What is a Steeplejack?

25 Aug

As we use the term every day here at Access Maintenance, we don’t really give it much thought. But it has occurred to us that most people won’t know what a steeplejack is. Well, we’d like to remedy that.

A steeplejack is actually a form of craftsman, which is slowly disappearing in this country. Steeplejacks carry out work and maintenance on high structures, such as church spires, chimneys, bell towers, industrial chimneys and clock towers. Any high, thin structure.

We carry out this work in a variety of ways, which have evolved over time. If space and the structure allows we can sometimes get away with using a simple ladder to carry out our high access work. However, this is rarely the case.

We have used what is called a bosun’s chair in the past, which is little more than a plank of wood suspended between two pieces of rope. Once in position we are able to pull ourselves up and down via a series of rigging, pulleys and harnesses.

However, in modern times you are more likely to see us using equipment similar to what a climber might. Though this can be slightly fiddly at times, they are actually very versatile and more importantly, safe. When we are carrying out steeplejack work in Yorkshire the weather can be temperamental, and the structures awkward. At these times the safety of our team, and of the general public around us, is paramount.

The work a steeplejack carries out is varied in nature, it has to be. We may be called upon to carry out masonry work on a church spire, carpentry work on some form of chimney, or even the odd spot of painting. We can also perform high access window cleaning, if needed.

As we mentioned, it is a dying craft, and the team at Access maintenance are one of the few steeplejack teams left in Yorkshire. If you would like to know more about the services we provide just call us on 0113 3075 982 or contact us here.