54 roofing
Natural slate – when reputation and integrity counts
As SIGA Slate marks its 10th anniversary, Amanda Green, marketing manager, takes a look at why reputation and integrity count for everything when it comes to specifying natural slate
footprint of natural slate also compares well with other roofing materials – particularly when the life expectancy of the finished roof is considered. This reduced environmental impact makes it an even more attractive choice for new build projects. When specifying slate roofs for new homes,
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there’s a long list of factors to consider – the type of slate, natural or man-made, colour, size and texture etc. Warranties and the cost of the slate will also be a key consideration. However, what is highly unlikely to feature on the selection criteria list is the reputation and integrity of the company that supplies the actual slate. In a competitive and challenging market place,
it’s easy for housebuilders to be tempted by the cheapest products that are made even more appealing with their super extended warranties. But are these warranties worth the paper they are
written on, if further down the line, the company decides to cease trading or the supply chain breaks down? If just one link becomes broken and a trading company goes into liquidation, then the housebuilder could be left with no back up – not even from the parent group. During the recession, it became common-
place for companies to be wound up voluntarily across many market sectors and the natural slate market didn’t escape unscathed. While some
companies disappeared without trace, others re-emerged trading under a new name, supplying the same products. While housebuilders may not have felt any
immediate impact from this re-registration, the real damage may still hit home if a warranty claim needs to be made. No matter what the longevity of the warranty – and some slate suppliers are offering 100 years – when a com- pany goes into liquidation, the warranty can disappear too. The only recourse is to seek legal action, a timely and costly exercise at best, and the onus is very much on the housebuilder. As the housebuilding sector becomes buoyant
once again, the likelihood of suppliers experienc- ing challenges with cashflow becomes more real when faced with a sudden surge in business.
“When selecting your slate, you have to consider the reputation and credibility of your supplier. More than ever before, this is the barometer of confidence in your purchase. Reputation and integrity count for everything”
But how do you safeguard against a company
going into liquidation, leaving you without valid warranties and after-sales service? Quite simply, when selecting your slate, you have to consider the reputation and credibility of your supplier. More than ever before, this is the barometer of confidence in your purchase. Reputation and integrity count for everything, and if problems surface further down the line, and support
respond online at
www.hbdonline.co.uk
atural slate is a popular choice when building new homes. As well as aesthetics and durability, the carbon
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