Emergency advice on coping with storm damage to church buildings has been collated by the Diocesan Advisory Committee, which is ready to help those affected across our region.
The impact of sustained heavy winds and torrential rain means many will face repair and clear-up operations in the coming days and below is a straightforward guide on best practice.
Trees/walls
It is essential to prioritise safety, especially where volunteers may want to do the work themselves.
If a tree or wall has collapsed into an area of burials and headstones have been damaged, people are encouraged to contact the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) directly.
No faculty permission is needed for volunteers or local authority contractors to clear/move away and make safe any part of a tree/wall which has come down during high winds and is obstructing roads or paths; similarly for taking down any hanging tree limbs that are clearly dangerous or which may be vulnerable to future weather damage.
Parishes are encouraged to contact their church insurers if there is any doubt about who should be doing what. If the impact is felt to be fairly significant and anything beyond minor repair is felt to be necessary in the subsequent clear up operation, the Archdeacon should be made aware.
Any proposed works further to that which is still firmly grounded (trees), or subsequent reinstatement of a boundary wall, for example, will require input from the DAC with regards to permission before further works are undertaken.
Broken windows
Making a window safe should be a priority and may require a specialist contractor if the damage is significant. If significant pieces of stained glass have been displaced, these should be carefully and safely retained.
The DAC can provide contact details in this instance. The window should be securely boarded up to prevent further damage. Notifying the insurer is also recommended.
Depending on the scale of the damage, glazing repairs are sometimes covered within the scope of List B if minor, or relatively modern, clear glazing has been effected. In principle, stained glass window repair can also be List B, but may require a faculty and it is worth checking with the DAC, first as the conditions around window repair in List B, etc, may need some discussion to avoid confusion over interpretation of the rules.
Roof damage/fallen masonry
Much the same as the above regarding making the area safe. Whilst the area of fallen masonry may be relatively easier to make safe and cordon off, inspection of the area where damage has been sustained and there is loss of fabric is also a priority.
Minor repairs including replacing and refixing roof tiles/slates on a like-for-like basis can be List B, but may require the inspecting architect’s input, if inspection indicates works beyond the scope of List B.
For help and support please contact the DAC directly using this email address: DAC@leeds.anglican.org.