A Week of Roof Repairs, Chimney Work and Keeping the Business Moving
Not every week in this line of work is about straightforward roof repairs, chimney repairs, and clearing gutters. Sometimes the machine that makes all of that possible decides it wants a week off as well.
That is exactly what happened to me. My own spider cherry picker developed serious issues and had to go in for repair, which for a one-man business is not a small inconvenience. It is a major problem. When your access machine is central to almost every job, downtime does not just slow you down. It can stop the week in its tracks.
So instead of sitting still, I came up with a plan: take my machine to ProMax in Barnsley, pick up a replacement Platform Basket 1890 Pro from the Welsh border, and use that machine to keep the business running while mine was being repaired.
You can watch the full video here, then come back to the article for the deeper breakdown of the jobs, the machine, and the lessons from the week: https://youtu.be/JH2xT08CccU
When Your Access Machine Goes Down, the Business Feels It
One of the realities of running a high-access roofing and chimney business is that your machine is not just a tool. It is a vital part of how you earn a living. If I cannot get safely to a chimney stack, flashing detail, leaking gutter, or awkward valley, the job does not happen.
That is why proper backup support matters. If you are in any business involving heavy equipment, the people who maintain and repair it are worth their weight in gold. I took my spider to ProMax in Barnsley, and as always, they were helpful, knowledgeable, and a big part of keeping things moving.
That sort of support is just as important as the machine itself. You can have all the bookings in the world, but if your access equipment is off the road and nobody can help you, those jobs and that income can disappear quickly.
Picking Up the Replacement Platform Basket 1890 Pro
From Barnsley, I headed towards Welshpool near the Welsh border to collect the replacement spider lift. On paper, it looked tidy. In person, that first impression was confirmed.
What I Looked For Before Buying
When I inspect a machine like this, I am not just admiring shiny paintwork. I am looking at the details that tell you whether a machine has been cared for properly:
- whether it has been greased properly
- whether the hoses and cables are tidy and where they should be
- whether there is oil where it should not be
- whether there are obvious signs of wear, play, or neglect
- whether the owner has clearly looked after it
This one had a few dents in the covers, but it had previously been used by a tree surgeon, so that was not exactly a shock. Cosmetic marks are one thing. Poor maintenance is another. What mattered to me was that the machine looked sound, straight, tidy, and properly cared for.
That matters whether you are buying a machine, hiring one, or relying on one every day for working at height.
First Real-World Test: Chimney Flaunching in North Lincolnshire
The first proper test for the replacement machine came on a Saturday job in North Lincolnshire. I had four chimneys to re-flaunch, and after a full day of driving the day before, I needed the 1890 Pro to perform properly and help me get the work done without turning a Saturday into a marathon.
It did exactly what I needed it to do.
For those unfamiliar, chimney flaunching is the mortar topping around the base of chimney pots. When it cracks, breaks down, or lets water in, it can contribute to chimney leaks, loose pots, and ongoing deterioration. It is one of those repairs that often gets overlooked until the weather starts doing the diagnostics for you.
This job confirmed what I needed to know: the replacement machine was capable, tidy, and perfectly usable in the real world.
Monday: Small Chimney Repairs, Repointing and a Hip Tile Fix
By Monday, I was into the rhythm of the week. The job was a smaller one: repointing and re-flaunching a chimney, plus fixing a hip tile. The sort of day that does not sound glamorous, but these smaller repairs are often exactly what prevent larger and more expensive problems later.
Why Chimney Repointing Matters
When mortar joints in a chimney begin to fail, water gets in. Once water gets in, frost, movement, and time do the rest. That is why chimney repointing is such a common part of my work. You are not just making the stack look neater. You are protecting the brickwork and extending the life of the chimney.
The replacement 1890 Pro handled the job nicely, and by this point I was genuinely impressed with how well it was getting on. Still, using someone else’s machine is a bit like sleeping in a different bed. Perfectly workable, but you do miss your own.
Tracking Down a Chimney Leak the Right Way
The next job involved investigating a leak behind a chimney. Inside the property, the chimney breast was damp, which gave a fair clue that water was getting in around the chimney area rather than appearing by magic.
So the sensible place to start was behind the flashings.
This is one of the most important parts of roof leak repair: not just guessing, but tracing the likely entry point and exposing the detail properly. In this case, I stripped back the tiles and inspected what was going on behind the leadwork.
That is often where the truth is. You can seal over symptoms all day long, but unless you identify the cause, the leak will be back to make your acquaintance again later.
Fixing Leaking Gutters and Putting Right Other People’s Work
One of the more telling jobs of the week involved a three-storey building with leaking guttering and issues in the valley. This was a classic case of being called in after someone else had already had a go and not quite covered themselves in glory.
Apparently all the gutter joints were leaking, and once I got up there it became a day of investigating, adjusting, clearing, and generally putting right work that should have been better in the first place.
Gutter Repairs Are Often About the Details
In one section, the gutter had simply moved out of position and started leaking. A simple enough fix in principle. In another, there was not enough overlap on a joint, and the run needed pulling across and clearing out properly.
This is why proper gutter repairs and gutter cleaning are not always as simple as they sound from the ground. A leak may be caused by blockage, poor alignment, missing supports, poor installation, failed seals, or all of the above if someone has been feeling especially creative.
My Honest Opinion on Gutter Guards
I also had the pleasure of dealing with gutter guards, which, as you may have guessed, I am not overly sentimental about.
On paper they promise to keep debris out. In reality, many of them make inspection and clearing far more awkward, while still allowing all sorts of rubbish to build up in inconvenient ways. They often turn a straightforward maintenance task into a more fiddly one for no real gain.
There is a reason I would generally rather provide proper gutter clearance services than rely on bits of plastic claiming to solve everything forever.
Valley Repairs and More Leak Investigation
The same day also involved investigating a leaking valley. First step: clean it down, inspect it properly, and look for cracks, splits, failed pointing, or anything else obvious.
This is where experience matters. Roof valleys take a lot of water, and if something is failing there, the leak can be quite dramatic. You cannot afford to guess. You need to clean the area, inspect it thoroughly, and repair what actually needs repairing.
That practical, methodical approach is the same one I bring to my roof repairs service. It is not about patching randomly and hoping for the best. It is about finding the issue and fixing it properly.
You can see more of the week and the machine in action here before carrying on with the article: https://youtu.be/JH2xT08CccU
Fast Roof Leak Repair for a Landlord
Another job that week was a straightforward “please just fix it” situation from a landlord, involving a leak on the flashing next to a chimney.
These sorts of jobs are common. The instruction is usually simple enough: sort the leak, do it quickly, and stop the problem getting worse. In this case, the issue came down to the lead detail and a soaker that needed attention.
There is nothing wrong with wanting a fast repair, but even quick fixes need to be based on sound diagnosis. Otherwise, all you are doing is buying the leak a short holiday.
Repointing, Re-Flaunching and Replacing Chimney Pots
Later in the week I was in Retford for a more involved chimney job: repointing, re-flaunching, replacing pots, and fitting cowls.
This sort of work is at the heart of what I do. Chimneys are constantly exposed to the worst of the weather, and because they are often one of the highest and most exposed points on a roof, the deterioration can be relentless.
Why Chimney Repairs Need Safe Access
This is also where cherry picker access becomes a major advantage. Instead of relying on awkward access arrangements or making a job more difficult than it needs to be, I can get positioned safely and carry out the work properly.
That applies to all sorts of jobs, from chimney maintenance and repair to awkward gutters, flashing repairs, roof valleys, and even specialist work like bird mesh installation around solar panels where access can be tricky and precision matters.
Friday: Chimney Removal Below Roof Level
By Friday, the job was a chimney removal in Basford, taking the stack down below roof level and then tiling over it so that, once complete, you would never know it had been there.
That is one of those jobs that looks simple when you skip straight to the end result, but it takes planning, safe removal, waste management, and careful making good afterwards.
It was also a solid reminder that a week can contain a bit of everything: chimney repairs, gutter repairs, leak investigation, valley work, flashing repairs, and full chimney removal. That is the reality of running a one-man roofing business with specialist access equipment. No two days are exactly the same, which is part of the appeal and occasionally part of the problem.
One of the Best Features of the 1890 Pro: Tight Access
I finished the video with an important demonstration of the Platform Basket 1890 Pro’s narrow access capability, because this is one of the features that makes spider lifts so useful for my type of work.
The machine can be narrowed down to fit through gaps as tight as 800mm, and by removing the basket you reduce both width and overall length, which helps massively when getting into confined spaces.
Can a Spider Cherry Picker Really Fit Through Narrow Gaps?
Yes, but there is an important catch. Just because a machine can squeeze through a narrow opening does not mean it can perform miracles once it is through. You still need enough room to turn, track, and position it properly.
That is one of the big misconceptions with compact access equipment. Narrow width is hugely useful, but route planning still matters. The machine may fit through the gate, but if there is no room to turn 90 degrees beyond it, you can still come unstuck.
This is exactly why specialist cherry picker hire for roofing access needs some experience behind it. Getting to the work area is one thing. Getting there safely and efficiently is another.
Lessons From the Week
1. Backup plans matter
If your business depends on specialist machinery, you need trusted support and a contingency plan.
2. A well-looked-after machine tells on itself
Greasing, hoses, tracks, tidy components, and general condition say a lot about how equipment has been maintained.
3. Real-world work reveals more than brochures do
A machine can look great in sales photos, but until it has handled chimney repairs, roof leak repairs, guttering issues, and awkward access, you do not really know it.
4. Good access makes good work easier
Whether it is roof cleaning, chimney repointing, or awkward guttering repairs, safe positioning changes everything.
5. There is a lot of poor workmanship out there
A fair bit of my work involves fixing leaks and defects that were avoidable in the first place. That keeps me busy, but I would still rather see jobs done properly from the start.
Final Thoughts
This week was supposed to be a problem. My own spider cherry picker went in for repair, and that could easily have meant lost time, lost earnings, and a week of frustration.
Instead, it turned into a proper real-world test of the Platform Basket 1890 Pro across chimney flaunching, chimney repointing, roof leak repair, gutter repairs, valley work, and even chimney removal. The machine did exactly what it needed to do and kept the wheels turning, quite literally.
If you want to see the full week unfold on site, with the jobs, the travel, the machine, and the usual bits of real life that come with running this kind of business, watch the video here: https://youtu.be/JH2xT08CccU
If you need help with roofing or chimney work that requires safe specialist access, that is exactly the sort of work I do day in, day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix a leaking chimney?
The first step is finding the actual cause of the leak, which could be failed flashing, cracked flaunching, damaged mortar joints, or defective brickwork. Proper chimney repair usually starts with inspection, then targeted repairs such as repointing, re-flaunching, or replacing failed lead details.
What causes roof leaks around chimneys?
Roof leaks around chimneys are commonly caused by damaged lead flashing, failed mortar joints, cracked flaunching, or gaps where tiles meet the stack. In many cases, the best solution is a proper inspection followed by suitable roof repairs rather than just applying sealant and hoping for the best.
Do gutter guards actually work?
Some gutter guards can reduce larger debris, but many create extra problems by making gutters harder to inspect and clean properly. In my experience, regular guttering services and proper maintenance are often more effective than relying on guards alone.
Can a cherry picker access tight spaces?
Yes, certain spider lifts can fit through very narrow gaps, especially when the machine can be narrowed down and the basket removed if needed. That said, successful cherry picker access depends on the full route, turning space, and setup area, not just the width of one gate.
How much does chimney repair cost in the UK?
The cost of chimney repair depends on the problem, the height, the access required, and the extent of the damage. Small repairs may be relatively modest, while larger jobs involving rebuilding, multiple pots, or extensive repointing and flaunching will cost more.
Why do gutters leak even when they look new?
New guttering can still leak if joints are poorly aligned, clips are missing, seals are not fitted correctly, or sections have not been installed with enough overlap. That is why even recent installations sometimes need adjustment or repair after the scaffolding has already come down.
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About the Author
Danny Iwanejko is the editor, curator, and publisher behind Dan the Cherry Picker Man and DJI High Access Services. Based in Nottinghamshire, he documents real-world roofing, chimney, gutter, and high-access jobs from the perspective of a working operator using specialist cherry picker access equipment.
Through his videos and blog content, Danny shares practical insight from site, honest commentary on tools, machinery, and workmanship, and a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day reality of running a one-man high-access roofing business. His content focuses on real jobs, real access challenges, and the lessons that come with working at height in all weathers across the Midlands and beyond.
If you want, I can also give you a slightly more SEO-focused version and a shorter version for use at the bottom of blog posts.
