Permaroof UK outlines the full breadth of its expanding portfolio and the support it offers merchant stockists.
FACT FILE
Key Contacts: Adrian Buttress, Managing Director; George Cochrane, National Sales Manager
Company Address: Unit 1 Westway Cotes Park Industrial Estate, Alfreton DE55 4QJ www.permaroof.co.uk
Product range: Providing “permanent solutions to age old problems” Permaroof offers a variety of products such as its central offering of Firestone RubberCover EPDM roofing as well as artificial grass through its PermaLawn brand and maintenance-free fencing via PermaFence. This is in addition to Permatile promenade tiles, skylights and rooflights through The Skylight Company and most recently, steel framed buildings.
Trade Associations: National Buying Group
No of staff: 37
Marketing support: Permaroof stockists receive support from a dedicated account manager. They are provided with roll stands to stock EPDM rubber rolls, a selection of marketing literature, and a display stand and sample roof.
Distribution / Delivery Lead time: Same day for collection, and next day for most other orders. Permaroof quotes three days maximum for larger national deliveries, if the customer is requesting free delivery.
% of sales through builders’ merchants: 48%
Company comment: “Permaroof is one the largest approved distributors of Firestone RubberCover EPDM rubber roof systems, giving our stockists peace of mind that they are working with a trusted supplier of genuine systems. We build long-lasting relationships with our merchant partners, providing end-to-end solutions, which now include additional products such as artificial grass, liquid PU waterproofing, facade solutions and much more.” Adrian Buttress, Managing Director
Describing 2019 as a landmark year for the business — becoming its most successful to date — Permaroof UK states that 2020 is also looking strong, despite the nationwide challenges faced by all firms due to the coronavirus pandemic. Part of its strength and resilience is attributed to its belief in a “clear and honest approach” while investing in a long-lasting relationship with its network of merchant stockists.
Its nationwide sales team aims to achieve this by getting to know each merchant individually, tailoring the resulting package to suit its business model. This is followed by an open day to help the merchant announce the new product in addition to the availability of training for the whole trade counter team, and a dedicated account manager.
A dedicated app also helps the merchant and its customers to work out the exact materials they require before ordering. Furthermore, investment in a reliable stock holding is said to provide guaranteed availability. Bespoke membranes are available cut to size as well as rolls that are cut directly in line with customer requirements.
Becoming the second largest importer and distributor of Firestone Building Products’ RubberCover allows Permaroof to offer a full system consisting of EPDM membrane, Firestone adhesive, tapes, and primers. When used together, coupled with Permaroof’s training and technical back-up, it helps to solve a large industry problem — namely, that many stockists may believe they are offering a full system, but that is not always the case. Indeed, this can lead to a variety of products being used on an installation which can result in performance problems later down the line.
Accordingly, Permaroof’s recommendation is to always stick with a proven system that has stood the test of time and has full traceability that ties in with a specification and BBA certificate. It strongly believes this is the only way to maintain a high standard of roofing in the UK.
The company’s ethos of developing a product range that offers “permanent solutions to age old problems” has seen it rapidly extend its portfolio to give stockists a simple way to also expand what they offer with a supplier they already know and trust.
Recently added products include the Ramsol Sanitiser Disinfectant Spray to help merchant customers work safely, plus the introduction of SealEco RubberTop Fleece — a complete single ply flat roofing system that delivers a strong, low maintenance waterproofing membrane with an expected service life in excess of 50 years.
The benefits of choosing a fleece-backed EPDM include a thicker 2.3mm membrane for a more durable finish, wider lightweight 3.4m panels that aid a swifter installation, high-resistance from punctures, as well as a smooth, wrinkle-free installation that is protected from thermal movements and tensions in the membrane.
Its most recent offering has seen Permaroof become the sole UK distributor of Tilcor Bond textured-finished metal roof tiles — another innovative product that has a traditional aesthetic while incorporating the lightweight advantages of steel.
Landscaping solution
With consumers spending more time at home than ever before during lockdown, the landscaping and DIY markets are seeing even more of a surge in popularity. As such, Permaroof’s PermaLawn brand is encouraging UK merchants to consider diversifying their stock range by adding artificial grass that’s simple to install with a high-quality aesthetic, giving their customers an easy way to broaden their own services.
Merchants can help contractors to make the most of this demand by choosing to work in partnership with tried and tested brands such as PermaLawn. Artificial grass is a smart, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing alternative for homeowners who want a lawn that’s hassle-free and always looks freshly cut — but the company asserts the importance of investing in a quality product up front to ensure the lawn’s longevity, whatever the British weather.
With sales representatives across the country, it’s easy for merchants to become stockists of single-ply roofing membrane; the fastest-growing sector within the roofing market. Industry-leading support, training, and marketing support to ensure a successful launch are just some of the reasons that Permaroof continues to grow and see success.
For more information on the full Permaroof portfolio, head to: www.permaroof.co.uk
