Protecting Your Church Building from Storm Damage

May 26, 2016 - 2 minutes read

Storms are a relatively common cause of damage to church buildings. Heavy rains, hail, strong winds, and lightning strikes can result in roof and structural damage, water leaks, flooding, broken windows, and power surges. If the damage is not properly rectified it could lead to ongoing moisture problems along with mould and mildew, building rot and / or electrical damage.

The best defence against potential storm damage is regular building and property maintenance. This helps to protect your premises against damage from trees, lightning, strong winds, hail, and other naturally-occurring events. Maintenance and repairs should be done after a storm has occurred (if required), and also regularly at other times as a preventative measure and to identify weak areas in your building.

It’s also important to be aware that if you fail to take care of your building’s roof it you may run the risk of having an insurance claim denied.

Property risk management: prevention and protection measures

• Conducting building and roof inspections at least annually.
• Attending promptly to roof problems and weaknesses (see our previous post on this).
• Checking for tree weaknesses or disease and removing them where necessary (see prior post).
• Removal of any objects that could turn into missiles in strong winds.
• Clearing roof gutters of litter and debris.
• Installing a lightning rod and surge protection device for protection against damage from lightning strikes.

Post-storm measures

• Clean up any debris around the property caused by the storm.
• Have a professional roof inspection done.
• Check your building for signs of damage, making a particular point of checking for any water damage.
• Mop up water inside the building and dry carpets if necessary.
• Take steps to have any necessary repairs done (make sure to get at least two quotes).

If you do discover storm damage to your building, complete a property claim form and contact the claim team.

Feel free to contact your CCI office if you need more information about your church’s insurance cover.

Written by Tess Oliver

Tags: asset protection, weather