For many churches, it’s a challenging time to shop for property insurance. The combination of unpredictable storms and economic strain means far more risks to church buildings than there were a decade ago.
Statistics clearly indicate people are reacting to the increased risk: Church Mutual Insurance Company’s latest national survey, “Risk Radar Report—Insurance Pulse Check,” found 63% of U.S. adults have reviewed their property coverage in the past six months. This growing attentiveness to insurance shows church leaders that conversations about risk and readiness are no longer limited to insurance experts.
The question is, what actions churches can take—other than waiting passively for their insurance company to raise their rates or even stop coverage? The following are projects well-managed churches have undertaken to be more desirable to insurance companies and stand out from their peers.
Updating electrical systems
Many churches face the unique challenge of managing historical buildings. Of course, while an older building can be beautiful and meaningful, it can also create obstacles in the form of electrical problems.
There are several ways a church can increase its insurability through electrical updates. While some are more expensive than others, it’s worth noting an investment now can make a big difference for a facility down the road.
- Rewiring the church building – Replacing outdated wiring and electrical panels is an essential part of upgrading the facility to reduce the risk of a fire. This project is not a do-it-yourself undertaking—it’s important to bring in professionals who have experience with older church buildings. An infrared scan can be used to detect hot spots and other anomalies in an electrical panel that could lead to fire hazards.
- Considering “smart” features associated with electricity and lighting – The latest “smart” technology can be incredibly convenient for churches and other organizations, and it shows insurance companies leaders are being cost- and risk-conscious. Smart features can perform simple yet vital tasks such as alerting building staff to hazards, shutting off lights when they’re no longer in use and preventing dangerous situations. Some smart devices can detect power fluctuations to help prevent electrical fires from hidden electrical faults before they happen.
- Changing out light bulbs – Incandescent bulbs and fixtures not only use more energy than necessary, but they also pose a fire hazard. Energy-efficient LED bulbs can help a church save significantly on electricity bills, brighten up the building, and reduce bulb maintenance and wattage used.
Repairing and replacing the roof
Roof maintenance is essential—particularly for buildings with sloped roofs, which are common on churches across the United States. There are two major aspects to roof maintenance—performing necessary repairs to prevent further damage and knowing when it’s time to replace the roof altogether.
Some important aspects of roof maintenance include:
- Performing regular inspections to identify wear, damage and leaks.
- Keeping the roof free from debris like leaves and branches to prevent water pooling and leaks.
- Addressing any issues found during inspections, such as damaged shingles and leaks.
- Ensuring gutters and downspouts are functioning correctly to prevent water damage.
- Reapplying sealant around vents and chimneys to maintain a watertight seal.
- Hiring professional roofing contractors to regularly assess the status of the roof and perform repairs.
But how does a church know when it’s time to get a new roof? The following are some signs:
- Age – A roof that is at least 20 years old and shows signs of wear and tear may need replacement.
- Shingles are curling – When shingles are warped, a building is more at risk for leaks that can lead to other damage.
- Granules are in the gutters – Granules are the crushed stones on top of the roof’s shingles. If the roof is older and the granules are coming loose, it is probably time to investigate a new roof.
Installing lightning mitigation systems
Because of the country-wide rise in severe convective storms, damage from lightning strikes is a major concern for churches around the country. As a result, some are making extra efforts to install lightning mitigation systems. Such systems include:
- Lightning rods (air terminals) –Positioned at the highest points of a structure, rods attract lightning strikes and serve as the initial point of contact.
- Conductor cables – These heavy-duty cables create a pathway for the lightning to travel safely from the rod to the ground.
- Ground rods – Ground rods disperse the electrical charge into the earth, neutralizing it and preventing damage to the structure.
- Surge protection devices – Churches may install such devices to protect electrical appliances and systems within the building from power surges caused by lightning.
When it comes to the challenges of securing an insurance policy at the best possible rate, necessity is often the mother of invention. Churches should be doing what they can to be more desirable to insurers and stand out from their peers. That includes proactive maintenance, addressing risk control recommendations and updating their facilities where they can.
About the author
Sarah Veader is assistant vice president – Risk Control for Church Mutual Insurance Company.
