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Cherry Picker vs. Scaffolding for Roof Repairs
When it comes to essential roof repairs or maintenance on your property, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the work is paramount. Two common methods used to grant access to your roof are scaffolding and, increasingly, a cherry picker (also known as a mobile elevating work platform or MEWP).
While traditional scaffolding has its place, many roofing companies find that the agility, speed, and cost-effectiveness of a cherry picker offer distinct advantages for many projects. Deciding on the best method for your specific roof job is crucial for minimising disruption and maximising the quality of the work.
This article will help you understand the nuances of cherry picker vs scaffolding for roof repairs and why a cherry picker might be the superior choice for your next repair job.
Can You Use a Cherry Picker for Roofing?
The simple answer is a resounding yes! It’s a question we often hear, and the technique has become standard practice for many professional roofing firms. A cherry picker is a hydraulically-operated machine with a platform or bucket at the end of an extendable arm, designed to safely lift workers to elevated areas. For roofing, the operative stands securely in the bucket and can be precisely manoeuvred to the exact section of the roof needing attention.
This allows our skilled roofers to perform tasks such as gutter cleaning, minor tile replacements, chimney repairs, and detailed inspections without the need for fixed, time-consuming structures. The machine is brought to your site, deployed quickly, and, once the work is done, it is simply packed up and taken away. This on-demand access is a significant benefit to homeowners and businesses alike.
Cherry Picker vs. Scaffolding for Roof Repairs
The debate of cherry picker vs. scaffolding for roof repairs boils down to a few key factors: time, cost, convenience, and reach.
Scaffolding requires erecting a full structure around the property, which takes significant time and labour before the actual roofing work can even begin. It then remains on site for the duration of the job, which can be weeks or even months, blocking paths and windows.
A cherry picker, on the other hand, provides immediate, flexible access. This speed often translates directly into lower overall labour costs for the client, making it the more budget-friendly option for smaller-to-medium-sized repairs. Furthermore, with the whole machine removed at the end of the workday, security concerns associated with leaving a scaffold in place are eliminated.
When to Opt for a Cherry Picker over Scaffolding for Roof Work
Deciding when to opt for a cherry picker for roofing is generally driven by the scope and nature of the job. A cherry picker is the ideal choice for quick fixes and minor repairs, allowing your roofing company to get in, complete the repair, and be off-site within hours. The precision and reach of a cherry picker also make them ideal for pre-purchase surveys or general condition checks, making it easier to access hard-to-reach areas of your roof.
In urban areas, where space is at a premium, setting up scaffolding would be logistically challenging at best and almost impossible at worst. The compact footprint of a cherry picker often makes it the only viable option. If the roof repair job is only expected to last a couple of days, the cost of hiring and erecting scaffolding simply doesn’t make financial sense compared to the efficient use of a MEWP.
Cherry Pickers for Roofing: Final Thoughts
While scaffolding certainly has its place in the roofing industry, a cherry picker is often the more practical and affordable choice.
At ABC Roofing Company, we pride ourselves on using the most efficient, safest, and most cost-effective methods for our clients across Leamington Spa, Warwick, and beyond. The use of a cherry picker whenever it’s suitable for the project in hand reflects our commitment to modern, streamlined roofing solutions that save you time and money.
For an efficient, professional, and cost-effective approach to all your roof maintenance and repair needs, call the team today to speak to an expert. Alternatively, send us an email to have someone call you back.
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