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Ever the exponent of attention to detail, K2 has revealed that the Boss End Foam Trim unveiled at this year’s Glassex has become one of its most popular developments amongst installers and consumers alike.

Designed to tackle the often problematic aesthetics in the crown area of the conservatory roof, the K2 Boss End Foam Trim was developed both to provide effective sealing and improve the appearance of the hip and intermediate bar top caps where they are cut to meet at the radius end of the ridge.

Explains Managing Director of K2, Sally Fielding: "Systems manufacturers have tried various solutions to this problem but most have been considered by users unsatisfactory in one way or another. Designs that rely on brush type products that attach to the underside of the boss end cover and hang over the glazing bars do not improve the aesthetics from all vantage points. And, while designs that require the installer to cut the boss end cover on site to cover the glazing bars can work, a rough cut can spoil the appearance of one of the main feature areas of the roof."

Having listened to feedback from installers about installation difficulties and end users’ comments, K2’s solution was to look for a simple, neat and cost-effective solution that would address both the aesthetic and weatherproofing issues. The company’s technical team designed a specially-engineered closed-cell foam component, which has sufficient flexibility to allow it to mould to the shape created by the hip and intermediate bar top caps, whilst compressing to form a first line of defence against the weather. Designed to wrap around all sides of the ridge end cover, the K2 Boss End Foam Trim overcomes the problems of inconsistent aesthetics associated with some other solutions by offering improved appearance and weatherproofing from all angles.

Sally Fielding continues: "Initially we viewed this as a small enhancement to our system, which was an integral part of our continuous improvement programme. However, it would seem that the combination of aesthetic and weatherproofing benefits for the consumer and ease of use for the installer have made the product a significant selling point and it has become an increasing source of new enquiries."

Amongst the installers that have been impressed by the K2 Boss End Foam Trim is John Sapsford, who has recently converted to the K2 system. He comments: "This aspect of my previous suppliers’ system was a constant source of frustration and annoyance to my customers as the brush seal quickly took on a straggly appearance and became home to spider’s webs, leaves and other debris. The design team at K2 has developed a simple yet effective solution, which should look as good in years to come as the day that it was installed. It’s this type of attention to detail and commitment by K2 to making the installer’s job easier that persuaded me to change over to their system."