Maintenance advice (Quinquennials, Archdeacons Inspections and more)

Visual checks​

Visual checks required of church building after storms and high winds, to ensure no damage has been caused and  it remains 'wind and watertight'.​

Deterioration of buildings​

When assessing deterioration of buildings, it is important to consider wider perspectives so not just the immediate defects, therefore, looking at the outside followed by the inside and of any other contributory factors. Understanding reasons for previous repairs to the building would be taken into account and assess why they had not lasted or were incompatible with the original method of construction. Your architect/surveyor would be able to assist you in that regard or by the church buildings team. Records of repair and maintenance need to be kept and will help to inform alongside previously quinquennial reports the source and history of defects and of actions that were taken.​

Vegetation​

Remove ivy, buddleia, vegetation and moss growth to walls and remove/treat roots as these can cause damage to the face of masonry and pointing. Vegetation can also grow in masonry at high level and to parapet walls, also in hidden areas. Substantial growth could affect the structural stability of the wall so removal should be done at an earlier stage to reduce risks of damage and harm. Regular inspection and maintenance of roof areas is required, therefore, do plan clearance and remedial works.​

Stonework​

Stonework can also be affected by the corrosion of iron cramps which help to bond the stones together. Common defects arising from this are cracking, spalling of stones and defective/loose pointing.  Corrosion staining and that of vegetation, as well of graffiti can be very difficult to remove and must not be undertaken without specialist advice. Depending on the location of the church, other factors that can affect the condition of stonework are pollution and traffic vibration.​

Brickwork​

Brickwork defects could potentially result in weakening of structure causing instability and increase the rate of decay of the building. Typical examples of defects are spalling, cracking of the bricks, deterioration of mortar pointing and effects of corroded ironwork embedded within walls. These can contribute to the occurrence of water penetration and presence of damp, therefore, identifying the actual cause of defects is important to determine appropriate remedial works. In some cases, it may well be the need for repair of guttering. ​

Other walling materials​

Other walling materials could be a combination of materials, such as historic timber structure and traditional lime renders, wooden tile hanging and claddings; and for modern church buildings, reinforced concrete structures, renders and various types of claddings/finishes. ​

Defects in masonry​

Defects that occur in masonry (including for example to parapets, coping stones and architectural features) if left unattended can create damage by water ingress such as 'freeze / thaw' action, which potentially become a health and safety issue. Strong winds and progressive wind erosion to masonry can reduce structural integrity so routine checks would be required.​

Boundary and retaining walls​

Boundary and retaining walls need inspecting on a regular basis as to deterioration and structural movement.  If defects are significant and pose a risk to church users, neighbouring properties and the public, then specialist advice should be taken in case that monitoring and temporary safety works are required. In conjunction with this, railings and fences would need to be assessed.

Roofing materials​

Roofing materials can perform differently depending location and exposure to weather. Roofs can be pitched or flat and variety of materials such as natural and manmade slates which could contain asbestos, natural stone, clay or concrete tiles; and sheet coverings of lead, cooper and zinc. Flat roofs are typically felt, bitumen and asphalt; and could be modern single sheet membranes and coatings, including glass reinforced plastic (GRP). Asbestos profiled sheeting and soffit boards could also be present. Lead flashings have been used for centuries and will deteriorate, including coming away from walls, allowing water ingress to occur. Materials for concealed channels, boxed and valley gutters could be of traditional and modern materials. Defects to roofs can either be straight forward to identify and repair or need further investigations as water can track beneath materials with leaks becoming apparent in locations which can be remote from the original place of the defect. Early intervention to defects analysis should be carried out and advice sought as deemed necessary.​

Churchyard​

Check churchyard, lich gates and stiles, entrance porch gates and the like for ease of opening and carry out repairs/replacement if necessary. It is important to check which List category applies before carrying out any works. Routine inspections for any fly tipping issues and malicious damage to the churchyard and building are necessary, also that immediate action is taken due to risks such as fire, security and environmental hazards.​

Floor coverings​

Check church floor coverings, including steps and pathways for defects to prevent slip and trip hazards. Take necessary precautions during periods of ice and snow.​

Drainage​

Check condition of manholes and inspection chambers for any damage and signs of blockages.

Glass​

Particular attention needs to be given to glass (such as clear, quarry, plain coloured, patterned, stained, engraved and artistic) as works will need to be done by specialist conservators. The production of glass  has developed over many centuries so will have historic and intrinsic value requiring carefully preservation. There could be cases whereby metal guards and polycarbonate sheets have been used for protection of windows. New products are available such as environmental protective glazing (EPG) for protecting stained glass. In exceptional circumstances, an alternative type of glass may need to be considered. Inspection of stone and concrete surrounds to windows is needed as iron bars and reinforcement can corrode and cause spalling, which may result in cracking, loose material to occur and potentially be a health and safety risk. Expansion of lead cames holding pieces of stained glass in place can distort causing bowing to occur in the overall window. Advice should be sought when proposing any repairs and reinstatements, as depending on the extent required may need to removed for conservation works to take place.​

Property Team Within Your Church​

If you are thinking about setting up a Property Team for your church, we can discuss this with you on the aspects to be covered. This for example would include, repairs, planned works (ie. periodic service contracts) and maintenance strategy. Major projects could also be the remit of this team depending on the aspirations of the PCC. Essentially, the team would be your Fabric Committee.​

Church Buildings Insurance​

Church insurers carry out periodic risk management assessments/valuations and may need to visit to provide observations and recommendations to PCCs to manage and mitigate risks. Prior to any assessment, they are likely to provide a list of topics that will be covered to enable you to prepare for it. When recommendations are given, you should review and act upon them accordingly. Do seek any clarification from the insurers, also take specialist advice if you consider it necessary. It is important that you keep the insurers updated in matters and that you provide disclosure of material facts, circumstances, accidents and incidents to enable them to advise on implications to policy cover and claims handling. Insurers provide a range of useful resources to help you manage risks so do also ask them questions and seek their advice. ​

If you are planning on carrying out building works projects (alterations, replacement, additions to the structure and fabric of the building), for example, major repairs, improvements and re-ordering, installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, introduction of infrared heating and heated seat cushions, then it is essential that early engagement with your insurers should take place as to contract works, any policy limitations or extension of cover required.​

Insurers are likely to have requirements such as for scaffolding and protection to the building. Also, they would need to know well in advance of the project commencing on site, full details of the type of contract and which insurance clauses are to be used for the building works. Your architect/surveyor will be able to assist you with providing this specific information. Insurers will need to know if there are changes to heating systems from fossil fuels to renewable energy systems, aswell as if there are hot works (such as welding) and wet works alterations to pipes being proposed. As part of the Faculty application process, the insurers may need to provide a 'Faculty Approval Letter'.​

According to Ecclesiastical Insurance (2025) the main priorities for churches are: (1) slips and trips, (2) working at height, (3) electrical inspection and portable appliance testing, (4) fire safety, and (5) maintenance of roofs.

These are commonly known as 'Quinquennial Inspection (QI) reports', which must be carried out every 5 years by an architect or surveyor who is registered and approved by Diocese. If for any reason there is a change to who will do that inspection, you will need to consult the Diocese for advice in how to go about doing it as this change will need to be approved by the DAC. The Church Buildings Team will contact you and your current architect or surveyor several months before the inspection is due. It is a legal requirement to have the inspection carried out.​

Preparation will be required for the inspection so you need to ensure that records including the Church Log Book are upto date for repairs, maintenance and servicing. Also, if you have sought any permissions and had Faculties granted in the last quinquennium then your architect or surveyor should be made aware of them. It is important to arrange for any access to be provided for the survey including for example to roofs and bell towers so this will need to be discussed in case a contractor is required to provide access equipment.​

The quinquennial inspection report should be seen as a 'live document' and be checked on a regular basis to monitor progress with actions, also to identify and plan projects. If you have any questions relating to advice and recommendations stated within the report, then contact your architect or surveyor in the first instance. The report will be submitted to the Diocese who will review it and note any significant issues that have been highlighted, also may do a follow up with you about any concerns that were raised within the report. If you need support and guidance on any maintenance items or are thinking about a project, then do consult the Church Buildings Team at the outset.​

View and download Quinquennial Inspections - a parish guide

View and download guidance on Choosing a Church Architect

These are done every three years, and are known as 'triennial visitation' for the Parish by the Archdeacon or Area Dean which includes many aspects of the church building and fabric.  In preparation for the visitation, Parishes will be sent a 'Triennial Template' of what the inspection will entail. During the inspection, the following will be checked - Church Log Book, and the Church Property Register: Terrier and Inventory. In respect of net zero and sustainability planning, this will be covered as part of discussions and any information will need to be provided. Following the visitation, a report will be issued with an action plan prepared (as required), with a follow up after six months.

There is a requirement for the keeping and recording of works to the church building arising from the Quinquennial Inspection Report.  These include works having been carried out, costs of works and fees incurred, Faculties obtained, and project documentation. Repairs, maintenance and servicing should also be recorded. With reference to statutory compliance, find out more on our page Health & Safety and Inclusivity Matters.​

Terrier and Inventory – there is a requirement for the keeping and recording of information and documentation, including details of the structure of the church building, churchyard, monuments, and tree preservation orders (TPOs). There are other Schedules such as those of registers and records, and furnishings and fittings, which are all detailed and incorporated in the Register.

The Diocese has carried out a tender process for gutter clearance and cleaning work, to make it easier for Parishes to address issues in having this essential maintenance work done. This initiative is part of supporting and helping Parishes to take a preventative maintenance approach to church buildings. ​

There are options for Parishes being (1) continue with existing arrangements with their own contractor, (2) use the successful tenderer, (3) use the contractor within the Parish Buying Scheme. This tender procurement for Parishes was done on the basis of the Diocese providing assistance and that all decisions on appointment remains solely with the Parishes who should also undertake their own due diligence. If the Parish would like more information as to the successful tenderer, then contact should be made with the Church Buildings Team who will be able to discuss matters further with you and put you in contact with the successful contractor.​

Causes and issues with not carrying out maintenance works to roofs:​

• Intensity of rainfall, heat and climate change affects the structure and fabric of buildings​
• Extreme heat can significantly affect leadwork ​
• Expansion and contraction of materials generally creates defects to occur​
• Blocked gutters and drains can lead to damage and saturation of masonry causing further deterioration and internal damage​
• Overflowing/leaking gutters, build-up of moss, vegetation and leaves can cause risk of slipping on pathways and steps​
• Impact of severe damage could affect the use of church building and impact on community groups, therefore, restricting income and missional objectives​

Benefits of preventative maintenance are:​

• Insurance risk – reduce through risk management by way of proactive strategy to repairs and maintenance​
• Early intervention and identification of issues is essential to ensure the building is ‘wind and watertight’​
• Good and periodic maintenance should result in reduced costs​
• Long term preservation of the building externally and internally​
• Keeping the roof in repair enables the church space to continue being a valuable asset to support missional objectives in the local community

In the event of major breakdowns or complete boiler failure, contact should be made with the Church Buildings Team. Guidance can be given on emergency heating and options for replacement of boilers/heating using decarbonised heating systems.

Contact the Church Buildings Team