Roofing Risks and Realities for Churches
Roofing expert Mitch Sacks, former insurance director for GAF, joined Jeff Koch, president and CEO of the United Methodist Insurance Program, to share practical guidance on managing one of the most common and costly sources of property claims. Watch the webinar to learn how your ministry can control roofing costs, plan for maintenance and replacement, and navigate the claims process.
The answers below summarize the webinar speakers. Questions marked Needs UMIP input were not answered in the recording. Transcript times are included for review before a participant version is prepared.
Funding and Replacement Costs
What grants, denominational or conference resources, or other funding sources may help a church pay for a roof replacement? What fundraising approaches might work for projects ranging from about $30,000 to $240,000?
Your annual conference may have funds available to assist churches with roof replacements. Some foundations may offer this or low-interest loans to assist in the process.
If you provide services such as food programs, after-school care, counseling or recovery there may be local sources of funding that could free up resources that could be directed toward the cost of roofing.
The National Fund for Sacred Places can provide assistance if your church is a place of historical significance. They provide matching grants of $50,000 to $500,000 as well as technical assistance. Your church must be[1]:
Located in the United States or its territories.
The property must have been originally built to be a house of worship, and must be owned by an active community of faith.
The applicant must be a religious congregation or closely affiliated nonprofit organization.
If the applicant is a congregation, the congregation must be at least three years old.
The property must possess historical, cultural, or architectural significance.
We do not ask for any official documentation of historic or cultural significance. Designation as a local landmark or listing on the National Register of Historic Places is not required, but referring to the National Register criteria can help clarify the ways in which a historic house of worship is significant.
The property must be occupied by a congregation that is community-minded and that serves nonmembers.
Congregations that share space and partner with other nonprofit organizations are prioritized.
The property must have urgent repair needs related to structural components, walls, roof, and/or other elements of the building envelope that are integral to a building's preservation and longevity.
Projects that improve functionality or improve accessibility of the property in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are also eligible, as well as renovation projects that make vacant or underused space usable for community outreach, but applicants should demonstrate that urgent repair needs to the building envelope have already been identified by a building conditions assessment and addressed before proposing ADA or interior rehabilitation projects.
The congregation must work with Partners for Sacred Places and the National Trust for Historic Preservation prior to disbursement of the capital grant to ensure that all program requirements have been met.
Recipients are required to: develop a comprehensive scope of work described by permit-ready documentation (100% Construction Documents) or equivalent documentation produced by an experienced, qualified building professional or team of professionals, typically including architects; develop a realistic budget and timeline for completing the work, including bids from qualified contractors, and select a contractor and bid(s); and develop a realistic fundraising plan.
All grants require a 1:1 cash match. One-quarter of the required matching funds must be raised or pledged before any portion of the grant can be disbursed. Funds that have been pledged before entry into the program cannot count toward the required match.
[1] https://www.fundforsacredplaces.org/what-we-offer/eligibility/ Accessed 9/30/26
Fundraising Approaches:
If large donor is available and willing to match funds up to a certain level it can spur further giving.
Holding annual capital drives can spread the need to raise an even larger amount in a short time. Just be careful to avoid using the capital fund for day-to-day operations. Develop a budget to forecast future needs and set goals to meet those needs with annual contributions rather than trying to raise a large sum in a short amount of time.
Members who are making required withdrawals from their retirement funds can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution to your capital fund. Individuals 72.5 years and older may donate up to $111,000 a year (2026 limit) tax-free to eligible 501(c)(3) charities and the amount counts toward their Required Minimum Distribution. These funds should go directly to the church and not pass through the individual in order to be tax exempt.
You can also encourage members to leave a portion of their estate to the capital fund to help with roofing and other required building maintenance.
How do newer roofing materials and Class 3 or Class 4 impact resistant shingles compare with conventional shingles in initial cost and long term value?
Class 3 shingles are 10-12% more expensive than Class 1 or 2 shingles. Class 3 shingles are 17–18%. A fortified roof system will be 22-24% more.
The value of using better quality roofing is greater resistance to damage from wind and hail and the possibility of reduced need for repairs. This is important as deductibles have been increasing and some losses which cause a disruption to the use of your building may be prevented by a the use of a higher quality roofing system.
Some insurers may offer an upgrade, premium discount, or deductible reduction; a church should ask its agent or broker what its carrier offers. The savings will vary depending on materials, installation, and your risk profile.
When, if ever, is a shingle rejuvenation treatment a sound alternative to replacing an aging shingle roof?
An oil-based rejuvenation may make an old shingle more pliable, but it does not restore lost granules. It is usually not worth the cost for an older three-tab roof and does not provide the same added protection as replacement. In addition, insurers generally do not pay for rejuvenation.
Roof Materials and Design
What should churches consider when choosing or maintaining a flat roof, including membrane systems, newer technologies, and silicone coatings? Do Class 3 or Class 4 impact ratings apply to flat roof systems or coatings?
Aging flat rubber roofs can crack, and wind-driven rain can enter at damaged seams. Newer rubberized or PVC systems may receive more favorable insurance terms than older roofs, depending on the carrier. He did not recommend a specific system or answer the questions about silicone coatings or Class 3 and Class 4 ratings for flat roofs.
Impact ratings do apply to rubber roofing materials as well as metal, tile, and concrete. They do not apply to shale and shale impact resistance is measured differently (ASTM 880.)
What are the advantages and limitations of steel or aluminum standing seam roofs, especially near saltwater or in locations with repeated storm losses?
Metal roofing as a durable option that may qualify for favorable insurance terms. Its initial cost at roughly 35–40% more than a standard roof, but the life of the roof can be more than double that of traditional shingles. Wind uplift can be a major failure mode so you need an experienced contractor and proper installation.
Steel is a much more impact resistant material than aluminum. It does not do well in areas with exposure to salt in the air. Using steel to replace a conventional roofing material may require structural improvements to withstand the weight of a heavier material. Aluminum does not rust, but has a shorter lifespan, and reflects heat which improves energy efficiency.
How should metal roofs be detailed at membranes, windows, skylights, and other penetrations to prevent leaks?
A metal roof should be considered as a full system, including enhanced underlayment and a sealed deck to keep water out if the roof cover is damaged. Inspection and maintenance of flashing and seals around windows and steeples is important. Water than enters a building through a leak is not a covered source of loss. Skylights and windows should be inspected at least twice a year. Ensure that there are no gaps and that a good seal still exists. Check the integrity of the seal looking for damage, gaps, or degraded sealant. If you replace the sealant use a high-quality silicone sealant on properly cleaned surfaces.
What approaches can address recurring ice dams and water damage on metal roofs when prior remedies have failed?
Ice dams are often the result of water melting on your roof. The warm air melts the snow and it freezes in the gutters. You should ensure that your attic is properly ventilated and insulated. Seal leaks around plumbing vents, attic hatches, light fixtures, chimneys, and steeples. Increasing attic insulation helps as well. If the issue persists you can consider using heated cables in your gutters.
What underlayment or other new materials are appropriate beneath Spanish tile roofs? Should fiber cement or concrete roof tiles be evaluated in the same way as Spanish tile?
Spanish tile uses its own roofing assembly; the relevant layer beneath the tile is underlayment, not a new asphalt shingle. Damaged tile assemblies may require removal to repair decking and install current underlayment. The question about treating fiber cement or concrete tiles the same as Spanish tile was not answered.
The damage resistance of concrete systems and tile have different tests though there is some overlap.
How can a church preserve and maintain a steeply sloped, older roof with a large attic space?
Mitch recommended regular inspection and maintenance by a qualified contractor and described the value of checking the whole roof system. Maintenance and repair can be more expensive and special material and insulation may be involved. Large attic spaces should be properly insulated as referenced in the answer to the question about ice dams. Jeff recommends that you always use a properly licensed and insured contractor for maintenance and repairs.
How should a church evaluate the effect of adding solar panels on roof condition, maintenance, replacement, and insurance?
The installation of solar panels can cause roof damage, structural stress, maintenance issues, and possibly electrical problems.
Assess the structural capacity of your roof to prevent sagging or other structural damage.
An older roof may require reinforcement or replacement.
Use a licensed, insured, and experience contractor for planning and installation.
Assess any issues with shading and remove (if possible) anything that may reduce exposure to sunlight.
Use high-quality materials.
Regularly inspect and maintain panels
Make sure that the contractor will be responsible for any issues with improper or faulty installation and damage to your roof.
Insurance
This will raise the insured value of your property if you own them or insure leased equipment.
Report the planned installation to your insurance carrier and ensure that any material stored on the site during installation is covered by the contractor or a policy you own.
If you lease equipment, make sure you know which entity is responsible for insuring the panels.
Understand any limits or exclusions you policy may have regarding this equipment.
Get a certificate of insurance from the vendor of a leased unit, have the church named as an additional insured, and put the responsibility for any resulting roof damage in writing.
Have a discussion with your insurance agent before installation to address any coverage issues.
For more information on the UMC Solar Battery Pilot project visit UMC Solar and Battery Pilot Program | Global Ministries. Applications close November 2, 2026.
Damage Assessment and Maintenance
What constitutes hail damage to 26 gauge corrugated R panel metal roofing?
Mitch distinguished cosmetic hail marring from functional metal roof damage. A puncture, an opened seam, or wind-related failure is more likely to support a repair or replacement claim than appearance changes alone. He emphasized that coverage depends on the policy and state.
What does storm or hail damage look like on slate roofs, and how should damage to steeples, roof boots, and flashing be assessed?
Mitch said hail can crack individual slates and that slate repairs call for a specialist; he recommended regular inspection of the roof assembly. Jeff highlighted flashing and seals around steeples as common water-entry points.
For claims purposes, you should be able to distinguish actual storm damage from maintenance issues. Minor seam separations and small cracks may be related to maintenance rather wind or hail. Penetration and severe separations are more likely the result of storm damage. Storm damage is also usually tied to specific events. It is uneven, directional, and often confined to one area. It may be missing shingles, hail bruising or penetration, and bent flashing.
This is one reason regular inspection of your roof is so important – take photos when inspections are conducted. Before and after photographs can be very helpful, especially if they are date stamped. When UMI was actually an insurance company maintenance-related losses were our main reason for denying a claim and the biggest source of disputes.
What are the pass and fail criteria for the UL impact drop test discussed in the webinar?
Failure In the UL 2218 standard occurs when a roofing material has visible damage on the underside (back) of the sample that material the definition of an “opening” — specifically tearing, fracturing, cracking, or rupturing.
What are practical and safe ways to inspect and clean gutters about 35 feet above ground on a sloped site, and what gutter features should churches consider?
The safest way to clean gutters above 35 feet is to have a company that does it do it for you. Make sure that they carry liability and workers compensation insurance. There are many companies that will do this for you and the cost is much less than having a volunteer or an employee fall from that height. I never clean the gutters on my two-story house. It’s just not worth the risk.
If you feel compelled to DIY:
Make sure you have a ladder rated for that height or higher.
Use a ladder stabilizer and position the ladder three feet above the roof line.
DO NOT overreach
Choose a stable, level surface for you ladder and don’t use bricks or blocks to compensate.
Wear gloves and safety glasses. Or use a gutter scoop instead of gloves.
Work on days that are calm and dry.
ALWAYS have a spotter.
After removing large debris use a garden hose with a curved attachment to flush the downspout.
Insurance and Claims
Why might an insurer treat a 15 year old roof as near the end of its useful life even when a high quality roof was installed? How can a church document the actual condition and remaining life of an older slate roof when discoloration or algae appears in drone images?
Mitch said insurers consider roof age, condition, and loss history when setting terms, and may restrict or decline coverage for older roofs. He also said slate roofs can last a long time and benefit from specialist maintenance.
The best way to prevent disagreements about the nature of discoloration of a slate roof (algae vs. delamination) is to keep your roof free of algae. This can be accomplished with a number of available slate-safe cleaning products or by hiring a professional cleaning company. If there is a dispute, clean your roof and ask for a new inspection. Moss and algae can affect the seams and hide underlying damage to the slate.
If an insured roof is repaired or replaced after a claim, when will insurance cover an upgrade to Class 3 or Class 4 materials?
Mitch said some insurers may fund an upgrade to Class 3 or Class 4 materials, or offer a lower premium or deductible, when a roof is replaced. He recommended asking the church’s agent or broker what its insurer offers.
How should a church set building coverage to reflect current rebuilding cost and avoid a coinsurance shortfall?
Jeff recommended reassessing a church building’s reconstruction cost every three to five years. He said insufficient limits can create a gap after a total loss and can expose the church to a coinsurance penalty. Lowering your premium by lowering your reported value can lead to very expensive consequences in the event of an underinsured loss.
What coverage requirements or challenges apply to historically designated churches, particularly after a water damage claim or a policy nonrenewal?
Historic Building Challenges:
“Like Kind and Quality” It can be difficult to replace historic woodwork, masonry, or ironwork. This can be particularly challenging when it comes to stained glass.
Restoration grade materials can be very expensive.
Extended construction timelines can increase the amount of time you are out of your building.
Architectural and engineering fees can be significant to get an accurate restoration.
Make sure you have sufficient Ordinance and Law coverage to account for any modifications necessary to bring an old building up to modern standards.
These factors can increase building valuation resulting in increased premium. Insufficient valuation can create a gap between cost and reimbursement.
If you have a building on the National Register make sure your agent and carrier are aware of it.
Find a carrier with experience with historic buildings, valuing stained glass and pipe organs, access to restoration contractors, and a clear process for valuing historic buildings.
Get an appraisal from someone with experience with historic buildings.
Frozen Pipes:
The best way to avoid problems with frozen pipes is to take steps to prevent a loss due to frozen pipes.
UMI has a webinar with GuideOne on this topic: Busted Pipes, Busted Budget
Steps to take:
a. Secure the site to prevent further damage and initiate a claim and restoration.
b. Document the repairs and the steps taken to prevent a reoccurrence.
i. Keep the heat on even when no one is in the building.
ii. Insulate exposed pipes.
iii. Allow faucets to drip in freezing weather.
iv. Winterize vacant properties.
v. Consider installing leak detectors, preferably those with automatic shutoffs.
c. Take photographs before and after and keep all receipts and statements of work.
d. Consider installing leak detectors, preferably those with automatic shutoffs.
e. Request a specific, written reason for the nonrenewal.
f. Retain all correspondence with your carrier.
g. Report the steps taken to prevent reoccurrence when filling out new applications for coverage.
h. Work with an agent with experience in church insurance and who has helped clients in similar situations.
i. UMIP has experience with these situations and can offer guidance and help seeking coverage. GET A QUOTE | UMInsure
When might a public adjuster be useful, and how can a church evaluate qualifications, fees, and reputation before hiring one?
Mitch suggested first trying to resolve a claim with the insurer, adjuster, and a qualified contractor, using a public adjuster when a material dispute remains. If one is needed, he advised checking licensing, experience, reviews, and the written fee agreement. He said fees vary by state and urged caution with high percentage fees or promises of a larger payout.
Webinar Follow Up
Can the presentation slides be shared with trustees who could not attend?
The webinar follow-up will include the presentation slides.
Are continuing education credits available for this webinar?
UMIP does not currently offer CEUs, but we will look into it.
How many people participated in the webinar?
169 people registered for the webinar and 85 people attended.
