BATTLING winter storms and winds, roofing specialist Hodgson Sayers has completed roofing repairs at the former Metropole Hotel, situated on the Whitby seafront.

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, 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.

Battling the Storm

James Rolt, Safety, Health, Environment & 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.”

Challenging Project

John Sayers, Hodgson Sayers Managing Director, added: “It was 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.”

>> Read more about Hodgson Sayers in the news

The post Roofing Repairs Complete for Former Victorian Seafront Hotel appeared first on Roofing Today.