Consumers have more choice than ever before

With recent national press headlines intent on ‘Conservatory Bashing’ in a bid to squeeze every column inch out of the cost-of-living crisis, Prefix Systems is a little more positive about the evolution of the conservatory. Chris Cooke, director, points out the different opportunities that this presents for installers.

Conservatories were one of the mainstays of our industry during the 90s and the peak of installations was in the mid -2000s.

That was approaching a quarter of a century ago and the technology in conservatories has since moved on – a lot! Originally, a conservatory was the ‘go-to’ extension product as it was an affordable, less disruptive option to a traditional extension.

Oversaturation probably contributed to the demise of the standard, white conservatory, and the emergence of the solid roof market has accelerated that decline – simply because a glass or polycarbonate roof will never be as efficient as a solid insulated roof.

Homeowners also now have the option to refurbish an existing conservatory base for a fraction of the price of a new build extension. At Prefix Systems, we believe that there is a whole new opportunity for installers as new markets open up and take shape.

The dear old glass conservatory is being re-defined as a modern glazed extension. Sleek, slimline aluminium profiles and new glass technologies have moved the glazed extension into an unrecognisable space, one that is far removed from the humble, white 3×3 Victorian conservatory that was once so dominant.

The outdoor living sector is also starting to take hold and provide customers with real choice when it comes to extending their homes. There are now multiple options for consumers to create a space that will genuinely benefit them, and Prefix Systems has these new glazed extension products at the heart of this evolution to give our customers three exciting options: a glazed extension a tiled roof extension and an outdoor living solution

Young families that crave additional space can choose between an insulated solid roof and a glazed extension such as an orangery, both of which will add to the footprint of their home. Solid roofs provide all the thermal benefits of an extension, without the cost of moving home.

The modern glazed extension, on the other hand, presents a different solution and is a long way away from the old polycarbonate conservatory the media have sought to hammer.

Nowadays, glazed extensions utilise modern glass solutions that are both thermally efficient and solar reflective. Along with slimline profiles, a variety of colours and numerous style options including hybrid orangeries and flat roofs with glazed lanterns, these can be integrated into the garden with bi-fold or sliding doors.

These make impressive useable rooms, ideal for entertaining or everyday dining. Yes, they are less insulative than a solid roof, but they are certainly more versatile, thanks to striking and modern designs.

Then we move towards outdoor living, for consumers who want to be closer to their garden, to enjoy a sheltered outdoor space with pergolas and canopy solutions.

This area of the market is predicted to grow over the coming years. Contemporary verandas can include sliding glass doors or side screens to protect against climatic conditions. Simple to install, they are effective and impressive outdoor spaces that are still connected to the house.

Traditional Verandas or canopies can also be created using glazed roofs – another example of how these have been reinvented and upgraded for a new application.

Finally, there’s the option of a room detached from the home altogether. Garden studios and pergolas can create an exciting space within the garden to suit a variety of functions such as a home office, gym or playroom.

Prefix Systems has a solution for all these new areas of the home extension market. Our extended living range caters for solid roofs, orangery and glazed extension products, whilst our comprehensive outdoor living range caters for traditional and contemporary verandas, pergolas and garden studios.

Alongside our Opal aluminium range of windows and doors, we are perfectly positioned to help you create any home extension solution.

We are excited about the evolution of the glazed extension market. The conservatory, like all technology has evolved. We are in a new market with more choice than ever before, with better materials, better performance and superior aesthetics.

This will see our industry blossom for many more years to come.