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!
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.
Common roofing problems answered
As long as they as they are looked after properly, roofs in Barnsley can last a life time. So, to help you look after your roof, here is a comprehensive list compiled by our Barnsley roofers of problems that may occur, in addition to explanations on how to deal with them:
Can I walk on my roof tiles?
Because your weight can cause tiles to crack or micro-crack, we would advise against walking on your roof without it being properly trafficked with suitable access equipment. British Standard BS 8000: Part 6: 1990, which refers to ‘workmanship on sites’, states that a sufficient number of ladders and crawling boards should be used in order to protect the roof from damage and make it safe for the people on the roof.
If I notice cracks on my roof, what should I do?
Unfortunately, cracks are a common occurrence. This is especially the case on roofs that sit at lower levels, because they are susceptible to damage caused by traffic from window cleaners and the like. For this reason, it is recommended that not only should you check the tiles for cracks on a six-monthly basis, but also to take the appropriate steps to prevent avoidable damage to your roof.
Is it safe to jet-wash my roof?
We would never recommend this because of the potential damage to the roof tiles caused by high-powered jet washes, which would significantly diminish the life expectancy of the roof.
How long will the colour last on my roof tile or slate?
As in the case of all construction materials, tiles and slates are bound to change at least slightly in appearance due to exposure to the elements. Indeed exposure to rain and the growth of things like moss, algae and lichen, as well as the inevitable exposure to sunlight pretty much guarantees that your roof will change colour.
With regard to how long from new the roof will take to discolour, this will vary according to climatic variants like air purity and humidity.
How do I remove moss, algae or lichen from my roof?
Use environmentally-friendly chemicals and avoid chlorine-based bleach because this too can discolour your roof. Oxygen bleach – also known as sodium percarbonate - is a natural alternative to ‘normal’ bleach that will still get rid of these unwanted and unsightly growths without discolouring your roof.
Alternatively, if you live in Barnsley and need roof repairs, you need a local company with many years of experience that you can trust: Call DPR now on 01226 920061.
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/
Roofing in Barnsley
Our Barnsley roofers have been very busy in the last few weeks as more and more homeowners are making changes to their roofs.
From replacements of flat roofs on top of garages to planned building work of new roofs on conservatories, our team have been busy each day. With the weather having been of a dry and warm nature as well, we have been able to successfully work uninterrupted, completing jobs earlier than previously scheduled, to the delight of many Barnsley residents.
If you are considering making changes to your roof, our roofers would like to remind you of a few things to consider. Firstly, make sure you have thought everything through and have had a proper survey and plan of what needs to be done- especially important for new roofs.
If it is a repair, be aware that other materials are available, especially for flat roofs. You might currently have a felt roof but a high quality fibreglass option could provide you with the longevity that you require, as well as higher levels of quality and a more aesthetically pleasing style.
Also important is to make sure you are getting what you pay for. If you are having repair work, it is vital that the whole roof is checked to make sure a leak or damage is not going to cause further problems in 6 months time at your additional expense. Using an accredited roofing company like ourselves should ensure your roof is fully checked and any repair work quote would make sure the complete roof has been fixed.
Whatever your roofing requirements, we want you to have the smoothest of possible experiences, so we offer a great end to end service from your initial contact to arrange for a survey, through to the completed work. We also believe in great aftercare and will discuss every point with you along the way so you can have full confidence in the work that we do.
So if you are considering roof work in Barnsley and need to choose a respectable local roofer, why not choose us and call 01226 920061 today.
How to not clean your roof
Manchester-based roofing firm IQ Roofing Solutions was the subject of court action after a serious breach of health and safety regulations. A man working for the firm was pictured in a recent article on the Daily Mail website jet-washing a roof of a home in Tyldesley, Greater Manchester, in June 2013 without the appropriate scaffolding, meaning that the worker was risking his life, and possibly the lives of others.
As a result, Managing Director of the firm, Stuart Bell, was ordered to pay £3000 in fines and to contribute an extra £2000 towards the cost of prosecution due to the actions of his employee, who was cleaning moss and other debris from the roof as a precursor to the main work being undertaken, when the photograph was taken.
An investigator from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visited the site in question after a passer-by informed them of the safety breach, who immediately issued a Prohibition Notice until the appropriate scaffolding had been put in place around the edge of the roof to protect the worker from slipping from the wet roof.
During the case, which was heard at Trafford Magistrates’ Court, it was determined that the firm’s Managing Director was aware of the lack of safety precautions in place at the site, as he had in fact visited the site that very morning. The company was also unable to provide proof that it held Employers’ Liability Insurance, which it is obliged to hold under English law to provide compensation for workers in the event that an injury is incurred at work.
The company had previously been served with a Prohibition Notice back in 2011 for similar reasons.
Such scant regard for health and safety regulations is all too common in the construction and roofing industries. So, if you in Barnsley and want roofing services that you can trust, choose us for our impeccable reputation and safety record. If you need a new roof, or you need roof repairs to be undertaken, please call now on 01226 920061.
Barnsley Roofers urge people to check guttering
After a winter in which lost of families faced problems caused by the wind and the rain, Barnsley’s leading roofers at DPR are urging people to check their guttering.
The check should not only be to ensure that the guttering is connected to the house, but that it is not clogged up with debris that is preventing water from running off the roof correctly. With Barnsley having some of the worst weather as well, there is every possibility that leaves and twigs could have got caught in your gutters.
The reasons we are urging people to check them now before it is too late is because in the early part of 2013, South Yorkshire Company Oak Leaf Products contacted us one night after a heavy rain storm. Water had been tipping over their roof gutters and had by the time they arrived, damaged around £20,000 worth of stock as well as causing damage to their fuse board, meaning they could not use the internet at all.
The cause of the problem was however the guttering which had not been checked for a number of years. Rubbish and debris had been building up over the winter months, and when the heavy rain came, there was nowhere for the water to go apart from over the top of the gutters. There were also crisp packets and other rubbish which could have been caused by the workers who have lunch outside.
Unfortunately, the guttering is one part of the roof which is very difficult to see and it is often too late before your consider cleaning it. However, there is now something which you can do to help combat this problem. For as little as £300, we can provide regular maintenance checks on your roof, which includes the guttering and clear any problematic clogs which could cause such devastation if left to get bigger, like the example above.
If you live in the Barnsley area and want to take advantage of this, then please call us on 01226 920061 and don’t let guttering spoil your life.
Roof Repairs Barnsley
Barnsley Roofers can carry out domestic and commercial roof repairs in the area with ease. Despite many homes and buildings being steeped in history, our roofers have the skills and quality to repair broken tiles, missing guttering and other roof problems with aplomb, doing it in a quick time frame and at the least possible inconvenience to our clients.
We have over 20 years experience within the Barnsley area and in that time have carried out work on an array of different properties including local churches, schools, domestic houses and high storey flats. This enables us to attend any roof repair in the area and after a comprehensive survey, quickly diagnose the issue and take the correct steps to solve the problem.
Roof repairs are not always straightforward and that is why DPR have employed the best locally trained Barnsley roofers for your repair work. We understand that a problem with the roof can be a big annoyance and can lead to other problems within the home, such as damp patches and the occasional damage to furniture, lighting and carpets.
Roofs come in an array of different arrangements, with felt roofing common on flat roofs, and tiles or slate more widely used on pitched roofs. However there are other alternatives such as large roof sheets for garages, and commercial buildings which can all become damaged by wind, rain, negligence or vandalism. To combat all these problems and ensure that a roof, regardless of its composition can be repaired quickly and to the highest of standards, our roofers are trained in a variety of skills, and regularly undertaken quality control training and tests to continue their development. All in all, this means that a roof repair in Barnsley by one of our team is not only effective but top drawer.
Should you have a problem with your domestic or commercial roof in the Barnsley area and require a quick and effective repair, please call Barnsley Roofers on 01226 920061. We have a cost effective price structure so your repair need be a huge financial burden.