<b></b><p></p><p><b><b>There are few, if any, design details that can&amp;’t be replicated in GRP and Andrew Leech finds out that, what&amp;’s more, they are a lot less costly than the real thing</b></b><br><b>Whether or not it&amp;’s a bay window canopy, a false chimney or a complete dormer, these days housebuilders are a spoilt for choice with a multitude of off-the-shelf GRP features to meet most specifications. And all of the top GRP product manufacturers can design and make virtually any special detail within four to eight weeks.</b><br>The demand for GRP details is growing at quite a pace as the industry turns more and more to factory produced housebuilding methods. It&amp;’s popularity is also encouraged by house buyers who expect minimal maintenance in their new homes. </p><p>Probably the most prolific producer of GRP components for UK housebuilders is Stormking Plastics. It has a ready-to-wear range embracing thousands of features from meter boxes to minarets, of which 80% goes into new build and 20% into local authority and housing association refurbs. It also has a constant demand for &amp;“specials&amp;”. </p><p>The company&amp;’s sales director, Barry Whitehall, says: &amp;“The ever increasing use of GRP in the industry is mainly a result of the growing influence of …