As we head towards the festive season, this might not be one of the most glamorous events that catches your eye, but it could be one of the most important.
National Maintenance Week reminds anyone who cares for a property - regardless of its age, type or purpose - of the straightforward steps they can take to protect their building from winter weather.
Organised by SPAB (The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings), the UK’s oldest conservation charity, the week includes a wide range of free online events and practical advice, including some tailored specifically to church buildings.
The event ends with National Gutters Day (Friday 27 November), a light-hearted reminder to look out for cracks, breakages, blockages and to take action.
Maintenance for Faith Buildings
Clearing gutters and checking your roof’s condition once a year are simple ways to help prevent rainwater damage. If practical maintenance isn’t possible right now, perhaps due to lack of resources (people and money), this could be an opportunity to plan for the future and grow support. Could you set up a maintenance cooperative in your benefice or deanery?
Are there people in the wider community who could give just an hour every month, or a morning a year to help with key tasks? Do you have a regional SPAB group that could offer free advice and support (some might even be looking for projects to work on)?
For more details about National Maintenance Week visit: https://www.spab.org.uk/campaigning/national-maintenance-week
Follow on social media:
- #NationalGuttersDay
- #Maintenanceweek
Further Information
- Maintenance Co-operatives visit: https://www.spab.org.uk/campaigning/maintenance-co-operatives-project/start-your-own-project
- Church maintenance calendar: https://www.spab.org.uk/sites/default/files/SPAB-FiM-maintenance-calendar.pdf
- Downloadable resources including maintenance plans: https://www.elydiocese.org/parish-support/church-buildings/guidance-notes-and-policies-search-our-database/maintenance.php