers against warping, splitting, cracking and discolouration.

Homeowners love it, for obvious reasons. Getting a guarantee direct from the manufacturer gives them the reassurance that quality products have been used and that they will last. And it doesn’t end when the homeowner moves. It even can be transferred to the new owners and subsequent owners so they can enjoy the same peace of mind.

The scheme isn’t just restricted to installers. Freefoam stockists can register and nominate their customers for registered status too. We know not all of our customers work within the retail market. Our guarantee - unlike others which only cover domestic work - can be used by landlords and specifiers from local authorities, housing associations and commercial projects. The transferable guarantee is recognised as a significant benefit.

Get the edge

One of our leading registered installers in 2008 was Mac Home Improvements. Based in Newport, the family-run company has been a Freefoam registered installer for 18 months. In fact, the company switched to Freefoam and joined the scheme because it could offer homeowners the extended guarantee.

Joint Director Catherine Bressington explains: “Freefoam understands the market and what helps installers sell. Being a registered installer and offering an extended guarantee gives us the edge over other roofline companies who only offer 10 years. Having a 20 year guarantee makes homeowners feel they’re getting the most from their money. They also like the fact that the guarantee comes directly from the manufacturer. Our customers are always looking for best value – and with this scheme they get it.”

For more information call Freefoam on 01604 591110 or visit www.freefoam.com

(First Appeared in The Installer in February 2008)