How access hire equipment makes gutter cleaning and roof work safer

Cleaning gutters and checking the roof probably aren’t anyone’s favourite jobs, but they’re some of the most important when it comes to looking after a building. For smaller houses, a sturdy ladder and a bit of know-how usually do the trick, especially if you’re confident working at height. But when you’re dealing with taller buildings, bigger roofs, or commercial spaces, that’s when access hire equipment really comes into its own.

Scissor lifts, cherry pickers, and mast lifts make working up high a lot safer and easier. They give you a stable, secure platform to stand on, so you can focus on the job instead of worrying about your footing. Whether you’re clearing out gutters on a warehouse roof, checking tiles on a block of flats, or carrying out general maintenance on a large property, powered access gear helps you get it done efficiently and safely.

Safer gutter cleaning on larger buildings

Autumn’s the season when gutters can start causing trouble. Leaves, moss, and debris build up fast, particularly on taller buildings surrounded by trees and especially when weekly storms seem to be rolling in like clockwork. For multi-storey properties, working from a ladder can be tricky, time-consuming, and sometimes just not feasible.

That’s where scissor lifts come in handy. They give you a safe, stable platform to work from, so you can move comfortably along the roofline without climbing up and down every few minutes. It’s a much more secure and efficient way to work, especially when conditions get slippery or uneven.

At Smiths Hire, we have a great range of outdoor scissor lifts available from trusted brands like Dingli, JLG and Skyjack. They’re built for tough conditions, with smooth controls, solid grip and reliable lift performance to keep you steady while you get the job done. Whether you’re clearing gutters, inspecting roof edges or carrying out maintenance before winter, these machines make it all simpler, faster and a lot safer.

Reaching awkward spots with cherry pickers

Of course, not every building makes life easy. Some roofs are high, awkwardly shaped or have extensions and overhangs that make it impossible to reach everything safely with a ladder. When that happens, cherry pickers are your best friend.

They give you the reach and flexibility to get to those tricky spots comfortably and safely. Whether you’re clearing gutters on a warehouse, inspecting a roof on a block of flats or doing general maintenance, they make working at height feel much more secure. The stable platform means you can focus on the task rather than your balance, and the smooth movement makes it easy to work along long rooflines or around corners without stopping every few metres.

At Smiths Hire, we’ve been providing cherry picker hire for over fifty years, and we’ve got one of the UK’s largest and most varied fleets. From compact trailer-mounted cherry pickers to long-reach and truck-mounted models, we can supply the right machine for your site and your working height. All our equipment is reliable, well-maintained and ready for outdoor conditions, so you can tackle your project with confidence – even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Staying steady with mast lifts

As the weather becomes wetter and colder, working at any height carries greater risks, even if the height itself isn’t especially high. Roofs get slippery, the ground softens, and trying to balance on ladders isn’t always the safest or most practical option. That’s where mast lifts really come into their own.

Mast lifts give you a stable, enclosed platform to work from, so you can take on tasks like gutter cleaning, roof inspections and light repairs without worrying about losing your footing. Designed for jobs where you only need to go straight up rather than outwards, they’re compact enough for tighter outdoor spaces but strong enough to handle uneven ground, making them ideal for properties where access is limited.

Our mast lifts for hire can reach up to 12 metres, giving you plenty of height for taller buildings and rooflines. They’re easy to manoeuvre, quick to set up and designed to stay steady even when conditions are less than perfect. When it comes to outdoor maintenance in the colder months, they’re a safe, reliable way to keep things running smoothly.

At Smiths Hire, we’ve been helping people work safely at height for over 50 years. Our access hire range includes everything you need to take on outdoor jobs this season, from scissor lifts and cherry pickers to mast lifts and more. Each machine is built for stability and reliability, so you can get your gutter cleaning and roof maintenance done safely, even when the weather’s unpredictable. Visit our website and find your perfect access machines using our new ‘Powered Access Machine Finder’ today –

With 18 tool hire depots across the North West and Yorkshire, including Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds, our friendly team is always ready to help you find the right kit for the job. You can hire online or give us a call on 0333 323 2100, and we’ll make sure you’ve got everything you need to keep your projects.