Month: May 2021

A Commercial Roof Budgeting Checklist for Business Owners

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Few business owners start their company with a deep knowledge about commercial buildings. This can leave them full of questions, like “How do business owners budget for a commercial roof?”

Since commercial roof budgeting can be an overwhelming process—not only for construction but also for ongoing maintenance—we put together this brief checklist for how business owners can plan ahead to pay for their roofing maintenance costs.

1. Get regular roofing inspections from a reputable company.

The first step in maintaining and budgeting for commercial roof maintenance is to find a roofing company to evaluate the roof’s condition. While facility managers are capable of performing a basic survey of a roof, it takes a real professional to identify a problem that may require a roof repair or a roof recovery. Getting regular inspections several times a year can help building owners plan for upcoming repairs and set aside money in the budget.

2. Prioritize commercial roof maintenance.

Commercial roof maintenance, over time, is significantly cheaper than a commercial roof replacement. Maintenance prevents small repairs from becoming major, expensive problems. Regular maintenance also ensures that a roof installation lasts its entire expected life. This helps building owners better plan their budgets and gives them years to save for the eventual replacement costs of the roof.

3. Choose a durable material for the roof.

Certain types of roofing materials last longer and require less maintenance than others. Choosing materials like built-up roofing or a PVC roof typically last longer with fewer repairs. Consult with your roofing contractor to discuss the best materials for your project and budget.

4. Subscribe to a roof management plan.

Some companies within the roofing industry offer long-term roof management plans, like Maxwell’s MAXCare®. MAXCare® offers a customized maintenance plan for each building within a company’s portfolio. The plan also has budget planning tools for business owners to prepare for major expenses.

5. Hang on to your warranties.

Most roofing products come with a manufacturer’s warranty. If there is a defect in the product, a manufacturer is required to replace it, unless it was installed incorrectly or not properly maintained. A reputable roofing contractor will install everything correctly, maintain it, and assist in fulfilling the warranty in the event that something goes wrong. If your roofer cannot do any of these things, it could cost your business in the long run. 

If you’re ready to get started with budgeting for your commercial roof, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

Top Rooftop Preventative Maintenance Questions for Building Owners

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

All building owners know that commercial roof preventative maintenance is important for preventing roof problems, but getting started with roofing maintenance can be confusing for many. There are a few important rooftop preventative maintenance questions for building owners to ask their roofing contractor early on in their relationship. 

These questions are designed to help building owners learn the basics of maintaining their roofs, and the answers will vary based on the building’s roof system.

1. What is the expected service life of my roof?

Each type of commercial roof has an expected lifespan range based on certain building factors and the climate. The goal of any building owner is for their roof to last for its anticipated lifespan. While weather events can sometimes cause roof leaks that need emergency repairs and impact the lifespan of a roof, the best indicator is how well a roof is maintained and cared for over the long-term.

2. How often does my roof need maintenance?

Every type of commercial roof will need to undergo regular inspections and routine repairs. During a roof inspection, a roofing contractor will perform a survey for roof damage. After the inspection, they may need to repair the roof or schedule routine maintenance like refreshing sealants or reinforcing weak parts of the roof. These inspections will prevent damage to the roof over time and help the roof last for its expected service life.

3. What are the specific risks to my roof?

Every building engineer works to reduce weaknesses in a building, but there are always risks with certain types of structures. Roofs are vulnerable to damage from moisture, debris, and weight exerted on the roof. HVAC systems are often put on commercial buildings, and the areas surrounding HVAC units can be at risk of moisture pooling. Rooftop penetrations, like vents or skylights for energy efficiency, can also present risks to a roof’s waterproofing. Knowing where a roof is vulnerable gives building owners a chance to give those areas extra attention.

4. What can my property manager do?

Commercial building owners almost always have someone who handles their facility management, and it can be tempting to simply delegate roof maintenance to this department. But, while many facility managers can handle simple roof inspections and some maintenance, a roofing contractor should always be involved in the long-term maintenance plan.

5. Who can I call in an emergency?

Many roofing contractors have a service department that helps customers during a roofing emergency. Building owners should check with their contractors to see if they offer this service. All building owners need a plan and a company they can trust in the event of a leak or some other type of roofing emergency.

If you’re ready to get started with preventative maintenance for your roof, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

5 Common Questions About Roof Construction for State and Federal Buildings

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Commercial roof construction for state and federal buildings can be a difficult thing to arrange. Many government buildings must remain open to the public during construction, making roof replacement or roof repair inconvenient.

Here are a few common questions that facility managers at state and federal buildings have about their roofing services.

Common Questions About Roof Construction for State and Federal Buildings

1. What kind of roof is best for a government building?

Many of the same techniques and roofing materials used in commercial roof construction will work for government buildings. To save money, many government agencies will choose a low-slope roof, which is usually significantly cheaper than a sloped roof. EPDM roofs and built-up roofs put over a roof membrane are some of the most popular types of low-slope (or flat) roofs, because they are cost-effective and easy to maintain.

Some public government buildings—like courthouses or legislative buildings—may be best suited by something flashier like a metal roof, which is durable and provides a dramatic look to a building. Other government agencies may need to consider regulations on building energy efficiency and may choose a green roof or a cool roof.

2. How much of a disturbance will roofing installation cause?

Commercial roofing can be very disruptive, but at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., we work with our customers to schedule construction around the needs of the building and to reduce construction noise. Maxwell Roofing applies this same level of customer service to the long-term maintenance of the roof. If your building winds up needing work, Maxwell will ensure that it doesn’t disturb the day-to-day management of the building.

3. Can a new roof help drive down energy costs?

Some older government buildings may have poorly insulated roofs that drive up energy costs. During a re-roof, a roofing contractor can do several things to improve energy efficiency, which may help government agencies save money in the long term. Certain roof systems for commercial buildings can reflect light away from the roof to reduce cooling costs or accommodate solar panels to generate electricity.

4. Will my roofing contractor meet state and federal safety guidelines?

Any reputable roofing company will meet state and federal guidelines on insurance and workplace safety. Long-standing companies like Maxwell Roofing provide regular training to their employees to ensure that they stay safe on the job and to reduce the risk of an accident. Choosing a company with a good reputation that can provide safety credentials is the only sure-fire way to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and protect your agency from legal trouble down the road. 

5. What are the advantages of a full-service roofing company?

Full-service roofing companies offer in-house sheet metal fabrication, roof construction and inspections and maintenance plans for the life of the roof. These programs, like Maxwell’s MAXCare® are an excellent choice for state and federal government agencies with multiple buildings to manage. Full-service roofing companies can help government agencies save money over the time by bundling services. These programs also help busy facility managers with multiple buildings stick to a maintenance schedule so that their roofs last for years to come.

If you’re ready to get started, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

What Contractors Should Know About Commercial Roofing Construction

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

General contractors have so many different elements to oversee with a construction project, especially for commercial properties. For many contractors, the roof may be one of the most unfamiliar parts of a building. To help understand the complexities of roofing, we created this guide outlining what contractors should know about commercial roofing construction.

1. Commercial vs. Residential Roofs

While all roofs have things in common, there are major differences between commercial and residential roofs. Commercial roofers are much more familiar with the types of commercial roofing. They can also address the challenges that come with specialized commercial projects like metal roofs, green roofs, or flat (low-slope) roofs. Be sure to hire a commercial roofer for a commercial job.

2. Types of Roofs

General contractors should be aware of the most popular types of commercial roof installations. While asphalt shingles are popular for residential buildings, commercial roofs usually use roofing materials like EPDM or thermoplastic single-ply membranes. These roofing systems are a cost-effective way to provide waterproofing over a large, flat surface. 

3. Commercial Roof Costs

General contractors must prepare ahead of time for the high costs of a commercial roof. These complex roofing systems typically cost around $11-$14 per square foot; however, this average can vary depending on materials used and the complexity of the project. Certain materials, like metal, may cost more but also tend to last longer. While price is a factor in any construction project, skimping too much on a roof can have costly consequences down the road if it fails.

4. Choosing a Contractor

The best thing a general contractor can do to ensure their building gets the best roof possible is to hire a reputable commercial roofing contractor. Be sure to properly vet contractors before hiring them by checking references and inquiring about their insurance. Different contractors also may specialize in certain types of roofs. You may want to consider a roofing company that also has a custom fabrication shop or staff that can help with roof design.

5. Roof Life After Construction

Unlike other parts of a commercial building, the roof requires ongoing maintenance in order to last. Roof repair is also a common necessity since commercial roofs are exposed to the elements. Contractors should look for roofing companies that offer options for roof inspections and long-term maintenance for the roof after it is built. Finding a roofing company that goes the extra mile will benefit building owners in the long run.

If you’re ready to get started, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

How Facility Managers Can Best Utilize the Commercial Roofing Budget

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

One of the biggest questions for building owners and management companies is how facility managers can best utilize a commercial roofing budget. Though it may seem counterintuitive, the goal for facility managers should not always be to spend the least amount of money but to get the best value through smart investments. 

Here are our best tips for facility managers and commercial roofing budgets:

Prevent Costly Maintenance with Proactive Inspections

In facilities management, the goal is always to prevent costly repairs and prolong the life of a commercial building. For a commercial roof, the best way to extend its life is through regular inspections by a qualified roofing contractor. Inspections help uncover small problems with a roof, so that they can be repaired inexpensively preventing more expensive maintenance down the road.

Invest in Energy Efficiency

Saving money on energy costs is a great way to create more room in the facilities budget. Simple, inexpensive roofing investments can go a long way in improving energy efficiency. Commercial building owners can convert their existing roof to a cool roof by installing a white thermoplastic membrane roof. Contractors can also build efficiency into new roofing projects with extra insulation or even solar panels. 

Choose Value Over Cost

Roof cost is just one element that facility managers should consider when choosing a roofing contractor. Facility managers should also consider the average cost of maintenance and repairs for the life of the roof. Certain types of roofs may be inexpensive up front, but they will cost more to take care of and may not last as long. The same is true with investing in a quality roofing contractor rather than a budget contractor. It may cost more up front to hire a reputable roofer, but the roof will likely last longer, saving money in the budget over time.

Beef Up Your Roofing Analysis

Oncoming roofing problems are now easier to predict than in the past. Roofing inspectors can use tools like drones and infrared cameras to detect building roofing leaks or other problems. Using targeted roofing analysis is generally inexpensive and can give facility managers the ability to plan their budgets and prevent repairs down the line. 

Bundle Costs to Save

One of the best ways to save money over time in a roofing budget is to bundle roof management together through a management program. These programs, like MAXCare® by Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., give facility managers detailed maintenance schedules for all their buildings and automatically track inspections and maintenance. The programs help companies save money by tracking problems and generating reports, saving facility managers time and money.

If you’re ready to get started, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

A Seasonal Guide to Commercial Roofing Maintenance

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

If you’re familiar with Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., you’ll know that we make preventative maintenance and repairs a priority for our commercial roofing customers. We support our customers with tools, such as MAXCare® and provide a comprehensive set of solutions that help them to get the maximum lifespan out of their roofing investment. In addition, it’s important to us that we help educate our customers, so that they feel well-equipped and confident to keep their commercial roofs lasting longer. So, no matter the time of year, here’s what you should know about preventative maintenance during every season.

Winter

Your commercial roof will be vulnerable after ice and snow storms during the winter months, with a chance of hail damage at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Though it may seem as though your roof was not damaged during a storm, it is essential that you have it inspected. The roof may have sustained damage that you cannot see at first glance. For instance, with hail damage, although the hail did not penetrate the roof, it can cause spider cracking and lead to further damage down the line. Proactive repairs can prevent this issue.

Resources to check out: 

Spring 

Hail could still present issues in the spring months, but your biggest concerns will be heavy rains and high winds. In Nashville, Tennessee, we saw both a tornado and a derecho in 2020. Though these instances can be rare, it’s always a good idea to have someone do a visual inspection to ensure that no storm damage has occurred. As the rains are typically heavy during these months, you should also consider that your drains should be free of debris so that any water can make its way off the roof easily.

Resources to check out: 

Summer

Though you can expect some thunderstorms that may cause damage, summer is often the time that businesses take advantage of the calm weather to start new projects. It is hot and humid; however, the summer is when you have the most time to make the proper repairs without major interruptions—such as it being too cold in the winter or too rainy in spring. This time is especially important, considering that some roofing products must be a certain temperature before they are effective, eliminating the possibility for some projects in the winter. This is also a great time to make sure that your building is well-insulated and that the reflective quality and roof are clean to optimize energy-savings. 

Resources to check out: 

Fall

In the fall, you’ll want to be vigilant about cleaning your gutters and drains, so that they are free of fallen leaves and other debris. This maintenance step keeps your drainage flowing and can prevent pooling water and leaks. You will also need to be aware of any repairs that need to be made, preparing your roof to be water-tight before you head into winter.

Resources to check out: 

Is Your Commercial Roof on a Maintenance Schedule?

Our team is experienced and ready to help. We offer a comprehensive set of roofing services, as well as MAXCare® to help you stay on top of maintenance and Maxwell Monitors to help you monitor the state of your roof if you don’t have the capacity. The more damage we can prevent, the longer your roof lasts, and you can keep your building and its people safe. If you’re ready to get started, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today!