Roofing Refurbishment on Student Accommodation
The team at DPR are quite a multiskilled lot. We like to employ engineers who are capable at a few trades. We find wide reaching experience always seems to make them better roofers, and we relish the chance to get them on the team.
Occasionally though we have the opportunity to employ their wide reaching skills on none-roofing jobs. Which happened recently with a client in Wakefield.
They contacted us as they needed a roofing refurbishment on what will be a student and training accommodation. But, along with this they also needed a large number of velux windows installing. In usual circumstances they would have had to approach two separate contractors to carry out the work, one for the roof, one for the windows. But due to the wide ranging skills of all our engineers we were able to oblige this particular client, and take care of both jobs ourselves.
They also needed a lot of smoke vents fitting, which we just took in our stride.
By doing so we are saving the client time, effort and more importantly, expense. Work on the site is ongoing, and we will report back once the job is done.
DPR Roofing have been repairing and installing roofs all over the Yorkshire area, which includes Wakefield, for nearly 35 years. During this time we have carried out a simply vast number of jobs for commercial clients. We have learned that there is no job too big, small, complex or simple for us.
To find out how we can help you just give us a call on 0113 335 0043.
Full New Roof Installation on Nursery in Sheffield
DPR have been providing roofing services to both commercial and domestic clients all over the Yorkshire area for 28 years. We provide a complete range of roofing services, from replacing a single tile, to an entire roof – which is what we did recently.
We received a job call from Wincobank Nursery and Infants school earlier this month as they were having some issues with their roof. As is standard practice the first step was for us to send out a survey team to inspect the roof. Unfortunately we found a roof that was in quite the state of disrepair. The building is old, and given the nature of its use; it is full of children and teachers, it is vital that this roof is safe and secure.
So after a discussion with the school it was determined that DPR would install a complete new roof onto the school. At the time of writing we have erected the scaffolding necessary for us to start the project. It will be a large job at a troublesome time of year, so we have to be methodical and careful in our practices to make sure that the project is successful and the roof is built properly.
Keep your eyes posted on our news section for the next update!
DPR roofing constantly invest in our staff and equipment. We intentionally keep abreast with the latest developments in roofing technology, as well as remembering age old practices so we can provide a complete services to all our clients.
To find out more just call us on 0113 335 0043.
Basic Roof Practices
We see it as our role to not only provide excellent service to all our clients, but to also educate them on proper practices. Often we have found that clients from all over Yorkshire ring us with very little clue on what is actually going on, or even how best to describe the issues they are having. So we thought we would jot down a few things that might help you understand your roof.
1. Inspect your roof when it is safe. If you notice a small leak during a storm, absolutely do not attempt to inspect it during the storm. The weather will make it treacherous and massively increase the risk of you falling. You should also wait a good amount of time after the storm has passed to allow the roof to dry. Also, you should also only ever get on your roof if you understand basic health and safety principles. Never attempt anything you are unsure of.
2. There are no good short term fixes. Avoid cheaper, unprofessional roofers. A lot of people have some understand of basic building work, so can avoid rogue cowboy builders, but do not seem to carry that knowledge over into roofers. But trust your instincts, ask about accreditations, testimonials, insurance etc. look at their staff and equipment, if it is old and shoddy, why is that?
3. Use a professional. We love the DIY spirit at DPR, however sometimes it is recommended that people swallow their pride and call a professional, especially when working with roofs. Too much is at stake, and when working at heights the risk to the individual is too great.
DPR roofing are based near Huddersfield. We have been repairing and installing roofs in this area for 28 years. Few roofers can match this type of longevity. To learn more about best practice for your roof, or to find out how DPR roofing can help you with any issues you may be having then just call us on 0113 335 0043.
Once Again, DPR Works on a Secret Site
In a recent case study we spoke about working on a government facility which we couldn’t divulge too much about, as it was classed as a secret site by the government. The work there is still ongoing, and in the meantime we thought it would be good to visit another top secret site.
We were contacted by David Brown Santasalo to carry out a very large scale roofing survey. They were let down by a previous contractor, and DPR have a reputation for reliably carrying out large scale work hence why we were called in.
David Brown Santasalo manufacture engine gears and parts for the M.O.D, submarines, tanks, war ships etc. So suffice it to say the site was extremely secure.
Before we could even access the site we were subjected to a huge number of health and safety checks to ensure that we were capable of working on a site of this size and nature. Then, when we reached the site we were subject to an extensive induction.
After this induction we were able to access the roofs and carried out a comprehensive site survey of the entire 11 acre site buildings. What we found was a roof that was in very bad shape and needs extensive work carried out on it.
We are now in the process of preparing large scale maintenance plans and re-roofing quotes for the entire site. This could end up being one of the largest jobs in DPR’s 28 year history.
If your industrial property needs some roofing work, and you require a roofer with experience in working with large scale projects then just call DPR on 0113 335 0043.
The Importance Of Cleaning Your Guttering
The importance of regularly cleaning your guttering should not be underestimated. Taking time to maintain them means a decrease in the likelihood of problems occurring. On the other hand, overlooking your gutters could result in the following issues:
1. Increased chance of pests
Standing water can attract pests such as flies which not only looks unpleasant but can mean bites too. To stop this happening, make sure you clear gutters frequently, removing things such as leaves which may have accumulated and stopped the water being able to flow away.
2. Roof rot
If your gutters are blocked then it is possible that excess water will run down the side of them. This free flowing water can result in parts of the house, such as the roof, rotting meaning that repair work will be needed which can be very costly.
3. Structural damage
When your guttering is damaged or blocked water that should be directed away from the house often drains closer to it than it should, saturating the ground close to it. If left undealt with the drainage of water close to the building itself can lead to problems such as mould and rot which will need to be dealt with. It is therefore a good idea to work out a simple maintenance schedule whereby once a month or so guttering and drains are checked for debris and items that have accumulated can be removed.
DPR Roofing have over 28 years of domestic and commercial roofing experience in the Wakefield area. We are able to carry out gutter repair and maintenance as well as a full range of roof services. For more information or to arrange a site survey please get in touch today on 01924 640019.
New Roof For Castleford College
Wakefield College Estates use DPR as their preferred and trusted roofing services provider. So when they developed an issue with a part of their roof at Castleford Building College they called us immediately.
As is standard, the first step is for one of the survey team from DPR to visit the site. As soon as we arrived on site we saw what the issue was. The college has a dedicated area where students can practice bricklaying. This is an outside area with a basic roof over it to protect them from the elements.
However, while it was built with extremely sturdy steel uprights, the roof itself was a basic, domestic strength, polycarbonate affair, which was not up to much abuse. Which is why it had become dislodged during a bout of turbulent weather.
So we went to work and designed a new, industrial strength, roofing system for them. Our roof was made of Plastisol coated steel sheets with fibreglass sheets on every other row to provide ample lighting to work beneath.
Work was completed in record time, and now the roof is on par with the steel supports, and WCE were delighted with the results. Not only will it last much longer and provide a better working environment thanks to the extra light, but more importantly it is now safe for the students to be under.
To find out how DPR roofing can help you and your roofs just call us on 0113 335 0043.
No More Mossing Around!
We have been extremely busy recently, and have found ourselves undertaking a lot of large scale commercial works. However, this doesn’t mean that we don’t have time for anything else. Quite the opposite in fact, if we take a call from anyone we will strive to fit the job in as soon as possible.
Which is exactly what happened with a recent job. We received a call from an elderly gentleman who was concerned about the amount of moss on his roof. After an initial conversation and inspection we sent a few engineers round to help clear the moss away.
It was a relatively simple job, and as soon as they arrived on site the engineers could see why the problem had occurred. The house is in the shade of a large tree. When the leaves fall on the roof they clump and absorb water. They form large piles which they attracts more leaves and the problem snowballs from there.
To clear the moss away we simply used a pressure washer and blasted it all off. Unfortunately, the weight of the moss had stressed and corroded a few tiles which, when we revealed them, were cracked and needed replacing. However, this was a simple job and it wasn’t long before we had the roof fully back up to scratch.
This particular job is the perfect example of why regular inspections and maintenance are important. if the client had cleared his roof more often then he might have never needed to call us. And if he had called us sooner then the tiles might not have cracked. In either situation he could have saved some money.
To find out how DPR can aid you with any roofing issues you may be having just call us on 0113 335 0043.
Why Experience is Everything
The team at DPR recently got a call to carry out a refurbishment on a historic roof in the centre of Huddersfield. It was a complex job which took all of our 28 years of experience to carry out, as well as most of our new equipment.
The first challenge with this particular job was the location. It was ‘slap bang’ in the centre of Huddersfield town, right above a busy commuter packed bus stop. This meant that the scaffolding had to be erected outside of these peak hours, in fact we erected at 4.00 a.m. to comply with our own health and safety procedures plus keeping the Kirklees Highways Dep’t happy.
Also, as there was an increased risk to the public we could not dispose of rubbish in our usual manner. Instead, we had to attend the site each morning, well before the first bus came, and carry the previous days waste down by hand.
Then there was the roof itself. This particular roof was well over a 100 years old. However, far from a replacement, the roof simply needed refurbishing. This particular roof was made with York stone slates, which will easily last another 100 years. So, the team at DPR turned each and every single tile, by hand plus supplied many tonnes more due to decay of some parts.
The process first involved removing and storing each of the slates in exact order, so they could be replaced in the exact same location they came from. In order to try speed up the job most other roofing firms would not store them as specifically as we did. This meant that they would have an extremely difficult time putting the roof back together and would ultimately create a lot more waste and, ironically, would probably end up taking longer than if they had just done it right the first time.
Also, the roof would not have the same uniform appearance that DPR managed to achieve, as aside from a few slates which were beyond saving we replaced each and every slate where they came from, albeit flipped onto the other side.
As well as turning the tiles we also repointed the chimneys and of course laid new breathable roof membrane. We’d be very surprised if the roof doesn’t last for another 100 years, or more.
To find out more about the roofing services we provide just call DPR on 0113 335 0043.
DPR Carries out Work for Racing Car Manufacturer
DPR provide roofing services to commercial clients all over the Yorkshire area. We work with a number of commercial clients, each of which chooses DPR due to different reasons. But, one of our most recent clients, Ginetta, chose us due to our reputation of working quickly and carefully.
Ginetta are based in Huddersfield and manufacture quality racing cars. They have a fantastic reputation on the world racing circuit and their cars have helped drivers from all over attain podium finishes. They are also reputed as helping put British racing, and British racing cars, back on the map.
So when we received a call to carry out some work on their headquarters we knew this job would require something special from us.
Firstly we knew we had to attend the job quickly. Water was dripping in from the roof directly onto the factory floor where the cars were being manufactured. This posed a serious health and safety risk but it also put the cars production at risk. Water is a corrosive liquid, and if it dripped on the cars before they were finished it could cause damage, costing Ginetta both time and money.
Then we knew we had to be careful. Of course the team at DPR always work to the highest of standards and adhere to all health and safety regulations but when working above cars that cost in excess of £220,000 you tend to act super careful, particularly if you are a car lover which we all are here.
But, nevertheless, we got the work done and repaired all the leaks without causing a single bit of upset to the production workers below. Ginetta can rest easy knowing their roof is once again water tight, and ready for next seasons challenges.
If you are having roofing troubles on your commercial property then just call DPR on 0113 335 0043.
How are Green Roofs Doing?
We have often spoken about Green Roofs at DPR, and have mentioned the many benefits of them. Aside from being impressive and beautiful from a design and aesthetic perspective, they are also very important in tackling climate change.
In areas of urban sprawl green roofs and roof gardens help to tackle the urbanisation of green spaces. They provide a small ecosystem for wildlife and can help tackle pollution.
On a larger scale they can make cities, and even countries, more eco-friendly. So the progress and development of green roofs is being closely documented.
On the 26th of July the first ever assessment of green roofs was carried out at London City hall and was hosted by the Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues. At the event they publicized the first ever set of data collated about green roofs. And in fantastic news it was found that the UK green roof market is delivering an incredible 17% increase in growth year on year.
James Talman, CEO of the National Federation of Roofing said:
“Roofing is sometimes viewed in a narrow context, but the continued expansion of the green roof market plays an essential role in highlighting the diversity of the industry. Apart from the ecological, environmental and social benefits green roofs provide, they also are important in creating rewarding careers for multi-skilled professionals.
“We are pleased to support the green roof industry in its quest to see other large urban conurbations in the UK following the GLA’s lead on ‘greening’ our cities.”
Currently 42% of the green roofing market is focussed in London, but this is rapidly changing as more and more cities are adopting the design and eco benefits of green roofs.
To find out more about DPR’s roofing services just call us on 0113 335 0043.