Freefoam Building Products recently visited and filmed Freefoam Registered Installer Glen Young in Reading, Berkshire, to see how he regularly transforms homes using Freefoam PVC products.
The visit took in three properties, all of which had PVC Fortex or X-Wood cladding installed. The first two properties had previously featured hanging tiles above the ground floor elevation. Both homeowners were undertaking refurbishment inside and out and wanted a more modern feel. Glen fitted Fortex Weatherboard style cladding, in Storm Grey and Misty Grey, to tone in with the existing brickwork and complement the white windows and black doors. The third property had been built originally with a white wood cladding to the front and the homeowner wanted a maintenance free option. He chose X-Wood cladding in white to create a smart, neat finish.
Over the last 12 months Glen has seen quite an increase in cladding enquiries, with requests to replace hanging tiles, render and pebble dash a common theme. Glen finds that installing external cladding really can drastically change, modernise and improve the appearance of a home. He explained “ I use both Freefoam’s Fortex and X-Wood cladding ranges. Fortex has a large colour range and it features an embossed wood effect finish, which is very popular with customers. I think X-Wood cladding is amazing, it has a woodgrain finish which means it’s a great option where wood might typically be chosen. It has by far has the nicest finish and more customers are choosing it.”
Glen also fits insulation behind the cladding to help improve the heat retention of homes. He said “The difference fitting insulation can make to the heating costs and comfort of customer’s homes is life changing.”
Another benefit to installers like Glen is that the Freefoam cladding system is it’s quick and easy to fit. Glen finds that he can complete the front of a property in a few days, giving the homeowner an almost instant makeover, transforming the look and create that all important kerb appeal.
Glen took over the family business established by his father three years ago, and has had 30 years experience of fitting UPVC products including fascia, soffit, guttering and cladding. He works in and around Berkshire on a wide variety of properties and buys the Freefoam range from local Freefoam stockist Willmotts Plastic Building Products in Reading. Glen explained “The owner Scott is amazing! Willmotts are always there to help, and the effort they made throughout the COVID lockdown to keep my business going was phenomenal. The delivery drivers are always on time and they will always try to get deliveries to me the next day! I couldn’t say enough about how fantastic Scott and his company are.”
As a Freefoam Registered Installer Glen receives support from Freefoam, including marketing materials and sample packs, which help him me sell to customers easier. He also receives free homeowner leads for cladding and roofline work, which he finds a valuable addition to his business.
Glen summarised “Hopefully I’ll be fitting Freefoam for many more years to come. Combining great products with a quality installation has always made homeowners happy.”
