Some days are all about roof repairs, chimney repairs, or carrying out roof surveys. Other days, like this one, involve a little bit of everything.
In this video, I spend the day at Nottingham High School, carrying out a variety of high-access maintenance jobs using my spider cherry picker. From replacing floodlights and repairing internal guttering to investigating roof leaks and finishing the day with an unexpected brake problem on my truck, it’s a good example of how varied life can be when you work at height.
🎥 Watch the full video here before reading on:https://youtu.be/EfXP8SYBz5I
High-Access Maintenance During the School Holidays
The school holidays are the perfect opportunity for maintenance work.
With no pupils around, contractors can safely carry out jobs that would normally be impossible during term time. Our first task was replacing floodlights on one of the sports halls before moving indoors for further maintenance.
People often associate cherry pickers with external work, but modern spider lifts are just as useful inside buildings. Running on electric power means no exhaust fumes, making them ideal for indoor environments such as schools, warehouses and commercial buildings.
If you’re interested in how cherry picker access can make maintenance safer and more efficient, you can find out more about my Cherry Picker Hire service here: https://dji-uk.co.uk/cherry-picker-hire
Using a Spider Lift Indoors
One of the most interesting parts of the day was taking the spider lift into the dining hall.
Because my machine has non-marking rubber tracks and can run entirely on electric power, it’s well suited to sensitive environments. The only real consideration is avoiding tight turns on delicate flooring, so a simple sheet of plywood allows the machine to pivot without causing damage.
It’s a great reminder that choosing the right access equipment isn’t just about reaching the work—it’s about protecting the building you’re working in as well.
Repairing Historic Cast Iron Guttering
Inside the dining hall we were dealing with leaking cast iron guttering.
Older buildings often retain their original gutter systems, and while they’re incredibly durable, they still require ongoing maintenance. A leaking gutter might not sound particularly exciting, but if left unattended it can eventually lead to damp walls, damaged finishes and costly repairs.
Many roof leaks actually originate from failed gutters or hoppers rather than the roof covering itself, which is why a proper inspection is always worthwhile.
If you’re experiencing leaking gutters or overflowing rainwater systems, take a look at my Gutter Clearance and Gutter Repair services: https://www.dji-uk.co.uk/gutter-clearance
Hidden Roof Problems You Only See at Height
One advantage of spending my life working at height is that I get to see things most people never notice.
While inspecting the roofs around the school, we found several footballs blocking rainwater outlets—a surprisingly common occurrence on school buildings. Blocked outlets can eventually cause standing water, increasing the risk of roof leaks and unnecessary damage.
Later in the day we inspected another leaking gutter system that had recently been sealed under warranty. Unfortunately, parts of the coating appeared to be lifting and wrinkling, suggesting the original repair may not have bonded correctly.
Situations like this are exactly why I often recommend professional Roof Surveys and Reports before deciding on repairs. A thorough inspection identifies the real cause of the problem rather than simply treating the symptoms.
Find out more about my roof survey service here: https://www.dji-uk.co.uk/roof-surveys
Every Day Brings Unexpected Problems
Just when the working day seemed to be winding down, another problem appeared.
On the drive into Nottingham that morning, my truck’s brakes had started grinding. With another job booked in Wolverhampton the following day—and Cubs in the evening—it wasn’t something I wanted to tackle myself.
Thankfully, my local mechanics managed to fit me in at short notice and replace the brake pads before closing. It’s one of those reminders that running a small business isn’t just about doing the work; it’s also about keeping your vehicles, equipment and schedule running smoothly.
Sometimes the biggest challenge isn’t the roofing job at all.
Why Proper Roof Maintenance Matters
Whether I’m carrying out roof repairs, chimney repointing, chimney flaunching, investigating a roof leak repair, or simply providing safe working at height access, one thing remains constant:
Small issues nearly always become expensive ones if they’re ignored.
Regular inspections help identify developing problems before they become major structural defects, saving both time and money in the long run.
If you’re concerned about your roof, chimney or guttering, you may also be interested in:
- Roof Repairs: https://www.dji-uk.co.uk/roof-repairs
- Chimney Maintenance & Repair: https://www.dji-uk.co.uk/chimney-maintenance
If you’d like to see everything unfold—from replacing floodlights to indoor spider lift work, roof inspections and the last-minute brake repair—don’t forget to watch the full video:
🎥 https://youtu.be/EfXP8SYBz5I
Then come back and let me know in the comments whether you’d ever seen a spider lift working inside a school before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a spider lift be used inside a building?
Yes. Many spider lifts, including mine, can operate indoors using electric power and non-marking tracks. This makes them ideal for schools, factories and commercial buildings where emissions and floor protection are important.
Why do gutters leak even after they’ve been repaired?
There can be several causes, including poor preparation, failed sealants, movement in the gutter, or incorrect application. Sometimes a repair appears successful initially but begins to fail over time, which is why proper inspection is important before carrying out further work.
What is a roof survey?
A roof survey is a detailed inspection designed to identify defects before recommending repairs. Rather than guessing where a leak is coming from, a survey helps pinpoint the actual cause so repairs can be targeted effectively.
Can a cherry picker reach awkward roof areas?
In many cases, yes. Spider lifts are ideal for accessing difficult areas where ladders or scaffolding may be impractical. They provide safe access for roof repairs, chimney work and gutter maintenance while minimising disruption.
What causes roof leaks around gutters?
Blocked outlets, overflowing hoppers, failed joints and deteriorated sealants are all common causes. Water can often travel some distance before becoming visible inside a building, making proper investigation essential.
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About the Author
Danny Iwanejko is the editor and publisher of Roof Tops and Pit Stops and the face behind Dan the Cherry Picker Man. Through real-world roofing, chimney and high-access projects, he shares practical experience, lessons learned and behind-the-scenes insight from life working at height across Nottinghamshire and beyond.
My workwear is sponsored by Granite Workwear, and all of the clothing I’m wearing in the video can be purchased on their website: Workwear Clothing Supplier | Protective Safety Clothes.
