As the market continues to get to grips with the unprecedented period of disruption related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Setcrete has offered a positive sales update in addition to unveiling the latest additions to its support packages for merchants.
Setcrete has reported that its Exterior floor levelling compound has seen year-on-year growth of 300% in leading builders’ merchants, driven by consumer demand to reinvigorate outside spaces during the coronavirus lockdown.
Used to prepare patio areas and other outdoor spaces prior to the installation of floor coverings such as porcelain tiles — popular for creating a continuous ‘outside-inside’ flooring solution for areas connected by bi-fold or sliding doors — and for creating a wearcoat surface in garages and garden outbuildings, the product is said to offer a quick and easy way to smooth and level rough, worn or mechanically-damaged concrete or sand/cement screeds.
The resulting base is described as providing the “perfect platform” on which to lay tiles to optimise the finished aesthetics. Alternatively, it can be left uncovered as a standalone wearing surface or even painted over (with a suitable floor paint), for example in converting a garage into a gym.
An advanced, water-mix formulation is said to make the product quick and easy to apply, providing a surface that is ‘walk on hard’ from two hours after application. When set and cured, is unaffected by rain or frost.
Due to its moisture tolerant properties, Setcrete Exterior can also be used internally over damp, uneven concrete and sand/cement screeds prior to the application of Setcrete Rapid Set DPM.
Commenting on the product’s increasing popularity, Brand Manager Peter Wilson said: “There is no doubt that people have been motivated to upgrade and improve their outside spaces during the lockdown period, as well as looking at how they can optimise their use of semi-external areas such as garages.
“Once builders have used the product, they instantly see its benefits; so repeat purchases and word of mouth, along with a sustained promotional campaign, have been a factor behind Setcrete Exterior’s rise in popularity.”
The manufacturer has also unveiled its latest merchant support package for stockists of the company’s portfolio of high-performance floor levelling compounds and floor preparation products. The package includes the provision of branded point-of-sale displays which complement the firm’s eye-catching, colour-coded packaging, itself designed to simplify product selection. In addition, tailored product training for merchant staff and in-branch product demonstration days are also offered whilst expert technical support is available for both merchants and end users, either remotely by phone or video or by pre-arranged site visits.
A comprehensive website provides additional support tools, including a product selector ‘app’, a floor area coverage calculator and a merchant locator, as well as a library of product guides and data sheets, flooring installation videos, and a selection of cases studies, highlighting real-world product installations. Lastly, Setcrete has also implemented a comprehensive promotional campaign targeted at professional builders and focused on driving trade buyers to builders’ merchants.
For further information on Setcrete’s new products and merchant support packages, go to: www.setcrete.co.uk
