Advice from NE building experts amid winter weather worries

North East general and specialist maintenance experts, Stone Technical Services, are warning business and home owners to ensure any weather damage is repaired promptly, after a surge in demand for their services.

Following the recent spate of snow, ice, wind and flooding, Stone is advising people to take action now to prevent further damage and repair bills mounting up and also to avoid any potential health and safety-related issues.

The Darlington-based company’s maintenance and facilities management (FM) division has seen its workload increase considerably because of the freezing conditions and the following wind, rain and floods.

Ben Jackson (pictured below), who heads up the maintenance and FM division for Stone, explained: “We’ve received almost double the number of call-outs since the start of January compared to the average for the time of year, all down to the bad weather. Snow, ice, wind and floods have been the biggest cause of damage and we’re currently working with a number of churches, schools and other public buildings that need emergency repairs to gutters, drains, roofing, canopies, signage and rainwater goods

“It’s vital organisations- and homeowners too- repair any damage as soon as possible, not only because it could get worse and result in a hefty repair bill in the long-term, but also because of health and safety issues. Falling debris, damp and roof damage can all affect insurance policies and should be repaired quickly.”

Stone’s experts advise people to carry out a basic weekly check- especially during bad weather- to walls and buildings, drains, gutters, waterproofing and roof coverings.

Thanks to its reputation as one of leaders in its field in the UK, Stone has recently completed general maintenance and FM work for organisations such as Gentoo in Sunderland, Newcastle City Council and Middlesbrough Diocese.

• For more on Stone Technical Services visit www.stonetechnicalgroup.co.uk.