Battling winter storms and exceptional winds, roofing specialist, Hodgson Sayers, has completed a major roofing contract at the former Metropole Hotel, based on the seafront at Whitby.
The company was approached to undertake repairs on the Victorian building, which was converted into apartments in the 1960s. Due to its seafront location, the former grand hotel faces storm damage and wear and tear on a regular basis. As such, major roofing repairs were required on two towers and the adjoining roof and door windows.
The project also involved brickwork repairs to the face of the building. Built in 1897 and with the original brickwork still in place, Hodgson Sayers, which is a specialist in heritage projects, sourced materials that were compatible with the original design.
Hodgson Sayers is a specialist roofing, building maintenance and security products company, that operates across the UK from its headquarters in Stanley, County Durham and a base in Nottingham. It employs a mix of highly skilled operatives including contracts managers, joiners, roofers and bricklayers, who service the needs of a diverse client base, the majority of whom are in the public sector and the utilities.
Employing over 100 staff, the company works across the following sectors – utilities, housing, heritage, education and healthcare.
James Rolt, safety, health, environment and quality manager at Hodgson Sayers, said: “Led by site manager, Jason Wilson, we had several joiners, slaters and tilers and brick workers undertaking works on this project.
“The Hotel looks directly over the North Sea which is very unforgiving, especially during the winter months. Whilst it might look like a calm day when you’re at ground level, the height of the building meant that weather conditions were far from easy on the best of days and, at times, a huge challenge during more bracing ones.
“Safety is always paramount so, it meant, at various points, the decision had to be called to down tools when the team was getting a battering from the elements, which meant the schedule really was at the mercy of mother nature.
“This, is where thorough planning before commencing works comes in to play. We balanced the length of time we had to complete the project against variables, such as unpredictable weather. Having a significant workforce, it meant we were able to draft in additional team members to complete as much as possible on the days when conditions were advantageous.”
John Sayers, managing director, Hodgson Sayers, said: “A challenging project for the team but we look at solutions and not problems. With over 40 years in operation, we know that careful planning and a skilled workforce can navigate almost all issues and still complete a project on time and to the highest standard. The weather conditions were tough but the team managed this impeccably, communicating with our head office and the client at all times, and the end result speaks for itself.”
