If you enjoy a proper before-and-after, this one’s for you.
In today’s episode of life at height, I swap out tired gutters in Oxton, chase down an overflow mystery at a motor garage in Southwell, and then because the weather fancied a turn, re-flaunch a very wonky chimney and re-bed a ridge tile.
Oh, and somewhere in the middle I pick up brand-new kit thanks to a shiny sponsorship with Granite Workwear. Grab a brew and come up in the basket with me.
Want the full story with all the action? Watch the full video here → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCHqbClCnnU
Day 1: Gutter Replacement in Oxton (plus a lesson in materials)
The morning starts with a run to MKM for everything I need to swap out a set of gutters that have been on my “when the wind stops” list for a while. A calm day at last ideal for a clean, safe changeover.
Set-up & snag: I’m a metre short. Classic. The ticket originally had an extra 2m on it; I took it off; turns out I needed it.
Quick dash to pick up another length, back on site, and we’re cooking.
Access matters: These roofs are awkward for ladders or a tower, which is exactly why I’m there with the cherry picker. Old guttering off, new lengths on, correct falls set, joints seated, and the all-important hose test to prove a smooth run to the outlet. Job done neat, watertight, and ready for the next storm.
Granite Workwear: How the Sponsorship Happened (and why I’m buzzing)
Between jobs, I swing by Granite Workwear to pick up my new kit—part of a year-long sponsorship I’m genuinely chuffed about. Here’s the short version:
- I’m doing more video and public-facing work, so I wanted to look sharper and wear kit that can take a beating on rooftops.
- I’ve used Granite Workwear for years and rate them.
- I live in Dassy trousers and jackets (my go-to for the last five years), and Granite supply them.
- I put a proposal together to make content that shows how the gear performs in real-world, high-access jobs, they said yes.
You’ll see the new kit in upcoming videos, including today’s rain test. It’s not just a logo deal I’ll show you how the gear actually works on site.
I’ll also have a separate short video explaining the partnership in more detail.
Curious what the kit looks like on the job? Watch the full video here → All The Gear, No Idea
Southwell Stop: Tracing an Overflow at MJC Motors
Next up, Crew Lane, Southwell. The gutters over the garage have been overflowing. The lads think the profile might be too small, I suspect a blockage or sag.
What I find:
- No major blockage—channels are fairly clear.
- There is visible sagging and the system’s at its limits during heavy rain.
- The existing run is, frankly, tired.
Plan: I’ve cleared what I can and recommended a quote to replace with industrial-size guttering and fresh falls. Sometimes cleaning is enough; sometimes you’ve got to upspec. This is one of those times.
Day 2: Re-Flaunching a Wonky Chimney (Southwell area)
New day, new weather—perfect to trial the Dassy rain coat. The main event is a chimney with a pot leaning like it’s had one too many. The flaunching is cracked, the top course is loose, and there’s a ridge tile threatening to take a trip off the roof.
The Diagnosis
- The metal strap that once secured the pot has completely rusted away and disintegrated.
- Old flaunching is partly sound but bonded to brickwork in a way that risks disturbing the stack if over-chased.
- Benchings around protruding bricks are missing or poor.
The Fix (Step-by-Step)
- Careful strip-back: Remove loose flaunching and recover the pot without losing it down the flue (close call!).
- Solid seating: Bridge the pot opening with slate (the flue is not in use), providing a non-corroding base and a level seat.
- Rebedding: Reinstate damaged brickwork corners and rebed where required using an appropriate lime-based mortar.
- Bond & flaunch: Clean the existing sound concrete, apply SBR/SPR bond, and form new flaunching that sheds water cleanly away from the pot and brickwork.
- Ridge repair: Lift the split ridge, bed it back in with a full, watertight bed, and finish to profile.
- Finishing touches: Remove an old aerial and tidy up.
Results
- Pot now sits true and secure on a solid, non-rusting base.
- New flaunching forms a durable, water-shedding cap over the stack.
- Ridge tile rebedded and weather-tight.
- A neat, long-term repair without over-disturbing otherwise sound masonry.
Tools of the Trade: Why a Cherry Picker Wins Here
Tight access and delicate roofs make cherry pickers a safer, faster choice than endless ladder shifts or building a full tower. Quick set-up, precise positioning, and minimal disruption to the site all while staying clipped-in and stable.
Thinking about your own gutters or chimney?
If your gutters overflow in heavy rain, it might be a simple clean and re-level or a sign you need a larger profile and proper falls. And if your chimney pot’s wobbling or the flaunching’s cracked, sorting it sooner prevents water ingress, loose masonry, and bigger bills later.
Want to see exactly how I diagnose and fix these issues on site?
Watch the full video here →As If I Got A Sponsor
Final Thoughts
Two days, three jobs, and a tidy stack to show for it. Big thanks to Granite Workwear for the kit I’ll keep putting it through its paces and sharing honest results. If you’ve got questions about gutters, chimneys, or high-access maintenance, drop a comment.
I’m always happy to help.
If you enjoyed this write-up, give the video a thumbs-up, leave a comment with what you want to see next, and follow me online so you don’t miss the next rooftop adventure.
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My workwear is sponsored by Granite Workwear, and all of the clothing I’m wearing in the video can be purchased on their website: https://www.graniteworkwear.com/
