Ask for it by Name
Wed 16th Jun 2010
Rockdoor was established in 1996 as the evolution to the popular GAP PVC-U door panel. Mark Simm talks about how proud he is as home-owners now ‘ask for Rockdoor by name'.
When Rockdoor was established, the founding principle was to design a domestic door, which could eventually replace the hugely popular and successful door panel manufactured by GAP.
The calculator was thrown out of the window in the early stages of design, as Rockdoor wanted a product that performed, looked fantastic and was virtually impossible to break into. This was achieved in abundance, and to this day Rockdoors specification has only been improved.
By having a composite door where material quality was paramount to material cost presented its own problems. Not wanting to change specification, Rockdoor embarked on a multi-million pound investment programme in machinery and infrastructure to avoid sky high prices and offer a product that provided quality and value for money.
Shift to Domestic
In the early years the volumes for composites were only available in the commercial sector, as they recognised the importance of the ‘composite door' before the domestic market did. Local Authorities had to ensure the doors they installed on their housing stock provided them a hassle free solution for up to 40 years, as well as providing tenants a safe and strong door that didn't let them down. That's what they got with Rockdoor.
Over the last 5 years the demand for composite doors in the domestic market has increased significantly, especially for Rockdoor which many home-owners now ask for by name because of its reputation.
Many articles have been written over the years about referrals and recommendations being the foundation of a successful installer. This is exactly what Rockdoor installers experience first hand, because Mr and Mrs Jones are so happy about their new Rockdoor, they tell their family and friends which very often leads to repeat business.
New Composite Door Styles
To continue to put light between Rockdoor and other composite door manufacturers several new styles have been released, most noticeably the Portland and the Newark. The Newark (pictured) is a modern take on a traditional classic, whilst the Portland offers the largest piece of glass in the Rockdoor range.
Providing installers with new products and new ideas to get their teeth into is key, especially during difficult times. Being able to turn ideas around quickly from a CAD drawing to the finished product, has enabled Rockdoor to stay at the forefront of the market providing installers a unique product they can't buy anywhere else. The new designs have already proved hugely popular in the short space of time they have been available. Both the Newark and Portland are available in all 10 colours, including the recently added Cream.
A Changing Market
PVC-U composite doors and door panels have over the years provided a perfect match, especially for woodgrain's, as home-owners looked for uniformity across their windows, doors and conservatories. It would seem now though that Doors are beginning to break that mould.
Throughout the recession many home-owners chose to just replace their front doors because of the cost implications of full window replacements and conservatories. This led to more and more choosing different colours such as Black, Red, Green, Blue and more recently Cream as they weren't worried about matching windows and conservatories.
Striving to be different
With so many composite door manufacturers now sourcing their slabs from the same suppliers, Rockdoor have taken on the responsibility of providing the market with something different.
Over the last year Rockdoor has achieved Kitemark accreditation, launched many new designs and introduced a new cutting edge glazing aperture that looks far better than unsightly ‘clip on glazing'. But there is still much more to come in 2010 - new moulding styles, new glass designs, new colours, new surfaces finishes, and new innovative concepts are all being developed to provide installers a cutting edge when competing in the market place.