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.
24 Hour Emergency Service
DPR Roofing have been in operation for over 28 years. This is an impressive period of time for an independent roofing firm to be in operation. We offer our services to both commercial and domestic clients, and have lost count of the number of roofs we have worked on.
One reason for our continued success is our dedication to customer service. Before we carry out any work we always survey the site, so we can carry out the work that is actually needed. Our team is made up from qualified and experienced engineers, all of whom take a huge amount of pride in their work.
And that is just one way in which we display our dedication to customer service. Another, is our 24/7 emergency service.
We know first-hand that when things go wrong, they never go wrong at the right time. It’s always in the middle of the night, or weekends, or during the biggest storm of the year. This is why DPR offer our 24/7 emergency roofing service.
The longer you leave a malfunctioning roof, the worse the damage will be. Water will seep down into the building, and what may have started as something quite small could end up being a huge issue. This is why it is imperative that when something goes wrong it is responded to as soon as possible.
When you call DPR we will dispatch one of our qualified engineers to visit you as soon as possible. When they arrive they will assess the damage and get to work immediately. If they cannot resolve the issue there and then they will install temporary measures until such a time as they can permanently repair the issue.
If you are having some issues with your roof and need a technician out as soon as possible to take a look at it then just call DPR on 0113 335 0043 to see how we can help.
DPR Provide Roofing Services for Tesla
DPR Roofing has worked with some interesting clients in our time. Different things make clients interesting for different reasons. Some clients are interesting because of what happens inside the premises. With other clients it’s the building we are working on, and simply have interesting roofs. For some, they simply have a level of prestige that we don’t get chance to work with often.
One of our latest clients very much fall into the latter category.
DPR Roofing are proud to announce that we are now supplying roofing services to Tesla, at their dealership headquarters in Huddersfield.
This will be an incredibly interesting job to work on and will mean more emphasis on health and safety than usual due to customer visits by the general public creating a much bigger risk. Careful risk assessments and method statements will be in place here as with all public encroachment on our work zones. Even a minor accident could cause damage to incredibly valuable stock also. On a similar vein, it is imperative that Tesla’s roof is constantly kept in the best condition possible. As a high-end technology provider a leak could be extremely damaging and create issues that are extremely costly to repair.
Thankfully, we are well up to the task, and are excited to see what opportunities working with such a prestigious client, on such a location, affords us.
To find out more about the commercial roofing services that DPR roofing provides, and how we can help your business, just call us on 0113 335 0043.
7 steps to protect your roof over the winter months
Winter is the most detrimental time of year for your roof. Snow, wind and heavy rain storms create huge amounts of damage to roofs across the UK every year, with this annual threat costing homeowners thousands in repairs.
To give yourself the best chance of avoiding a costly bill, we’ve listed 7 simple steps to protect your roof over the winter months.
1. Remove ice and snow
Ice and snow are hugely damaging to your roof. If left untreated they can cause severe leaks and the additional pressure could even result in collapses. Weather permitting, try to remove snow and ice as soon as possible or seek help from a roof maintenance professional. Never attempt climb on your own roof, this is highly dangerous.
2. Clean your gutters
Ensuring that your gutters are kept clean is an essential part of winter roof care. Debris such as leaves and twigs cast around by strong winds can pile up in your gutters, causing water to pool in them instead of flowing through to your drain. Once this happens the water can soak through your walls and can cause internal damage to your home which can be extremely expensive to replace.
3. Check for broken slates and tiles
One sure-fire sign that your roof is at risk of leaks is broken tiles and slates. Even the smallest crack or chip can leak with water and cost you thousands if left alone, so endeavour to repair or replace them as soon as possible.
4. Remove moss and ivy
Another hugely damaging factor to roofs is a build-up of moss and ivy. Both hold water and can result in leaks; we suggest using a product that has potassium salts or fatty acids to stop these harmful plants in their tracks and prevent them from reoccurring.
5. Check your insulation
It’s vital that you check your roof insulation regularly too. Any holes in your insulative material create a freezing temperature in your loft during winter, sending your heating bills skyrocketing. We suggest you check carefully around any vents, windows or chimneys; these are the places where holes are most likely to occur, so aim to ensure that there’s sufficient sealant around the insulation so the cold can’t get in.
6. Keep your roof clean
Flying twigs and branches whipped up by strong wintry winds can scrape or damage your roof’s tiles. To minimise the risk of this happening, we recommend you trim any overhanging trees or branches at least 3 metres away from your roof.
7. Check flashing and vents
One of the most delicate areas of your roof is your chimney and as such you should regularly check that your flashing hasn’t been dislodged or peeled away from the brickwork. Structures that penetrate your roof such as vents should also be checked on a regular basis to ensure the flashing is dressed/adhered to your roof isn’t coming away from the roof.
Need more help? For expert help and advice or to arrange a roof inspection speak to our friendly team today Call: 01484 866 772
Top Four Ways to Protect Engineers When Working at Height
One of the highest priorities at DPR roofing is the safety of our engineers. Aside from the simple moral obligation of not wanting them to get hurt, engineers who feel safe will provide a better quality of work. We also feel that our duty of care extends far beyond our engineers. The people within the building, and also the general public, must be kept safe at all times as well.
There are four main ways in which DPR ensures the protection of all those on any site we are on.
The first is simply training. All our staff are fully qualified and accredited. Part of their training is always on health and safety, and we ensure that this training is always in the forefront of their mind whenever they are on site. We also make sure that they are properly supervised at all times.
For every job we carry out a thorough and comprehensive risk assessment, regardless of the drop height. Falling from height accounts for more injuries than any other kind of accident in construction. By carrying out a thorough risk assessment, and constantly re-evaluating as new risks appear, we can ensure that our staff are as safe as possible at all times.
We constantly invest in new equipment, including PPE. There are always technological developments to take advantage of, and if something as simple as a better pair of boots will help our engineers feel, and operate, safer then we will always make the investment. We also upgrade our larger scale equipment, such as platforms, regularly so we can provide a better, and safer, standard of work.
We try our best to limit the amount of people on site at all times. By controlling who is on site we can simply control the number of risks that are being posed. For example, an inexperienced contractor, or even member of the public, will not have a basic understanding of the risks involved in construction and roofing.
By adhering to these 4 simple rules we can ensure the safety of our engineers and the public in and around the site. DPR offer a complete range of roofing services to both domestic and commercial clients all over Yorkshire. To find out more simply call us on 0113 335 0043.
Health and Safety in Roofing
One issue with being a roofing firm which has been operating for over 28 years is that we can never switch off. Wherever we go we are constantly looking at, and evaluating, roofs and roofing issues. It has become unconscious to us now. And this encompasses all aspects of roofing, including health and safety.
Health and safety is something we take incredibly seriously at DPR Roofing. This extends to caring for everyone in the vicinity, which includes our engineers, the residents of the building and also the general public. When working at height, and with loose materials such as tiles, there is always a risk to those around us. So, we take every precaution we can to make sure that those risks are minimised.
Part of this is to constantly review and update our health and safety accreditations. At DPR we hold a number of accreditations which includes: The Federation of Master Builders (FMB), SafeContractor and Confederation of Roofing Contractors. These accreditations are amongst the most prestigious in the roofing industry, and gaining them means we have to work to an incredibly high standard, which includes health and safety practices.
One thing we see a lot of when we are driving around is people trying to fix their own roof, to try and save a few quid. Recently we saw a perfect example of this when travelling to a job. We applaud people having a go at fixing things themselves, but roofing should not be part of this, the risk to themselves and to those around them is too great.
In this particular circumstance the person carrying out the work had two stepladders set up to allow him to climb on to a three storey roof, the ladders were not even set up properly. He was also not wearing any PPE, carrying out the work in jeans and trainers. Sure, he may have got the job cheaper than if he hired some scaffolding for the day, but at what risk to himself and those around to? To us at DPR the risks are simply not worth it.
DPR Roofing provides roofing services to commercial and domestic properties all over the Yorkshire area. To find out more simply call us on 0113 335 0043.
What to Ask a Roofer
There are many roofing contractors in the Huddersfield area. It is only natural that most people will shop around to try and find the best possible deal before they decide to use a particular roofer. However, price should not be your only deciding factor. In fact, price should be quite low down the list of priorities. Below is a list of questions we would ask, if we were looking for a roofing contractor.
Are you fully licensed?
Although it is a standard requirement, it is imperative that any roofing contractor you work with be fully licenced. Holding a licence means that they are not only capable of working to a certain standard, but that they are also fully insured and carry the necessary health and safety qualifications.
How long have you been trading?
An experienced contractor will be exactly that; experienced. While some newer roofing contractors will be fully capable, they simply will not have the know-how that comes with 28 years of working with roofs on a daily basis.
Do you hire subcontractors?
This is important, it doesn’t matter if the roofer you are working with has all the experience under the sun if they use poor subcontractors. At DPR all our engineers are multiskilled, so we need to rely on subcontractors to a much lesser extent than others. However, on the rare occasion we do we only work with people we know and trust.
Can you tell me about the warranty?
If a roofer does not offer some form of warranty on their work then be suspicious. If they do not trust their work to last a certain amount of time then why do they lack that faith? Do they not trust their own work?
Do you have any other homeowner testimonials?
Any experienced contractor will have testimonials from satisfied customers. If not, why not? Are they new, or is their work poor? Always check websites and social media platforms.
Do you have insurance?
If the roofing contractor does not have some form of insurance then the client may be liable for the costs if there is any damage or accidents. To avoid this unfair responsibility make sure the roofer has insurance.
It goes without saying that DPR has all of the above criteria. To find out more about how we are one of the leading roofing firms in Yorkshire, or to find out more about our services just call us on 0113 335 0043.
Surge in House building Helps Construction Recover
After a slow start to the year, May saw a huge rebound in the amount of construction being carried out in the UK, which was largely propped up by residential house building. This is following a ‘soft patch’ that took place at the beginning of 2017.
Unfortunately, the prices of working materials continues to rise, but the overall rate of inflation has steadied from the spike at the start of the year.
The main reason for this increase in work is the sudden rise in residential house building. Which has rebounded strongly from a 7 month low in March. This increase is actually the fastest since December 2015. The data from May also shows strong increases in civil engineering and commercial building.
Somewhat unfortunately, this sharp increase in demand lead to a shortage materials, and suppliers delivery times lengthening as they struggle to keep up with the increased demand. Weak exchange rates from the political unrest lead to intense negotiations between suppliers, however the time for peak price hikes has now passed.
Despite the increase in costs and difficulty sourcing materials the increase in work available is a boon for the construction sector.
One of the best aspects of this increase in productivity, aside from the economical benefits, is the creation of jobs. For the second month in a row job creation and staff recruitment both rose. Along with this material buying also increased in accordance with the increased workload. All of which will have a positive snowball effect on the construction industry.
To find out more, or to learn more about the services that DP provides just call us on 0113 335 0043.
Problems With Your Pitched Roof?
We’re supposed to be in summer right now, but looking out of the window it is hard to tell. Undoubtedly your pitched roof will be taking and incredible beating, and in time, may start to develop issues.
In Huddersfield, right in the heart of Yorkshire, homes are subject to some incredible stressors, and the roofs on these homes are right in the firing line. In this post DPR wanted to offer a few tips on what to look out for, to try and spot an issue before it is too late.
Broken or slipped tiles are very common in heavy weather. Wind and rain can dislodge the tile, and then once it has moved a small amount it is a lot easier for further wind to pick it up and move it even farther. This then leaves a gap in the roof through which water can enter.
Ridge tiles can often break. The usual cause for this is the mortar crumbling, which loosens its grip on the tile. The only proper way to repair this is to strip off the old tile and mortar, and then replace them both with new. Missing, degraded mortar in general can be an issue on a roof. Thankfully, both jobs are easy for the team here at DPR to remedy.
Debris can very much be an issue on a pitched roof. Due to the valleys often found on them, rubbish and debris can be collected which can either weaken the structure, or prevent the proper flow of water. This water will then not enter the drainage system, and will end up where it should not.
This issue can be compounded by ineffective guttering. Guttering that is blocked, broken, or simply not installed correctly will not work as it should. This, again, will stop water flowing where it should which can ultimately go on to create a number of issues.
If you fear you are suffering from any of the issues above then simply give us a call on 0113 335 0043 and one of our engineers will be more than happy to help.
DPR Carry Out Work Inside DPD
DPR have been offering roofing services to both commercial and domestic clients in the Yorkshire area for over 28 years. We feel at home on a roof. Outside in the open air, with tiles under our feet is where we feel most comfortable. However, we recently called on to carry out a job inside a building…
We received a call from DPD to carry out an external roof refurbishment. This particular property is quite large, and tall. Which meant that we had to roll out our brand new platform to reach the roof. This came in particularly useful as part of the roof refurbishment required us to replace and repair internal insulation. To do so meant driving the platform inside the property.
In this situation the platform really came into its own. Not only does it reach extremely high heights, but it is very mobile. This enabled us to reach all parts of the roof that we needed to.
This constant investment in new, and better equipment is one factor that separates DPR from our competitors. Where a competitor might have had to sub contract out a portion of the work, or hire in a piece of equipment, we can take care of it all in house. This means that all work is carried out quickly, consistently, and always to our high standards.
To find out more about the range of roofing services that we provide just call DPR on 0113 335 0043.