Can your customers continue to operate ‘business as usual’ when it comes to product choice in the face of a changing industry? Paul Midgley, Market Manager Trade at Knauf, considers the growing possibilities for using metal partitions in domestic applications in comparison to the traditional timber approach.
Merchants are in the unique position of being able to help guide installers through product changes and developments. With recent regulation changes — and more on the horizon — it can be challenging for installers to stay on top, especially when it comes to applying that knowledge to product choice and the impact it might have on projects.
For example, for contractors considering which materials to use to construct internal walls, it is no longer enough to just consider strength and durability. They must also consider the performance of the finished system.
Typically, metal stud partitions are seen as the preference for commercial building projects, with timber leading the way in domestic. However, with performance on the radar, we are seeing more metal stud walls being used in residential projects too.
This is where metal partitions as an alternative to timber begin to offer enhanced value, representing the perfect opportunity for merchants looking to broaden their basket sale.
The benefits to metal stud partitions
Making the switch is always a daunting prospect for installers, especially when it is a fundamental change such as going from timber to metal. However, with the right understanding of the challenges, merchants can help guide installers through the change.
One of the biggest benefits for contractors is the performance ratings for fire and acoustics can be verified by the system owner whereas using a timber stud wall doesn’t always carry the same guarantees. It’s important for merchants to understand what the customers goal is, and for those looking for performance, metal partitions are the perfect opportunity.
Speed is often seen as another key factor for switching, especially on larger projects — with metal partitions capable of being installed up to four times faster than erecting a timber stud wall.
This is coupled with the fact metal studs are lighter and easier to handle than timber, making the build process being simpler and requiring less components. For contractors who regularly install internal walls, this offers them the benefits of speed and ease. For those looking to broaden their offering, metals partitions are the ideal solution to adding value to projects.
From a performance point of view, it’s important to note metal studs won’t warp or twist, nor suffer from wet or dry rot. Conversely timber, if exposed to water or humidity, is liable to warp or rot and can be susceptible to beetles and other insects which can cause substantial damage over time.
Finally, being an inflammable material, metal studs offer a non-combustible solution and wider system choice compared to a timber stud wall — especially when used in conjunction with fire-resistant plasterboard.
Installing confidence
As always, it starts with a conversation, namely understanding what contractors are looking to achieve with the products they’re purchasing and considering if there is a better performing product that’s available for them. And for product changes such as moving from timber to metal, it is vital that both merchants and contractors have the right support available to them in the form of technical support lines to answer installation or performance related questions.
Metal partitions also offer merchants the ideal platform to sell ‘full solutions’ over individual products. For instance, Knauf offer a system solution for internal walls which combines metal studs with the necessary plasterboard, jointing and fixings to create an easy-to-use, fully compliant system.
This leads into one of the biggest selling factors for metal studs purchased as a full system — the provision of warranties and coverage.
If a contractor is going to make the switch to something new, they’ll want to know their work is covered by a warranty. Likewise, merchants moving towards more systematic sells will want to offer built-in confidence for the solutions they’re putting forward to customers.
By choosing the full suite of products, Knauf can offer their Full System Performance Warranty which provides peace of mind that the system is fully compliant, tested and fit for purpose.
Click here for more information on metal partition systems from Knauf and the benefits they can offer your customers.
