One of the keys to ensuring the long-term future of historic places of worship is regular maintenance. Unfortunately this essential work is sometimes neglected, forgotten or done badly, leading to problems that require expensive repair.
Regular Maintenance
The most basic requirement for maintenance of an historic place of worship is the regular clearance of gutters, downpipes and other elements of the drainage system. English Heritage recommends that gutters and downpipes are cleared annually or bi-annually and that at the same time the roof coverings are checked for defects. A checklist for an appropriate gutter clearance routine is available on this page.
Maintenance Schemes
Although a lot of maintenance tasks can dealt with by congregation members, it is often more practical to employ a building contractor to undertake the work. Three local schemes have been set up to help congregations arrange for regular gutter clearance and other minor works by reliable contractors. The areas covered are the diocese of London (Church of England buildings only), the diocese of Norwich (Church of England buildings only) and the counties of Suffolk and Gloucestershire.
Training
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) runs a training scheme called Faith in Maintenance, supported by English Heritage. Free one-day training sessions are held all over the country and the website provides advice and guidance.
Produced as part of Faith in Maintenance, ‘The Good Maintenance Guide’ is a practical handbook which helps volunteers to understand and look after their place of worship. It costs £5 plus £1 p+p and is available by calling 020 7456 0913 or online via the SPAB website.
