Maintaining and repairing your roof
To say that roofs are such a critical part of any house, not many homeowners know some simple ways to maintain and repair them. Having the knowledge to spot tell-tale signs of damage to your roof can save you a lot of money, as it prevents more expensive repairs in the future.
As well as providing fantastic domestic and commercial roofing services in Pontefract, we at DPR also like to help our customers by sharing some of our knowledge. Here are a few examples of what could be wrong with your roof, along with what you can do to check:
A cracked or slipped tile is likely to be the result of weather, and doesn’t necessarily mean that there is a larger problem with your roof. Remember that whilst a roof can last a lifetime, it is subjected to some very harsh environments – damage to individual tiles isn’t uncommon.
It’s often easy to identify a slipped tile from ground level. Simply take a step back from your property and assess whether a particular patch looks slightly different from the rest. A cracked tile, however, may require an external roof inspection as they can be harder to spot from afar.
Sagging
Roof sagging could be caused by a number of problems – weather damage, faulty roofing material or too much weight, for example. Although sagging is a common problem in both new and old homes it needs to be assessed by an expert, as the structure could be at risk of failing.
Luckily, sagging is very easy to identify – when viewing the roof from the outside it will appear wavy and uneven.
We at DPR advise you to take care if you make the decision to inspect your roof. It’s important to have someone assisting you at all times, as well as making sure that you feel completely safe and stable before going up a ladder. There is no harm in ringing the professionals – our team is vastly experienced in roof repair and deliver a quick, efficient service.
If you are experiencing any of the above problems with your roof or want more information, don’t hesitate to contact one of our specialist team on 01977 220 016.
New Purpose Built Office for DPR
Due to continued growth and expansion, DPR are delighted to announce that we are shortly due to move to new premises in Denby Dale, West Yorkshire.
“DPR have been based in Crigglestone since October 2003 and the office has proved to be a great base for the business to grow,” comments Darren Rickett, Managing Director at DPR Ltd.
“However over the last 11 years we have simply outgrown the premises and the new head office will provide us with a great platform to continue to service our customers across Yorkshire as it is larger, provides more space and enables us to continue to purchase new equipment and vehicles as we continue to expand,” Darren concludes.
A further announcement will be made shortly regarding the move and all customers, suppliers and organisations will be informed accordingly.
Contact DPR Ltd on 01924 640019 for further information.
Watch out for rogue trader scams
After hearing that rogue traders are present in the counties bordering Yorkshire, DPR would like to remind people to be on the lookout for doorstep trader scams. This is even more crucial as we enter the last few weeks of summer where traders might use summer timeframes as a reason to get roofing and maintenance work done before the winter weather arrives.
According to reports, some councils including Nottinghamshire County Councils Trading Standards department have received a flurry of complaints from local residents. These complaints are usually regarding the poor quality of any repair work, although some have been about traders pestering a home.
Traditionally the activity of rogue traders increases in the summer months as more people consider and make changes to their homes usually in preparation for the winter months.
Unfortunately, a common scam involves minor roof repairs being noticed and then when they get on the roof, claiming more extensive work is required to solve the problem. Another is that quote prices are not agreed in writing before hand and then prices are inflated at the completion of work.
DPR would like to warn homeowners that no creditable roofing company would drive around looking at roofs to create work for themselves, so please do be wary if anyone you do not know comments on the state of your roof. If you have reason to believe they are not genuine please do not commit to any work and do not pay them any money.
If you are looking for a trustworthy and respected local company to carry out roofing work for you, please do get in touch with our team. We will only ever come to your home after you have requested our service and from there, all steps are delivered clearly, with full price considerations laid out in black and white.
If you are worried about any rogue traders in your area, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.
Please don’t get caught out this summer!
DPR help rescue leaking roof at Castleford College
DPR carry out roofing work for Wakefield College Estates, the company which is in charge of education buildings, such as Wakefield College, across the Wakefield and Pontefract District.
Last month Wakefield College Estates called on our roofing expertise to rectify an ongoing leak to the ’just 5 years old’ state of the art campus at Castleford College. The leak was right at the very top of the building, linked to the atrium area and had caused considerable problems for rooms and spaces below.
After an initial survey was carried out by Darren Rickett and a better understanding of the issues which have caused this leak after such a short lifespan of the existing roof was established, DPR set about coming up with a better and more effective solution.
It was agreed that a new GRP trim and board system was to be installed over the main atrium. However because of the position within the wider roofing structure of the atrium section, which looks out over Junction 32 and Xscape, access was very difficult having to cart all the roof repair materials upstairs due to their large size.
Usually, work is slowed up by bad weather, however for the first time in the history of DPR Roofing, the works were slowed up by hot weather of late which is bizarre as usually its rain that stops play. The sheer heat taken in by the roof was too much for staff to bear working upon and the GRP would cure too fast. This has never happened before and does prove how much our climate is changing and the warm weather we have had this summer.
Upon completion of the work, our contact commented at their delight that the issues had been solved and after we explained it will last over 20 years (although it should last a lot longer) were further delighted with the works done.
If you have a commercial property that has small leakages in the roof, please do not wait. In all too many scenarios, a small issue can escalate overnight due to heavy rain and leave you with a huge problem, often affecting rooms, stock or other equipment below. If you are worried, please contact one of our surveyor team who can come out as soon as possible to check your roof for you and recommend and immediate work that might need to take place.
For more information on our commercial roofing packages and work, please contact us today on 01977 220016.
Old style roofing measures used
At DPR, we are committed to using the very latest technology and materials on all our roofing repairs in Pontefract. Not only does this ensure your new roof can withstand the demands of the current climate, but it will also last longer and work more effectively.
Today, we have however been made aware of one situation when using a new type of roofing product will not be adequate for the project. Although not carrying out this work ourselves, we wanted to share it with you.
A reconstructed bronze age roundhouse requires the roof to be reconstructed and organisers are going to use materials and tools from that era, calling it an “experimental archaeology” project. The building was in fact re-built only 20 years ago at Flag Fen (Peterborough) but has been built out of traditional materials. Flag Fen has Bronze Age history, with a causeway there dating back over 3500 years.
Because of the complexities of the work, Historians will be spending a week, mending the roof using replica bronze and flint, and will only be able to use wooden tools. None of the high-tech power tool equipment DPR use in projects today.
Stuart Orme, from Vivacity Culture and Leisure, which runs the site, described it as "experimental archaeology" and a "difficult challenge".
"The re-enactors will have to struggle with very basic tools to recreate the roof," he said.
"It will be a tough experimental task, but fascinating for visitors and archaeologists to witness."
The roof will consist of wooden beams that are covered by woven mesh of lighter wood. Above this will then be a layer of reed, almost like thatching on some cottage style roofs, but it will then have a thick layer of turf on the top.
DPR are interested to see how this project concludes as work begins on Monday and should take a week to complete.
If however you have a roof that needs repair in Pontefract, you will more than likely want to use the latest materials. At DPR we have some of the most qualified roofers so that when you have a problem, we can repair it with the most effective equipment. For more information on roof repair methods or to arrange for one of our team to come and survey your roof in Pontefract, please do contact us on 01977 220016.
First Aid Qualification for two employees
Two of DPR’s Roofers went on an essential first aid training course last month, provided by Highfield awarding body for compliance.
Jack Smith and Ben Pearson both passed an oral and written assessment in HABC Level 2 Award in Emergency first aid work at work and are now both covered for three years.
This accreditation covers those who are working in the industry or preparing to and it is an essential skill for the purposes of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 and the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations (NI) 1982.
The day course encompasses an array of different topics including “The roles and responsibilities of the Emergency First Aider, assessing an incident, recognising signs and symptoms of injury and illness and assisting a casualty who is suffering from injury and illness.”
DPR are delighted that both have completed the course and it shows our commitment to working to the very highest of industry standards. These skills will also help both of them in their working life and will cover our company for emergency first aid work for the next few years.
DPR would like to pass our congratulations onto both our employees!
DPR expand vehicle range
DPR are delighted to announce that we have bought a new land rover to add to our survey department fleet.
This vehicle is used for those hard to get properties we regularly visit on the moors of Huddersfield during winter times and to enable surveys to still be carried out during snowy and icy conditions throughout Yorkshire & Lancashire.
The vehicle is a total one off finish, which we had Bespoke of Harrogate design for us and we are proud to add this to our growing fleet of commercial vehicles.
What are the differences between Acme Single Camber and Acme Double Camber clay tiles?
At Pontefract roofers, we like to provide out clients with as much information as possible to help them make an informed choice about thier roofs. Today we have had a look at types of clay roof tiles, inparticular looking at the Acme Single and Double Camber variations.
The features of Acme Single Camber clay tiles
This tile is available in a range of eight colours to help you match the surrounding area and meet planning requirements and is a remarkably versatile product, with its 30° minimum pitch providing greater than usual design flexibility that has helped to make it popular in the marketplace.
In common with all clay tiles is its ’Very Good’ certification for BES 6001, which is the government-sanctioned regulation that products should be made with constituent materials, as well as being sourced responsibly. As clay is a natural product, it is not only practical but also environmentally-friendly.
Accreditation under the BES 6001 standard has made it likely that the tile will receive further accreditation by Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) under the Code for Sustainable Homes.
In addition, it has a long life and is highly affordable, making an ideal option for any roofing project. Advances in technology have enabled the tiles to be mass-produced, which of course aids affordability, as well as allowing Acme to make the tiles available in a range of colours at no extra cost.
The features of Double Camber Clay plain tile
This tile is also clay, so it shares all of the accreditations and eco-friendly characteristics of the single camber variant. How it differs is largely in its unique double camber plain tile texture and colouring. As such, while the tile is more expensive, it comes in fewer colours, and its range of complementary clay tile fittings and accessories are equally plain, which suits the traditional profile of the tile.
The tile’s characteristic double curve allows the designer/roofer to create highly-textured patterns that will be accentuated by variations in light and shade. This is the only double camber tile made in the UK.
Having been provided roof repairs and installation for homes across Pontefract for two decades, knowing the difference between one tile and another is integral to our success. So for expert advice from roofers who pay meticulous attention to detail, call now on 01977 220016.
How to replace a roof tile
If your tiles on your roof in Pontefract are broken it is important that they are replaced because they can quickly become a problem. This is because broken tiles are meant to protect the inside of the house from the elements, but if broken they do not perform this function well, as they allow water to penetrate the roof. With this in mind, here is a guide on how to replace a single roof tile:
Tools you need:
1. Ladder
2. Safety harness
3. Wooden wedges
4. Hammer
5. Slate ripper
6. Bucket attached to a rope
7. Replacement lap tiles
8. Possibly:
9. Tile clips
10. Galvanised flat-head nails
11. Galvanised tie wire
Step 1:
Using the wedges, lift up the tiles to positioned to the left and right of the broken one.
Step 2:
Tilt the broken tile sideways in order to separate it from the tiles with which it is interlocked. Then lever the tile upwards to release it from its clip, while being careful not to disturb the tiles that aren’t broken.
If the clip stays in position, the replacement tile may slip into the empty slot with no problem. If on the other hand the clip has been dislodged, there is little need to replace it as a few missing clips will make little difference. If your tile is nailed in, use the slate ripper to remove any nails or cut the wire before removing it.
Step 3:
Place the broken tile in the empty bucket and use the attached rope to lower it to the ground to the person helping you with the job.
Step 4:
Take the replacement tile and slide it into place, before pulling back the tiles that were previously pushed out of position in order to accommodate the removal of the broken tile, and the remove any wedges.
The roofers at DPR (Pontefract) have built an outstanding reputation for the quality of their roof repairs over the 20 years the company has been in business. So, for a local roofing company you can rely on, call DPR’s Pontefract roofers now on 01977 220016.
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/