Winter weather warning following surge in demand for Darlington company’s services

North East specialist maintenance experts, Stone Technical Services, are advising organisations to take action now to prevent costly repair bills over the winter months, after a surge in enquiries following the recent spate of severe weather across the North East.

The Darlington-based company has received double the amount of call-outs compared to normal in the last week following the heavy rain, wind and floods.

Stone’s facilities management (FM) division has been carrying out work to churches, schools and other public buildings requiring emergency repairs to gutters, drains, roofing, sheeting, canopies, leadwork, signage and rainwater goods.

To prevent more damage as the winter months approach, experts from Stone have these simple tips for facilities managers: -

1. Carry out a basic weekly check to walls and buildings
2. Check rainwater goods- drains, gutters, waterproofing etc- especially after seasonal foliage drop
3. Checks your drains- this will prevent blockages
4. Visually inspect your roof coverings
5. Have a regular maintenance check by experts – they’re inexpensive and can save thousands of pounds in the long-run

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 Newcastle City Council- working on museums and industrial parks, Gentoo Homes, the Cornmill Centre in Darlington, the University of Sunderland and for Nova erecting and then removing banners for the recent Great North Run from structures such as the Tyne Bridge.

Managing director, Dave Stone, said: “Stone Technical Services is a pretty unique business as not only are we experts in high level restoration and repairs, lightning protection, industrial steeplejacks and historic buildings, but we also carry out a lot of general maintenance. In effect we’ve evolved into an FM company thanks to our new staff with such extensive skills that have joined the team this year.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is that managers responsible for the upkeep of buildings carry out frequent, simple checks to prevent repair bills running into thousands of pounds during the winter months when weather damage can really take its toll.”

Darlington brothers, Dave and Grahame Stone, established Stone Technical Services in 1998 and now have offices in Edinburgh city centre, near Stockport in Cheshire, close to Piccadilly Circus in central London and Pinner in Middlesex, as well as their HQ on Kellaw Road in Darlington

The company is one of the UK’s most accredited high level, general maintenance, steeplejack, safety and conservation specialists and works with high profile organisations such as INEOS Plant Utilities at Seal Sands, Teesside Power Station, English Heritage, the National Trust, the NHS, British Waterways and Network Rail to carry out a range of maintenance, safety and conservation projects.

In addition, the family-run business is the approved contractor managing lightning protection on St Paul’s Cathedral and works with housing associations, historic structures, churches, war memorials, schools, offices, car parks and councils.

Thanks to its growth, the company is planning to create a number of jobs in the next year to add to its 30 strong workforce.

• For more information on Stone Technical Services visit www.stoneservicesuk.com