Glazed Extensions
NewPlas redrawing roofing expectations
John Cowie met Dave Grace of NewPlas Roofing System to find out how NewPlas is redefining roof lanterns and warm roofs for the trade. At a glance, the pitched roof lantern market may appear saturated, with longstanding systems jostling for marginal aesthetic distinctions. But beneath the surface, one supplier is redrawing expectations—starting with a fitter-first approach rooted in decades of building experience.
Speaking from his stand at the recent FIT Show, Dave Grace of NewPlas Roofing Systems — once a builder himself—lays out a compelling case for why his roofing systems, especially a uniquely designed roof lantern, are finding traction among installers, builders and fitters alike. “I’ve stood in the shoes of the guys fitting these,” he says. “That’s why this works.”
Solving a known problem
Dave says many traditional lantern systems leave behind what the industry dubs an “internal shelf”, a ledge inside the roof space that not only demands additional sealing, trims and labour but also gathers dust, cobwebs, and frustration. The firm’s system is the only one, they claim, that eliminates this shelf entirely by running flush down to the internal upstand. Plasterboard finishes directly to the edge, streamlining installation and sidestepping common homeowner complaints.
It’s not just tidier—it’s faster. A patented “click system” enables the roof to come together more rapidly than any comparable product, reducing both time on site and labour costs. “It’s every builder’s dream,” he says. “No extra trims, no extra mess.”
NewPlas offers aluminium-framed kits in three standard colours—grey, white, and black—with the option of bespoke finishes. Structural stability means sizes can scale up to three metres by 2.5 metres with just four panes of glass. Yet equally, they’ve delivered lanterns as small as 500mm square, tapping into demand for porch-sized installations as homeowners opt for subtle upgrades over full extensions.
Builders and fitters alike are drawn to the system’s flexibility—and its turnaround time. With orders fulfilled in as little as a week, the company positions itself not just as a product supplier, but as an agile partner for tradespeople under pressure.
Targeting two markets
The business serves two distinct customer profiles. Lanterns are largely the domain of builders and joiners engaged in flat-roof extensions—tradespeople who often subcontract specialist fitters for final installations. Meanwhile, warm roofs—a growing category in their own right—are almost entirely handled by window companies and dedicated installers.
“The warm roof is more PVC world,” he explains. “Builders won’t touch it. But for window companies upgrading conservatories, it’s perfect.”
While not a cheaper route for ground-up extensions, warm roofs offer a shortcut to value. Designed to retrofit onto existing conservatory frames, they deliver the thermal performance and solid feel of a traditional extension—without the need for new foundations. As such, they appeal directly to homeowners looking to upgrade outdated, uncomfortable conservatories.
Moreover, certification ensures that the transformation is recognised on paper. “It turns the conservatory into an extension in the eyes of valuers,” he notes, which has not gone unnoticed by clients keen to boost resale value.
The builder’s perspective
Dave sees his personal history as key to NewPlas’s success. With 25 years of building experience, including hands-on fitting, he brings a practical lens to product development. That credibility resonates with trade customers. “I’ve had Mrs Smith pointing up asking how we’re going to finish it. I’ve been there,” he says. “That’s why we built this system with Guardian.”
Unlike many competitors who supply only part of the package, this firm offers full kits tailored to a customer’s measurements. While they don’t sell windows and doors, they can recommend partners in areas where they have established networks.
Looking ahead
As legacy systems stagnate, interest in this firm’s roofing solutions is growing—particularly among tradespeople seeking to differentiate themselves or simplify workflows. “Every time we get someone on board, they stick with us,” he says. “Because it’s that different.”
The market for flat-roof extensions and conservatory upgrades is evolving, and this builder-turned-supplier is carving out a clear niche. In a sector where minor details often define competition, solving a longstanding installation problem has proved a decisive edge.
Mob: 07973 529 499
E: dave@newplasroofingsystems.co.uk
www.newplasroofingsystems.co.uk
