We tend to think of old buildings as being timeless, but we have to accept the fact that they will decay. All buildings start to decay as soon as they are complete and all buildings need to be looked after.
Lack of maintenance is one of the key reasons why old buildings deteriorate. A lot of problems with buildings are caused by nothing more than not keeping the weather out and allowing plants etc…. to take hold.
Although old buildings can stand a fair degree of decay there comes a point where structural problems and collapse become an issue.
It is important to point out that maintenance is different to repair. Repair is work done to put right defects, significant decay or damage. Maintenance on the other hand, is work done to slow down that rate of decay by keeping the fabric of a building in good condition.
Maintenance is not particularly glamorous and it can fall down the list of priorities, but its importance cannot be overstated. Good maintenance reduces the need for larger, more costly repairs, it is the first step in making church buildings more energy efficient, contributes to making buildings feel more welcoming and often involves simple, inexpensive tasks that volunteers can carry out.
Guide to the Maintenance of Historic Church Buildings
- A comprehensive Guide to the Maintenance of Historic Church Buildings was produced as part of the 2019 – 2020 ‘A Stitch in Time’ project support by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
- Annual surveys and maintenance plans are explained in this guide, but for quick reference the links are also provided below.
- There is also an excellent series of short videos on church maintenance. These have been created by the SPAB and can be viewed via the website on the page Maintenance Matters or direct on YouTube
Church Maintenance Support Documents
- Asbestos Inspection ECBP spec v1 - click here
- Boilers ECBP Spec v1 - click here
- Electrical Inspection ECBP Contractor Spec v1 - click here
- Electrical Inspection Guidance Document v1 - click here
- Fire Safety ECBP Contractor Spec v1 - click here
- Fire Safety Guidance Document v2 - click here
- Historic Churches Maintenance Specification and Guidance v1 - click here
- Lightning Systems ECBP Guidance Document v1 - click here
- Unlisted Church Maintenance Guidance and Spec v1 - click here