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Roof repair Cherry Picker Hire for Storm Damage Inspections | Tyning Landscapes

Writer: Raife
Raife
Sep 1
8 min read

Storms can leave roof damage that is easy to miss from the ground. A slipped tile, lifted flashing, blocked valley, damaged gutter or cracked chimney stack may look minor at first, but water can soon find its way into insulation, ceilings, stock rooms or office spaces.


At Tyning Landscapes, we provide cherry picker access with a fully qualified and insured operator to help homeowners, landlords and commercial property owners inspect roofs safely after high winds, heavy rain and flying debris. Our service is especially useful when you need a close, clear view before arranging roof repair, maintenance or cleaning work.


Wide-angle view of a cherry picker inspecting a tiled roof after stormy weather
Safe access makes roof inspections clearer after bad weather.

Roof repair inspections matter after storms


After a storm, the first sign of trouble is not always a leak. Many roofs show early warning signs before water enters the building. The problem is that these signs often sit high up, behind gutters, around valleys or near chimneys, where they cannot be checked properly from ground level.


A close inspection from a cherry picker can help identify:


  • Lifted or missing roof tiles

  • Cracked slates

  • Damaged ridge tiles

  • Loose lead flashing

  • Blocked valleys

  • Gutter joints pulled apart by debris

  • Moss, leaves and silt holding water against the roofline

  • Loose fascia boards or soffits

  • Storm damage around skylights and vents

  • Debris caught around solar panels


For commercial properties, early checks are even more important. Water entering a roof can affect stock, electrical systems, insulation, machinery and customer areas. A simple inspection can help you act before a small defect becomes a larger roof repair issue.


Roof repair access is safer with a qualified cherry picker operator


Working at height carries real risks. Ladders can be unstable on wet ground, awkward rooflines can be difficult to reach, and storm damage may make roof surfaces unsafe to walk on. That is why our cherry picker hire service includes a trained operator rather than just the equipment.


Our operator positions the machine safely, controls the access platform and helps reach suitable inspection areas without unnecessary climbing. This gives roofers, surveyors, property managers and maintenance teams a better view of the roof while reducing the need to access fragile or slippery surfaces.


At Tyning Landscapes, we have two cherry picker options:


Cherry picker

Maximum height

Outreach

Best suited for

Land Rover cherry picker

14.5 m

6 m out with 6 m up

Homes, smaller commercial units, tight access areas, roofline and gutter inspections

Cabstar cherry picker

21 m straight up

10 m outreach

Taller buildings, larger commercial properties, awkward roof elevations and wider access requirements


The right machine depends on the height of the building, access to the site and the area that needs inspecting. We can advise which option is most suitable when you discuss the property with us.


Roof repair checks can reveal hidden storm damage


Storm damage is not always dramatic. A roof does not need to lose a large section to need attention. In many cases, high winds and driving rain expose weak points that were already ageing.


Common storm-related problems include:


Tile and slate movement


Wind can lift tiles or slates just enough to break the seal underneath. From the ground, the roof may look intact. Up close, a raised edge or small gap can show where rain may enter during the next downpour.


Ridge and hip damage


Ridge tiles and hip tiles take the full force of strong winds. Cracked mortar, loose bedding or shifted tiles should be checked quickly, especially on exposed properties.


Lead flashing failure


Flashing protects junctions around chimneys, walls, dormers and roof features. If wind lifts leadwork or rain gets behind it, water can run into the property. If the inspection shows chimney damage, our cherry picker access can also support closer checks around the stack.


Blocked valleys and roof channels


Valleys carry large volumes of rainwater. Leaves, moss and broken tile pieces can block the flow, forcing water sideways under tiles or over vulnerable edges.


Flat roof ponding


On flat or low-pitched roofs, storm debris may block outlets. Standing water adds weight and can speed up wear, especially where membranes are already weak.


Gutter impact damage


Heavy rain, fallen branches and built-up debris can pull gutters away from the fascia. Once gutters stop working properly, water can run down walls, soak brickwork and damage foundations over time.


Close-up of broken roof tiles and leaves caught in a roof valley
Small storm damage can let rainwater reach vulnerable parts of a roof.

Roof repair planning starts with a proper view of gutters and drainage


Gutters are often the first line of defence during heavy rain. If they are clear and correctly aligned, water moves away from the roof and walls. If they are blocked, damaged or overflowing, the building can suffer even when the roof covering itself is in good condition.


Storms can push all kinds of material into gutters:


  • Leaves and twigs

  • Moss dislodged from roof tiles

  • Broken tile fragments

  • Silt and grit

  • Bird nesting material

  • Small branches

  • Packaging or windblown rubbish on commercial sites


When gutters overflow, water may track behind fascia boards, run over brickwork or enter roof spaces at the eaves. On commercial sites, this can create damp internal walls, slippery external walkways and avoidable disruption.


Our access equipment is useful for inspection and maintenance planning. If gutters need clearing, we can help with safe access for gutter cleaning, allowing the problem to be dealt with before it leads to further roof repair work.


Roof repair support for homes and commercial properties


Different buildings create different access challenges. A domestic roof may have a conservatory, extension or narrow side access that makes ladder work difficult. A commercial building may have a larger roof span, loading areas, service yards, signage, vents or solar panels.


A cherry picker can help inspect areas such as:


  • Pitched roofs on homes

  • Farm buildings and outbuildings

  • Retail units

  • Warehouses

  • Offices

  • Schools and community buildings

  • Industrial units

  • Apartment blocks

  • Rooflines above extensions or glass structures


For commercial properties, planned inspections can also help with duty of care. A loose tile, overflowing gutter or falling debris risk should not be ignored, especially where staff, customers or visitors pass below.


If your building has solar panels, storm debris can gather around mounting rails and roof penetrations. Access from a cherry picker can help identify whether panels, surrounding tiles or drainage channels need attention. If required, we can also assist with safe access for cleaning solar panels.


Eye-level view of a cherry picker basket beside gutters on a commercial building
Commercial rooflines often need safe access for proper inspection.

Roof repair inspections reduce the risk of costly water damage


Water damage often starts quietly. A small gap lets in a little rain. Insulation becomes damp. Timber stays wet. Staining appears on a ceiling weeks later. By that point, the source may be harder to trace and the repair may involve more than the outer roof covering.


Regular inspections help spot problems while they are still manageable. This is especially useful:


  • After named storms or periods of strong wind

  • After heavy rain or localised flooding

  • Before winter

  • After nearby tree work

  • Once autumn leaves have fallen

  • Before selling or letting a property

  • As part of a commercial maintenance schedule

  • After reports of damp, staining or musty smells indoors


A cherry picker inspection does not replace specialist roofing advice where repairs are needed, but it can provide clear access so visible issues can be assessed properly. This helps owners and managers make informed decisions and prioritise work.


For businesses, the cost of inaction can go beyond the building itself. Water ingress can interrupt trading, damage stock, affect equipment and create health and safety concerns. Regular roof and gutter checks are a practical way to reduce that risk.


Roof repair access from Tyning Landscapes helps you choose the right next step


When you book our cherry picker hire, we help provide safe access to the areas that need inspection. Because every cherry picker comes with a fully qualified and insured operator, you do not need to operate the platform yourself.


This can be helpful if you need to:


  • Inspect a roof after storm damage

  • Help a roofer view a difficult roofline

  • Check gutters, valleys and downpipes

  • Look at flashings, dormers and roof windows

  • Inspect damage before arranging quotes

  • Check high-level commercial roof edges

  • Photograph visible defects from a safe platform

  • Assess whether cleaning or maintenance is needed


Our Land Rover cherry picker is useful for many homes and smaller buildings, with a maximum height of 14.5 m and 6 m out with 6 m up. Our Cabstar reaches 21 m straight up and offers 10 m outreach, making it suitable for taller and harder-to-reach areas.


If you are unsure which machine is right, speak to us about the building, access space and inspection area. We can guide you towards a suitable option.


Roof repair inspections should form part of regular maintenance


Roofs work hard all year. They face frost, heat, wind, rain, moss growth, bird activity and leaf fall. Waiting until water enters the property usually means the roof has already been under stress for some time.


A sensible inspection routine can include:


When to inspect

What to look for

Why it matters

After a storm

Missing tiles, loose flashing, blocked gutters

Storm damage can worsen quickly in further rain

Before winter

Moss, cracked tiles, weak gutters

Cold weather can make small defects worse

After autumn leaf fall

Blocked valleys and gutters

Poor drainage increases water overflow

Before roof works

Access points and visible defects

Helps plan safe and efficient repairs

For commercial sites

Roof edges, outlets, gutters, high-level risks

Supports building safety and reduces disruption


Regular inspections are not just about finding damage. They also help confirm what is working well. A clear roof, sound guttering and secure flashings give property owners more confidence before bad weather arrives.


Low-angle view of a Land Rover cherry picker parked near a house for roof inspection
The right cherry picker helps reach rooflines that are difficult to inspect from ladders.

Roof repair frequently asked questions



Not always. Some roof areas can be checked from ground level or with other safe access methods. A cherry picker is useful when the roofline is high, awkward, unsafe to reach by ladder or needs a closer inspection after storm damage.


Can Tyning Landscapes provide an operator with the cherry picker?


Yes. Each of our cherry pickers comes with a fully qualified and insured operator. This helps keep the work safer and means you do not need to operate the access platform yourself.



It depends on the height and layout of the property. Our Land Rover cherry picker reaches 14.5 m and is well suited to many homes and smaller buildings. Our Cabstar reaches 21 m straight up with 10 m outreach, which can suit taller or wider commercial properties.


Can you help inspect gutters as well as the roof?


Yes. Gutters, downpipes and valleys are key parts of the roof drainage system. Storm debris and moss can cause blockages, which may lead to water damage if left untreated. We can provide access for inspection and, where needed, support gutter cleaning.



Yes. Regular roof inspections help businesses identify risks before they affect staff, customers, stock or daily operations. They are especially useful after storms, before winter and after periods of heavy leaf fall.


Roof repair help is available from Tyning Landscapes


Storm damage is easier to deal with when you catch it early. A safe, close inspection can reveal slipped tiles, blocked gutters, loose flashing, chimney issues and roofline damage that may not be visible from the ground.


With two cherry picker sizes and a fully qualified, insured operator supplied with each machine, Tyning Landscapes can help you access difficult areas safely and plan the right next step.


If your home or commercial property needs a roof inspection after bad weather, contact Tyning Landscapes to discuss cherry picker access and find the most suitable option for your building.


 
 
 

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