Winter is just around the corner, and while most churches are busy planning fall outreach events, and year-end activities, there is something else that deserves attention: preparing your church’s building and property for winter weather.
Yes, like it or not, it winter is coming.
A frozen water pipe, failed furnace, or icy sidewalk can quickly turn into an expensive problem. Even worse, these situations can create safety concerns for your congregation and potentially interrupt ministry activities.
The good news? A little preparation now can save your church thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs later.
Here are eight areas every church should review before winter arrives.
1. Give Your Heating System Some Attention
Nobody wants to arrive at church on Sunday morning to discover that the sanctuary is 45 degrees!
Before cold weather sets in, schedule a professional inspection of your heating system. Replace dirty air filters, check thermostats, and make sure heat is reaching every part of the building.
This is always money well spent. Better to know your system is healthy that to lose heat on a bitter cold Sunday morning.
Pay particular attention to rooms that aren’t used regularly. Classrooms, storage areas, and restrooms may have plumbing that can freeze if temperatures drop too low. Make sure warm air is getting to pipes in these areas.
Helpful Tip: Be careful about lowering thermostats too much when the building is unoccupied. The money saved on heating could be insignificant compared to the cost of repairing frozen pipes.
2. Protect Your Plumbing
Frozen pipes are one of the most preventable winter disasters churches experience.
Inspect exposed water lines in basements, crawl spaces, and areas near exterior walls. Insulate vulnerable pipes, disconnect outdoor hoses, and properly winterize exterior faucets.
Make sure someone knows where the building’s main water shutoff valve is located. If a pipe bursts, being able to shut off the water quickly can make a tremendous difference.
Churches with fire sprinkler systems should also have qualified professionals inspect any piping vulnerable to freezing.
In case you missed it above! Make sure warm air is getting to these pipes!
Helpful Tip: Don’t forget about plumbing in older sections of the building or rooms that rarely get used.
3. Take a Look at Your Roof and Gutters
Leaves, debris, and clogged gutters can create serious problems when snow and ice arrive.
Water that cannot drain properly may freeze, contributing to ice dams, roof leaks, and damage to ceilings or walls.
I’ve seen gutters full of ice fall off the front of buildings. It’s dangerous, expensive, and preventable.
Before winter, inspect the roof for damaged shingles, loose flashing, and signs of leaks. Clean gutters and make sure downspouts carry water away from the building.
Churches with flat roofs should pay special attention to drainage systems and areas where snow may accumulate.
Helpful Tip: If your church has experienced roof leaks in previous winters, address them now rather than hoping this winter will be different.
4. Prepare Parking Lots and Sidewalks
A beautiful snowfall may look wonderful on your church property, but it can also create a serious liability.
Inspect sidewalks, steps, ramps, and parking lots for damaged or uneven surfaces. Make repairs before snow and ice make those problems harder to see.
Now is also the time to arrange snowplowing services and purchase ice melt. Imagine trying to hire someone on the day of the first snow. They are probably already really busy; you will not be a priority, and you have no negotiating power. You are going to wait for them and then pay whatever they say. Shop around now. Compare prices. Sign a contract.
Make sure your snow-removal plan includes accessible parking spaces, ramps, entrances, and emergency access routes.
Helpful Tip: Keep a simple record of when snow and ice were removed and when walkways were treated. This documentation could prove valuable if someone is injured on church property.
5. Inspect Doors, Windows, and the Building Exterior
Heating costs are already a significant expense for many churches. Drafty windows and poorly sealed doors only make the problem worse.
Inspect weatherstripping, door seals, and windows for air leaks. Repair damaged seals and make sure exterior doors close and latch properly.
While you’re outside, inspect siding, masonry, foundations, and outdoor signs for damage that could worsen during winter storms.
Helpful Tip: Sometimes inexpensive repairs, such as replacing worn weatherstripping, can improve comfort and reduce heating costs.
6. Review Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Winter brings some unique safety concerns.
How many times has someone left a portable heater on all week in a classroom?
Churches may use additional heating equipment, extension cords, or portable heaters. These can create fire hazards when used improperly.
Review your church’s policy regarding portable heaters and make sure smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, and emergency lighting are properly maintained.
Emergency exits must remain clear, even after heavy snowfall.
Church leaders should also establish a clear process for deciding when services or activities should be canceled because of dangerous weather.
Helpful Tip: Make sure more than one person knows how to respond to building emergencies. A frozen pipe shouldn’t become a bigger disaster simply because the person with the maintenance keys is out of town!
7. Don’t Forget the Grounds and Outdoor Equipment
Winter preparation extends beyond the building itself.
Service snowblowers and other snow-removal equipment before they are needed. Inspect trees for damaged limbs that could fall on buildings, vehicles, or walkways during an ice storm. Do you have shovels and ice melt?
Churches with playgrounds should also inspect equipment and determine whether certain areas should be closed during icy conditions.
Helpful Tip: Walk the entire property with a maintenance volunteer or trustee. A second set of eyes may identify problems that have been overlooked.
8. Review Your Insurance and Winter Maintenance Budget
This is one area that churches frequently overlook.
Before winter, review your property insurance coverage. Does your policy cover frozen pipes, ice damage, and roof damage caused by snow? Are there exclusions or requirements concerning building temperatures or unoccupied facilities?
Don’t assume everything is covered.
I know of multiple churches whose insurance was cancelled because of broken water pipes. Find out if you are covered. Get warm air to those pipes!
Churches should also review their winter maintenance budget. Snow removal, heating repairs, plumbing emergencies, and increased utility bills can create unexpected expenses.
If your church hasn’t already established a building maintenance reserve, this would be a good time to begin discussing one.
Helpful Tip: Maintain an updated list of reliable HVAC contractors, plumbers, electricians, and roofing companies. Finding someone during a winter emergency can be difficult, especially when everyone else needs help too.
Who Is Responsible for Winter Preparation?
One of the biggest mistakes churches make is assuming someone else is taking care of things.
The pastor assumes the secretary is handling maintenance. The secretary assumes the custodian has everything covered. The custodian assumes the church board has approved the necessary repairs.
And then the furnace quits!
Every church should clearly identify who is responsible for inspecting the property, arranging repairs, coordinating snow removal, and responding to emergencies.
A simple written checklist, reviewed by church leadership, can prevent important responsibilities from falling through the cracks.
A Little Preparation Can Prevent a Big Expense
Church buildings represent one of the largest financial investments most congregations have. Taking care of those facilities is an important part of good financial stewardship.
A few hours spent inspecting your property, arranging preventative maintenance, and reviewing emergency procedures could save your church thousands of dollars this winter.
More importantly, it helps provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through your doors.
Here’s a challenge: Before the first major winter storm, walk through the property and identify at least five things that need attention.
Then make a plan to address them.
After all, your church has more important things to do this winter than deal with a flooded fellowship hall or a frozen furnace!