Shortage of skilled labourers
According to recent reports by the FMB (Federation of Master Builders), a skills shortage in the building industry is resulting in a slower economic recovery growth. The same report also shows that a fifth of those that replied are also struggling to recruit highly qualified builders.
Worryingly, only around a third of companies admitted that their staffing team would be increasing in the next 12 month and only 20% said they had made large changes in their recruitment in the past year.
The CEO of FMB has called on the government to address the issues quickly and claims that they should not take growth in the construction industry for granted instead saying it is important to continue to develop the industry before it hits a plateau. He said: “The results act as a stark warning that the government must not take the recovery in the construction sector for granted. Although this snapshot of small construction firms marks the fifth consecutive quarter of positive results, if we don’t have enough of the right people to complete the work, private and public projects could be stalled across the board.”
Speaking about the growth he also said that the new apprentice rules might have an adverse affect on the quality of young tradesman and especially roofers coming through. The FMB CEO continued saying: "CITB forecast that 182,000 new UK jobs are expected to be created in the construction industry by 2018 so this is not the time to jeopardise the ability of small firms to continue their proud history of training apprentices.
"Not only would this be disastrous for the construction sector itself and the hundreds of thousands of young people who are currently seeking employment, it would also be disastrous for the wider economy which is largely relying on construction and housing to drive the recovery.”
If you are looking for the very best skilled local Kirklees roofing talent, look no further than our team. We have lots of Huddersfield roofers ready to carry out even the most complex of roof work for you today. Give them a call on 01484 290087.
Roofing firm counts losses after world cup builds
When roofing specialists, Hightex, landed the contract to build the cable-supported membrane roofs for three World Cup stadia in Brazil, it probably did not expect to make huge losses, yet unfortunately for the London-listed company, that’s exactly what happened, as the company posted a £2.3 million loss for 2013.
Following a series of problems, for which Hightex blamed the Brazilian company with whom it had set up a joint venture to install the roofs, it led to a reduced turnover of £8.3 million overall for the year.
The most significant of these problems were operational and meant that Hightex were not receiving the money owed to them from the joint venture, which effectively forced the company to put itself up for sale in June this year, after suspending its shares last September.
The Executive Chairman of Hightex, Charles DesForges, said that 2013 had been ‘a most difficult year’ for the roofing specialists, and suggested that the solution going forward would be to identify a business partner with the ‘appropriate financial strength’.
Hightex are renowned for their expertise and innovations in creating membrane structures, so it would certainly be a shame if the company were to go under. Thankfully, economic conditions have improved and Hightex have seen fit to tender proposals for several ‘interesting projects’ in 2014.
At DPR (Huddersfield), our 20 years in the roofing business has taught to only use trusted and reliable suppliers, just as it would be advisable for you to choose roofers with a reputation for excellence in your local area: Call DPR now on 01484 290087.
DPR to take part in Cateran Yomp
On the 28th of June, 2014, DPR roofer Ian Hitchen will take part in ‘The Alliance Trust Cateran Yomp’, to raise money in support of ABF the soldiers charity.
The Yomp is an epic adventure challenge which sees teams complete up to 54 miles in just 24 hours. The route takes brave entrants through some of the most challenging, spectacular and remote regions of Scotland.
The Yomp is an endurance event that is both physically and mentally demanding, but the money raised will help support soldiers whose lives have been affected whilst being injured in service.
If you want to get involved in raising money for ABF the soldiers charity, then visit: http://www.soldierscharity.org/events/cateran-yomp/
Are you in need of a new roof?
If you never really take the time to inspect your roof on your Huddersfield property, you are certainly not alone – it’s pretty normal to ignore your roof.
However, it must is that most people that do ignore their roofs will regret having done so when something goes wrong with it. By taking the time to inspect the roof and minor fixes periodically you could potentially save yourself a small fortune in costly repairs.
We would recommend inspecting your roof once every six months in the spring and autumn, with the interior being the best place to start – so grab a torch and take a trip to the attic.
However, sometimes the only solution is to buy a new roof. Here are the signs that you need to do just that:
Signs on the inside
• Any evidence of sagging in the roof deck
• Evidence of leaks or water damage – stains on ceiling are sign of this, although this could also suggest that the house is insufficiently ventilated
• Dark spots or trails
• Sunlight shining from the outside
Signs on the exterior
Note: We do not recommend climbing on your roof – use binoculars to inspect it.
• Damaged/missing flashing
• Dark/dirty areas on your roof
• Loose/missing shingles – this is a sign of advanced wear
• Buckling
• Rotting, mould, excess moisture – this could be caused by water-related problems and could appear from 24-48 hours of the problem having occurred
• Algae growth
• Loose/exposed nails
• Overflowing gutters
• Rise in energy bills – ineffective roofing could be letting in the cold and require extra use of the heating
Don’t jump to conclusions
If your roof is less than 15 years old it could be that there is a simpler solution and your roof doesn’t need to be replaced. To check that your roof has been properly installed contact Trading Standards, or trusted local roofers in the Huddersfield area.
Trustworthy, experienced builders with a great local reputation
If you would like to arrange for a new roof to be installed on your property, or to discuss your requirements, contact us now on 01484 290087.
Hidden perils of roof work
Although with most roofs, the repair work will be exactly as you can see, such as missing tiles or broken guttering, occasionally, there are many hidden perils which can make the work much more dangerous and more serious.
Last month, our Huddersfield roofers attended job nearby at a local nursery, where their flat roof had become in need of an urgent repair, The felt they had on previously had started to lift and it provided very little protection from rain water which had found its way into the building.
After a comprehensive survey, which discovered that quite a lot of the roof was in a poor state and that by working on it could uncover other problems and a competitive quote having been agreed for a new GRP flat roof, our team began to remove the felt on the section of roof which had been agreed. However although we knew we would need to replace some of the wood underneath, it was not until we saw the full extent of the work that we realised this roof was in serious risk of collapsing and not just at the area where we were repairing.
Such was the severity of the issue, we cleared all the items from the room below and continued working slowly and carefully, trying to save as much of the roof as possible, However, as we continued along, the roof became worse and worse away from the problematic original area, and it was apparent that the roof would collapse. And that is exactly what it did.
No-one was hurt in the collapse and although the owner was a little shocked, they were delighted that our team had taken the precaution and informed them along the way of what might happen. The wood in this area was so rotten that it offered no support at all and could have collapsed at any time, injury many children and care workers in the process. Thankfully, we were able to rebuild the roof in the brand new GRP material which will provide multiples years protection against water damage and the whole job was completed in a short period of time.
This one example shows how serious a small issue to your roof can be and highlights why if you have roof damage, you need to seek professional advice quickly before a catastrophe arises. This example was lucky because our Huddersfield roofers were on site when it happened, but it could have been a more serious tragedy.
Should you have a problem with your roof in Huddersfield and need a roof repair, call our team on 01484 290087.
How much could a roof repair cost?
Your roof is an absolutely essential part of any house and it is for this reason that it needs to be structurally sound to fulfil its role in an energy-efficient home , as well as keeping you warm. If you are thinking of getting a new roof, be sure not to cut corners with regard to cost. To help you deal with the financial aspects of getting a new roof, here is a breakdown of what some of the materials may cost:
• Slate roof tiles are generally priced at between £1.05 and £2.49 each
• For clay roof tiles, most roofers charge between 47p and 58p each
• For concrete roof tiles prices range from between 58p and £1.37 each
• Each timber roof shingle covering 2.28m2 costs £43.60
• Metal, copper or zinc PVC-coated sheets cost £8.85 per m2 , corrugated metal sheets cost £5.58 per m2
For repairs, Which? Magazine quotes the following average prices:
• Broken or missing tile replacement: £345
• Fixing a leaking roof: £405
• Rebuilding a chimney: £2100 to £2680
• Gutter replacement: £205
• Downpipe replacement: £155
• Gutter and downpipe cleaning: £200 to £560
To ensure the job is done properly, it is very important that you hire a trained, experienced and fully insured roofer for roofing company for your project. When calculating how much the entire project will cost, you should factor in the cost of labour and the fact that some roofers may charge by the hour and others will charge per job.
Having been established way back in 1989, we have all of the experience, as well as the qualifications necessary, as well as the reputation for fair, honest pricing that has kept us in business serving the people of Huddersfield with new roofs for a quarter of a century. So, if you have any queries or you would like a quote, please don’t hesitate to call us on 01484 290087.
Check your Huddersfield roof for damage after winter
Roofs are so integral to our homes, that many of us are inclined to take them for granted; that is until a leak develops. The costs that can be incurred as a result of a leaking roof, as well as the time it takes to make roof repairs, illustrate the need to pay more attention to your roof. Here is a step-by-side guide to help you inspect your roof for damage, or potential damage.
The interior
Look for any problems that may indicate potential roofing problems. Look for any stains on the ceiling that indicate the presence of a leak, as well as feeling around for any wet spots. To determine whether or not the stain is due to a leaking roof, check how the colour of the stain matches the exterior. If you have a loft, do the same, and also check for wet insulation. Another obvious sign of excess moisture is a musty smell. The best time to detect the presence of a leak if you have an attic is on a rainy day – shining a torch into an attic during such days will highlight the leak because water reflects light.
The exterior
Look at the roof from the outside using binoculars. Pay particular attention to the roof flashing around the chimney and the pipes and vents and check for any signs of warping. If the flashing is warped, then this is a sign that moisture could be settling beneath the surface. Check the sealant around skylights and dormers, which when degraded can cause leakages. You should also check porous areas like the spalling found on masonry, as these can become susceptible to water infiltration.
On the roof
We would strongly recommend working with another person if you plan to climb on to the roof. Climb the roof using a ladder, with your partner hold it securely at the bottom. When on the roof, check its perimeter for warped or missing shingles, as well as holes and scrapes. Sometimes roofing repairs can easily be undertaken through the simple process of replacing a shingle, or indeed nailing it or cementing it back into place. At other times, you will need to contact roofing professionals.
If this is one of those times and you live in Huddersfield, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01484 290087.
Counting the cost of winter weather
With the worst of the heavy wet and windy weather behind us, homeowners in Huddersfield are now counting the cost of damage to their roof, if they haven’t already had to fork out for repairs.
The torrential rain and strong winds have caused copious amounts of damage to the area, and Huddersfield Roofers are warning that the warmer weather could now highlight damage to your roof. You may notice parts of the wall, which were damp caused by rain water gaining access from the roof, starting to blow, as well as other signs of damage to the roof.
This winter has seen lots of frost, but limited snow, but the process of freeze-thaw which happens every day can also caused damage to roof materials which can lead to more serious problems. Damage may be found around pipes, chimneys, the valleys of the roofs and in the gutters so it is worth checking your roof, whether commercial or domestic if you get the chance.
According to leading experts when roofs become warm again they start to show signs of damage, an opinion echoed by our Huddersfield roofers.
If you are checking the problem and have noticed something unusual or not quite right, it might be worth seeking professional assistance via one of our team. We have a cost effective pricing structure so that you can seek advice without having to pay over the odds and if you are worried can carry out a comprehensive survey for you, with recommendations on what work might need to be undertaken.
If you are considering repairing your roof yourself, DPR roofers in Huddersfield urge people to work safely and only try to carry out work if it is safe to do so. Please do not get on the roof if it is unsafe to do so.
For more information or to get one of our team to attend to your needs, please call us on 01484 290087. We look forward to your call.
Roofers flat out answering repair calls
DPR have been working long hours this week as they attending roofing repair jobs across the Huddersfield, Barnsley, Huddersfield and Wakefield areas after last week’s horrific storms.
Many homeowners have been ringing the company complaining of damage to their property, with missing tiles and broken gutters the main problems. Missing tiles have in turn lead to families coming to blows with damp patches, which has caused some destruction to the home.
Roof repairs are not always easy in these conditions either as the wind was still strong over the weekend, so our locally trained roofers have had to work effectively to solve the problems., This includes making sure no more damage can happen, and that the roof is watertight before the repair work can be carried out.
As DPR reported last week, the strong winds will find any imperfections in the roof structure, and coupled with driving rain, find any gaps to penetrate through. This week the winds have returned to more usual levels, with less strong gusts, allowing our team to repair the damage.
It is not only homeowners who have had problems however with local schools, businesses, and colleges all having differing levels of problems. Some were forced to shut whilst roof repairs were carried out. Fortunately for some schools this week is half term so roof repair work can be carried out in a safe environment.
Should you have an issue with your roof and still not had it repaired, please call one of our team to arrange for a survey and a repair. A damaged roof could cause problems at any time, so just because the issue might have stopped for now, it doesn’t mean it won’t happen again. It is important to seek professional advice as any water damage could lead to structural problems in the future.
For more information on the work we carry out, please view the roof repair sections on our website.
Local School has swimming pool ripped off in storm
Local Huddersfield high school Salendine Nook felt the full force of yesterdays wind and rain as their swimming pool roof was blown off the building last night.
The event occurred at around 5.30pm as students were partaking in swimming lessons. According to eye-witness reports, half the roof was blown off in the 70mph winds that have been ripping through the Huddersfield and Yorkshire area.
Parts of the roof where seen blowing onto the adjacent football fields, with insulation also blowing around the cars that were parked in the car park. More alarmingly however, pieces of the metal roof were also seen to be falling into the pool.
Luckily no children were hurt in this ordeal as they were quickly evacuated out of the pool and into the safety of close by changing rooms.
One of the parents, who had taken her daughters for their regular lesson, told the local Huddersfield Examiner that it was a frightening event: “It was terrifying for everyone, not just the children.
“The kids, about 15 of them, were in the water having the lesson and all the parents were watching at the end of the pool. Suddenly we saw bits of insulation and other material blowing about outside and then heard an almighty bang. It was followed very quickly by another massive bang and the roof started to open up.
We grabbed the children and got them out of the pool and into the changing rooms. They were very frightened. Most of the roof had gone and there were large pieces of it away on the sports field”.
This event showcases how strong the storm has been in the last 24 hours, and other roof damage is expected to local buildings and homes. It is important to get any damage professionally repaired, so Huddersfield Roofers are urging home and business owners to check their roofs or watch out for damp patches.
If you should notice any roofing issues on commercial or domestic properties, please call Huddersfield Roofers as a matter of urgency as strong winds are expected in the next 48 hours once again. You can speak to one of our team on 01484 290087.