Karl Grandfield and Piers White are the Whitesales fenestration sales team, focused on helping fabricators and installers make more money from rooflights.

With a huge amount of knowledge between them about selling and installing both rooflights and lanterns, they’ve shared their thoughts on where the big opportunities are likely to be for fabricators supplying in 2024 and why sticking with your existing rooflight supplier might end up limiting your options.

Karl said: “We’re already seeing enquiries increasing for our flat glass products – both rooflights and linked glazing. As well as being popular in the higher end resi market where demand is likely to hold up well in 2024, flat glass rooflights from our em.glaze range are quick and easy to install, so they’re very good for installers’ margins.

“We can help customers with everything from sizing to glass specifications and ventilation options  and deliver direct to site straight from stock in 3 to 5 days, so they’re hassle free as well. We can also supply pre-assembled, fully Building Regs compliant timber upstands with every premium and economy flat glass rooflight. So unlike when they construct their own upstands onsite, installers know there’s absolutely no risk with Whitesales of being caught out when it comes to Building Control inspections.

“Linked glazing looks likely to be another growth area next year because it opens up so many new design options for architects, developers and homeowners. Unlike lanterns or rooflights, there are no real restrictions on size, and it guarantees the wow factor that many buyers want at an affordable price.”

Piers added: “Whitesales’ 35+ years of experience and expertise means we can handle any rooflight challenge and help with any overhead glazing enquiry – from big volumes of standard products to bespoke one-offs for high-end projects.

“Since our debut at the FIT Show in May when we set out to show just how capable we are in this sector of the market, we’ve had enquiries from fabricators and installers for jobs which they previously might have turned down because they seemed too complex.

“We’re currently quoting on everything from a glass dome for a mosque to a circular glass tunnel connecting two parts of an architect’s studio for fabricators who want our help in making sure they don’t miss out on new and exciting commercial opportunities; and we’re expecting those types of enquiries to increase.

“As conditions become more challenging next year for those in the mid-market in particular, having the right supplier by your side to help you move into new sectors will be more vital than ever. Buying rooflights from a company that competes with you on windows and doors will make even less sense, and so will sticking with the same supplier because there’s a perceived risk associated with change.

“Switching to Whitesales for your rooflights doesn’t carry risk. We do exactly what we say we will when it comes to service and support, and we always live up to our promises on quality and delivery. For us, there’s lots to be excited about in 2024.”