There are certain hazards you expect when you’re working around chimneys.
Loose mortar? Absolutely.
Cracked flaunching? Regularly.
Questionable brickwork that’s somehow remained standing for another 30 years despite all available evidence suggesting it shouldn’t? More often than I’d like.
An angry squirrel launching itself out of a chimney pot when you’re peering into it?
That one caught me slightly off guard.
But we’ll get to that.
This week’s Roof Tops and Pit Stops involved everything from chimney repairs and roof surveys to gutter repairs, bird prevention, business coaching and wildlife encounters.
I even managed to run my first half-marathon distance before breakfast.
So, starting at the beginning…
Sunday – The Smash-and-Grab Roof Repair
Sunday began at 4:30am.
Because apparently that’s what constitutes a weekend these days.
I needed to be out of the house and on the road by 5:30am for a small roof repair in Carlton, Nottingham.
The job itself couldn’t have been much simpler: one broken roof tile needed replacing.
But access and timing are sometimes more important than the size of the repair itself.
The property was in a location where setting up access equipment once traffic started building would have been considerably more awkward, so the sensible solution was to get there before everybody else woke up.
I arrived, got myself safely into position, replaced the damaged tile and was packed away within half an hour.
A proper smash-and-grab roof repair.
In, out and home before 7am.
For homeowners, this is a good example of why even relatively minor roof repairs sometimes require a bit of planning. The repair itself might take minutes, but choosing the safest access method and the right time to carry it out can make all the difference.
With work finished, Sunday could actually become Sunday.
I headed over to Hockerton to pick up some fresh eggs from the local farm, which Hannah transformed into my favourite breakfast: dippy eggs and soldiers.
We spent the morning pottering around before Hannah’s cousin Simon and Uncle Robert popped over to borrow some tools.
Afterwards, we headed to the Forest Fair at Thoresby for a wander around before returning home when Wren needed her afternoon nap.
Missing Wren’s nap is rarely worth the consequences.
While she slept, I sneaked over to DJI HQ and spent a couple of hours tidying the yard, sorting the truck and getting everything prepared for the week ahead.
The day finished with Grumps joining us for Sunday dinner while Granny Ralph was away in Canada.
Not a bad Sunday at all.
Monday – Guttering, Bird Protection and Grinding Brakes
Monday meant another early start, this time heading to Lutterworth in Leicestershire to collect Craig from Sapcote Window Cleaning Services.
We then travelled down to Dunstable, where the day’s work involved repairing multiple sections of guttering on tall residential properties alongside installing anti-bird protection.
Jobs like this demonstrate exactly where specialist access equipment earns its keep.
Working at height isn’t simply about getting somebody up there. It’s about positioning them safely, efficiently and close enough to the work that they can actually do the job properly.
Whether that’s gutter clearance and maintenance, repairs or bird prevention around buildings, having the correct access method can turn an awkward project into a manageable one.
We made good progress and I had Craig dropped back in Lutterworth at around 2pm.
Unfortunately, the truck had started communicating with me.
More specifically, the brakes had started grinding.
That’s generally a conversation worth listening to.
I headed over to HTV Vehicle Solutions, who thankfully managed to squeeze me in and replace the brake pads.
Crisis averted.
The truck could once again stop without sounding as though someone had thrown a handful of nuts and bolts into a washing machine.
Tuesday – When the Obvious Cause Isn’t the Cause
Tuesday started considerably more gently.
I didn’t have to rush out, so I enjoyed breakfast with Wren and spent a bit of time with the family before heading back to Carlton.
This time I wasn’t replacing a tile.
I was investigating a chimney leak.
What made this one interesting was that the chimney had recently been rebuilt. It had new flashings and, superficially at least, everything appeared to have been done correctly.
Yet the homeowner was still experiencing damp patches inside the property.
This is where experience becomes particularly useful.
Water doesn’t necessarily enter a building directly above where the damp appears internally. It can travel along masonry, timbers and other building elements before finally becoming visible somewhere completely different.
After inspecting the chimney, my suspicion fell on the flaunching.
It didn’t appear to have adhered properly.
I removed the defective material and re-flaunched the chimney, hopefully eliminating the route the water had been finding into the building.
From there I headed into Nottingham to visit Direct Flues and replenish my dwindling supply of chimney cowls.
I use enough of them that having a decent stock sitting ready at DJI HQ saves an enormous amount of running around.
The rest of the afternoon became a survey marathon.
First came Radcliffe, where I inspected the guttering on a huge former cotton mill standing more than 20 metres tall.
If that project goes ahead, there’s considerably more involved than simply turning up with my own cherry picker. It’ll potentially require larger hired machinery, permits and traffic management.
Next came Blidworth, where I inspected a chimney in very poor condition.
Then finally back to Bilsthorpe for another chimney survey.
These sorts of professional roof surveys allow me to understand the condition of a roof or chimney before recommending work, rather than simply guessing from ground level.
Back at DJI HQ, I prepared everything for Wednesday before loading the second van with giant garden games.
It was our final Cubs meeting before the summer break, so we finished the term with pizza, garden games and plenty of messing around.
Not a bad way to end Tuesday.
Why Does Chimney Flaunching Matter?
Given how prominently chimney flaunching featured this week, it’s worth briefly explaining what it actually does.
The flaunching is the sloping mortar sitting across the top of a chimney stack around the pots.
Its job isn’t decorative.
It helps secure the chimney pots while directing rainwater away from the openings and the brickwork beneath.
Over time it can crack, separate from the masonry or deteriorate completely.
Once that happens, water can begin penetrating into the chimney structure.
One mistake I occasionally encounter is simply applying another thin layer of mortar over deteriorated existing flaunching.
That might look better temporarily, but if the material underneath is loose or poorly bonded, you’ve essentially attached your new repair to something that’s already failing.
Where necessary, I’ll remove the defective material, assess what’s underneath and construct the replacement from a suitable base.
It’s the difference between hiding the problem and repairing it.
That’s why chimney maintenance and repair often starts with understanding why something has failed rather than simply covering the visible defect.
Wednesday – The Castle Donington Chimney Marathon
Wednesday was an absolute grueller.
I returned to Castle Donington, Leicestershire, to finish a project that had originally begun near the start of the year.
I’d initially visited to install a chimney cowl, but while working on the property I’d identified considerably more work that needed attention.
We’d arranged for me to return in April.
Unfortunately, problems with my machine threw the schedule completely out of the window.
The job was delayed.
Then delayed again.
And again.
Finally, several months later, I was back.
There were two chimneys requiring attention.
The first needed repointing and re-flaunching.
The second required a new chimney pot installing before being re-flaunched.
It was relentless.
Mix.
Repair.
Point.
Clean.
Move.
Repeat.
There wasn’t much standing around admiring the scenery.
But everything got finished.
I eventually arrived home at around 6pm, completely knackered but very pleased to finally have that job crossed off the list.
Sometimes completing an overdue job feels twice as satisfying.
When Manufacturers Actually Listen
There was also a parcel waiting for me when I arrived home.
I’d recently reviewed the Defender Jaws solar panel bird protection system from Bird Spikes Online and, while I liked the product, I’d highlighted a couple of areas where I thought the installation system could be improved.
One issue concerned protecting the underside of solar panel rails when fitting the product.
Rather than dismissing the criticism, they listened.
They went away, considered the problem and developed a new solution.
They’d sent me samples of the revised design to try.
They’ve also taken onboard another suggestion concerning clips without jaws on one side, potentially creating additional adhesive installation options.
I was genuinely impressed.
There’s something refreshing about dealing with a manufacturer that doesn’t simply want you to tell everyone their product is wonderful.
They actually want feedback from installers, including the bits we don’t like, and they’re prepared to improve the product as a result.
That’s how products get better.
Thursday – THERE’S A SQUIRREL IN THE CHIMNEY!
After Wednesday’s marathon, I’d deliberately left Thursday relatively quiet.
I enjoyed breakfast with Wren, took my time getting ready and eventually headed into Wollaton, Nottingham to install two chimney cowls.
There was an interesting reason behind this particular job.
The homeowner had recently had her gas fire serviced.
During the smoke test…
a squirrel appeared from the chimney.
Naturally, she wasn’t particularly keen on having squirrels entering the house through the fireplace, so I was called in to fit suitable cowls.
Knowing there had previously been a squirrel inside the front chimney, I approached it cautiously.
I peered inside.
Nothing.
Excellent.
No squirrel.
I fitted the cowl and moved onto the rear chimney.
I wasn’t worried about this one.
Which was precisely when…
A SQUIRREL JUMPED OUT AT ME.
It frightened the absolute life out of me.
I’d spent all my time preparing myself for the squirrel in the chimney where I knew there’d been a squirrel…
Only to get ambushed by a completely different squirrel in the other one.
Once my heart rate returned to something approaching normal, both cowls were fitted.
Mission accomplished.
The job ended up taking around an hour and a half longer than expected, partly because of my furry friend and partly because the customer enjoyed a good chat.
She told me all about her family, including her collection of 21 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
I wasn’t particularly busy, she clearly enjoyed the company, and sometimes there’s nothing wrong with stopping for a conversation.
From Wollaton I travelled over to Belper, where another homeowner had been experiencing wildlife problems.
This time it was birds.
On several occasions she’d discovered a bird flying around her living room after it had fallen down the chimney.
I fitted another cowl to prevent it happening again.
Squirrels and birds dealt with.
Dan the Cherry Picker Man: roofer, access specialist and apparently part-time wildlife border control.
The Tip That Didn’t Want My Rubbish
Back at DJI HQ, I decided to have a good clear-out.
I loaded all the rubbish from the yard into the van and headed off to the tip.
Productive.
Organised.
Responsible.
Except most of the skips were full.
So I couldn’t actually unload half of it.
I therefore returned home having successfully transported my rubbish on a pleasant round trip before bringing it back again.
I’m now driving around with it in the van.
Living the dream.
I finished Thursday cutting the grass and tidying the garden ready for Robin’s birthday barbecue on Sunday.
Friday – Working on the Business
With work slightly quieter, I decided to take Friday off.
Or at least my version of taking Friday off.
I was still awake at 5am.
Instead of exercising, I spent the early morning editing videos, answering messages, sorting invoices and catching up with administration.
Later, Hannah and I headed to Ransom Wood in Mansfield for a meeting with our business coach, Rod Fuller from ActionCOACH Mansfield.
Running a business involves considerably more than being good at the actual trade.
Pricing, planning, systems, marketing, finances and understanding where you’re trying to take the business all matter.
Having somebody outside the business who can challenge your thinking is incredibly valuable.
Afterwards, attention turned towards something far more important.
Robin’s eighth birthday.
She wants a gecko.
We headed to Mansfield to start preparing the enclosure and habitat so everything can be established properly before she eventually chooses her new pet.
Granny Ralph kindly looked after Robin for the afternoon, allowing Hannah, Wren and me to tackle the Tesco shop for Sunday’s birthday barbecue without the birthday girl getting involved.
The rest of the afternoon was spent pottering around the garden and enjoying some rare downtime together.
Saturday – Half a Marathon Before Breakfast
Saturday started at 4:30am.
Again.
But this time I had a target.
I’ve been steadily increasing my running mileage while preparing for an ultra marathon in September.
This week’s challenge was my biggest yet:
Half-marathon distance.
I headed out while everybody else was asleep and completed the distance, arriving back home at around 7:10am.
That’s officially the furthest I’ve ever run.
And I’m genuinely pleased with how the training is progressing.
Once home, Hannah headed off to parkrun and left me looking after Robin and Wren.
She also gave me a mission.
Fix the bike.
The tyre needed a new inner tube, so I bundled the girls into the car, headed to Halfords, bought the replacement and returned home to fit it.
When Hannah returned, we headed over to Lincolnshire Runner because all these miles mean my trainers are beginning to earn their retirement.
New running shoes purchased, we rewarded ourselves with lunch at Damon’s.
Half a rack of ribs.
Absolutely glorious.
I’m fairly certain elite endurance coaches recommend ribs immediately following long-distance training.
Probably.
We eventually headed home, where Robin and I settled down together to watch Pirates of the Caribbean.
Once she was safely tucked up in bed, Hannah and I got to work decorating the house.
Banners.
Bunting.
Birthday decorations everywhere.
Because when Robin wakes up tomorrow…
She’s eight.
And that’s probably more important than anything else I’ve done this week.
Locations Worked This Week
This week’s travels covered plenty of miles across Nottinghamshire and considerably beyond:
- Carlton, Nottingham – roof tile replacement and chimney flaunching repair
- Lutterworth – collection point before travelling south for access work
- Dunstable – high-level gutter repairs and bird protection
- Lutterworth – return journey following the Dunstable project
- Nottingham – chimney cowl supplies
- Radcliffe – survey of guttering to a 20m+ former cotton mill
- Blidworth – chimney condition survey
- Bilsthorpe – chimney survey and preparation at DJI HQ
- Castle Donington – chimney repointing, flaunching and new chimney pot installation
- Wollaton, Nottingham – chimney cowls and squirrel prevention
- Belper – chimney cowl installation for bird prevention
- Mansfield – business development and preparation for the weekend
Another Week Done
Looking back, this was a week that demonstrated something I’ve learned repeatedly over the years:
The obvious problem isn’t necessarily the actual problem.
A damp patch doesn’t automatically mean the flashing has failed.
A small repair doesn’t necessarily mean access will be simple.
A chimney that looks reasonable from the ground can be deteriorating badly when inspected properly.
And apparently, checking the chimney where you’re expecting the squirrel doesn’t mean there isn’t another squirrel waiting behind you.
Experience teaches you to investigate before jumping to conclusions.
Whether I’m dealing with a leaking chimney, blocked guttering, damaged roof tiles or difficult access, understanding what’s actually happening is usually the most important part of finding the correct solution.
And if the week can finish with ribs, Pirates of the Caribbean and decorating the house for my daughter’s birthday?
I’ll take that.
Another week done.
Let’s see what next week brings.
Concerned About Your Roof, Chimney or a Persistent Leak?
If you’ve spotted something that doesn’t look quite right but aren’t sure what needs doing, sometimes the best starting point isn’t booking a repair.
It’s finding out what’s actually wrong.
I offer two levels of professional roof inspection and survey:
Targeted Roof Inspection — £100 + VAT
Ideal where there’s a specific problem such as a leak, chimney issue or isolated area of concern.
Full Roof Condition Survey — £250 + VAT
A more comprehensive assessment for homeowners who want a broader understanding of the overall condition of their roof.
I generally carry out surveys within approximately 40 mins of North Nottinghamshire.
If you’re further afield, don’t automatically assume I can’t help. In many cases, if you can provide good photographs and information about the problem, I may be able to provide guidance or a quotation remotely.
About the Author
Dan the Cherry Picker Man specialises in roofing repairs, chimney maintenance and difficult-to-access building work using specialist cherry pickers and spider lifts.
Based in North Nottinghamshire, his work regularly takes him throughout Nottinghamshire and surrounding counties, solving roof access problems that can be difficult, expensive or impractical using traditional scaffolding.
Roof Tops and Pit Stops is compiled and published by Danny Iwanejko (Dan The Cherrypickerman), documenting real-world roofing, high-access work, machinery, business life and the occasional squirrel that decides to launch itself out of a chimney.
Workwear throughout the working week is supported by Granite Workwear, keeping me suitably dressed for everything from mortar-covered chimney repairs to unexpected wildlife encounters.
Keep Up With Dan the Cherry Picker Man
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