LB’s roof system is strong on structure and aesthetics the advantages of sheerlite

L.B. Plastics has designed the Sheerlite roofing system to help windowmakers make the most of the opportunities presented by the ever growing popularity of conservatories, particularly in the newbuild sector. PVC-U conservatories dominate the market and, with the number of units installed over the next three years forecast to increase to nearly 300,000 annually, discerning fabricators of all window systems can exploit the opportunities profitably with the universal Sheerlite. In addition to bar lengths, the system is available in made-to-measure kit form to provide total simplicity to fabricators – Sheerlite will fit with any profile and kits can be prepared for any size roof, removing the limitation faced when only standard sizes are available. Sheerlite was purpose designed at the outset to be a totally universal roof system with the edge over other systems, both structurally and aesthetically. Designers of some roof systems have chosen to broaden the appeal of their roofs, but in doing so they have compromised the original design.

Lead-free system

Engineers at L.B. Plastics’ undertook extensive testing during the development programme to ensure Sheerlite maintains excellent structural integrity in even the most demanding conditions. The result means a perfect balance between simplicity, strength and style. What is more, all PVC components in the new system are manufactured using calcium organic stabilisers, making it what is believed to be the first lead-free system available.

Engineering quality and efficiency has been at the heart of the development programme. Early on, the L.B. Plastics team commissioned specialist engineering consultants to study the combined impact of snow and wind loadings on typical UK conservatory roof structures. It was on the basis of their findings that L.B. paid particular attention to this aspect of their roof design, ensuring that adequate safety margins were built in.

Each Sheerlite roofing kit contains all the components that make up the roof, meaning no further parts are needed and no extra costs are incurred.

L.B. Plastics is also able to guarantee delivery to installers anywhere in the UK within just five days, thanks to major investment in a dedicated Sheerlite roof kit fabrication unit at its 100 acre factory in Derbyshire.

Once with the installer, the simplicity of Sheerlite’s installation is best illustrated by the fact that the recently published installation guide is only just bigger than a credit card. The system incorporates many genuine innovations including the unique Clip-Lock mechanism that allows rafters to be clipped into position on the crown.

Designers at L.B. Plastics have cleverly minimised the number of components. In addition to the Clip-Lock mechanisms, pre-set, factory-fitted captive bolts are already in place when the kit reaches site, making life much easier for the installer.

Sheerlite’s variable ridge allows for pitches up to 40 degrees, not only increasing versatility but reducing stockholding for those who choose to make their own conservatories. Trims and caps have been designed so that they can be square cut where possible and easily fitted to create a very neat and subtle finish.

For choice in styling, L.B. offers three cresting options – contemporary, traditional or ovolo. This element of choice is also apparent in the Glazing-Bar caps, including ovolo or bevelled edges, which are particularly appealing for complex roof designs where the ovolo finish could be deemed over-fussy. This option also allows installers to match the styling of the roof with the appearance of the windows and doors of the conservatory.

Other features claimed to give Sheerlite a genuine advantage over rival systems are glazing bars that remain totally secure despite temperature changes, and an ingenious fast-fit gutter system.