Christmas and eggnog may be on your mind, but now’s the time to think about protecting your church against damage from snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
Knowing what to do and when can help you avoid losses. Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) helps congregations plan and finance Holy Places to be used for ministry, so they know our way around churches. Here’s a snippet from their winter maintenance guide:
Pipes:
Know where and how to shut off the main water valve.
Use insulation on water pipes that are exposed to freezing temperatures, cold drafts, and unheated or non-insulated areas.
Close windows near water pipes and cover open-air vents.
When temperatures drop really low, turn interior faucets to a slow drip.
Roof and Gutters
Search for cracking, blistering, cupping, peeling, or loss of granules on asphalt shingles.
Check drains, downspouts, gutters, and valleys to see that nothing prevents water from draining off.
Lead roof runoff away from the foundation.
Ice Dam Prevention
Ensure the attic has sufficient insulation and ventilation. Seal other attic openings.
Using a snow rake to clear snow 2-3 feet back from all roof edges.
For the rest of DCEF’s guide, including tips on heaters, plants, and walkways, visit disciplescef.org.