Month: June 2021

Roof Maintenance vs. Roof Management—What Building Owners Should Know

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Every building owner knows that maintenance is crucial for protecting their investment. Buildings naturally deteriorate over time and need regular care in order to last their expected lifespan. 

Some parts of a building, like a commercial roof, are complex and need a more proactive approach, rather than reactive maintenance, for their care. This is why so many building owners today are turning to roof management programs, like Maxwell Roofing’s MAXCare®, to prolong the life of their roof. Here is a little bit about the difference between roof maintenance and management. 

Roof Maintenance vs. Roof Management

1. Roof management is proactive rather than reactive.

Many building owners assume that properly maintaining their roof amounts to fixing problems as they arise. This reactive approach to maintenance will help protect a roof from the most serious damage, but it isn’t enough to prolong the life of a roof. A roof management program involves a clear schedule for maintenance and inspections to prevent large maintenance work or repairs before it’s even needed.

2. Roof management creates a holistic approach to roofing.

Many roofing companies look at construction, design, repair, and budgeting for commercial roofs separately. While these stages in a roofing project are all different, none of them exist in a vacuum. Every part of roofing and every stage of a roof’s life impacts the entire project. Roof management programs like MAXCare® track everything related to the roof together to create an individualized plan that accounts for the unique attributes of every roof.

3. Roof management provides clear documentation.   

MAXCare® includes industry-leading documentation and reporting in its services. This means that, every time, there is an inspection or a repair that it is clearly documented and properly billed. Documenting sporadic maintenance is not as easy and can raise questions for investors or on taxes. Roof management helps building owners keep everything in one place for easy access when filing financial reports. 

4. Roof management helps with planning for the future.

Occasional and unplanned maintenance creates a lot of room for surprise expenses. With a roof management program, building owners always know the condition of their roof, which allows them to plan and forecast their budget in the long term. This helps building owners save money throughout the life of their roofs and set aside money for upcoming expenses. 

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

5 Tips for Choosing a Commercial Roofing Contractor for Government Buildings

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Government buildings have a number of unique needs that complicate the process of choosing a commercial roofing contractor. Not only are reliability and price of the utmost importance for government agencies, but all work done on a building must be well-documented for proper accountability. 

Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. has worked on all kinds of government building roofs, and we understand the challenges of finding the right contractor for government projects. Here are some tips for finding the right roofing contractor for your government agency or building.

1. Keep your search local.

Construction is a local business. Contractors within the same area as the building know what a roof needs to hold up to the weather and where to get materials in a timely manner. They will also be familiar with building codes and any other local laws that govern buildings. It’s critical that government buildings are always up to code and properly maintained, and a local business is the best equipped to provide that.

2. Go with a reputable company.

A commercial roofing company is only as good as its reputation. Contractors with years of experience and good reviews get to that point by doing good work. For a government building, it’s important to get a contractor that has experience with similar jobs. Seek out commercial roofing companies that have done government work, and get recommendations before settling on the best option.

3. The lowest price doesn’t always mean the best value.

Government agencies are custodians of taxpayer money and should spend it responsibly. Sometimes, that may mean taking the lowest price offered by a contractor. But, to get the best value for the money, government agencies should consider other factors. A more expensive roof may last longer, or a contractor may offer a package deal that includes both roof construction and long-term maintenance. 

4. Ask about documentation.

Some roofers do a great job on construction but are not well organized on the back end. This can create serious problems for government agencies that need clear documentation of what work was done and paid for. Before choosing a contractor for government work, ask about their reporting process and ensure it meets the legal requirements for the agency paying for the work. Depending on location, commercial buildings require a specific level of licensing from the roofing contractor, as well as high-level insurance requirements. Proof of such prior to bid should be important! 

5. Think for the long-term.

When choosing a commercial roofing contractor you should consider the roof’s entire lifecycle. Getting a “good value roof” is not just about construction. Preventative maintenance is critical to making a roof last for its expected lifespan. Government agencies should consider roofing companies that offer roof management programs. These programs—like Maxwell’s MAXCare®—manage a roof over its entire lifespan, automatically scheduling inspections and maintenance and allowing customers to plan out their long-term budgets. 

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

Employee Spotlight: Stephen Marbach

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

An Illinois native, Stephen Marbach studied business management at the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky and began working as an estimator and project manager in 2016. Stephen joined Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. in October of 2020 after relocating to Tennessee, and he works with both the service and construction teams. 

Current Role

Stephen is a Estimator/Project Manager for Maxwell Roofing, and he works daily with both general contractors and private building owners. Steven spends about 60 percent of his time in the office ordering materials, bidding projects, attending meetings, and tracking jobs to ensure they stay on budget. The other 40 percent of Stephen’s job involves site visits where he estimates service and re-roofs and interacts regularly with customers.

Why Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. Stands Out

Stephen’s favorite part of working at Maxwell Roofing is his team. “I love the team-oriented dynamic at Maxwell,” he affirms. In his role working alongside the service and construction teams, Stephen interacts with a collective group of 10 colleagues within the company to keep projects and timelines moving along efficiently. “We work together to solve problems and ensure customer satisfaction, and I really enjoy my team’s ability to efficiently solve problems as they arise,” Stephen says.

Personal

When Stephen isn’t in the office or on a job site, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Candice, and their dog, Mr. Troy. He likes to stay active by playing golf, tennis, or working out. When out and about in the Nashville area, Stephen likes to visit his favorite restaurants, Mojo’s Tacos and Five Daughters Bakery, but he hopes to travel more away from home in the near future. In fact, Stephen’s lifelong goal is to visit each continent at least once.

4 Things to Consider When Replacing Your Warehouse’s Roof

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

The roof can often be the most expensive part of a warehouse or industrial building. It must be functional for the activities going on within the building and also needs to hold up to tough conditions. These special considerations can make replacing a warehouse roof difficult. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a new roof and a company to construct it for your warehouse.

1. Determine whether it’s time for a new roof.

Because commercial roofs are expensive, it can be tempting to put off getting a roof replacement as long as possible. While this may save money in the short-term, continuing to operate a warehouse with an outdated roof can cause major problems for your business. Leaks can lead to damage to machinery and inventory, and waiting too long for a roof replacement can even compromise the structure of the building. If your roof is beginning to have major problems, that means it’s time to call a roofing professional and look into a replacement.

2. Consider the activity that takes place in the building.

The type of business using the warehouse will influence the type of roof needed for it. A building used for manufacturing may need a roof that can withstand extreme temperatures or support a large amount of rooftop equipment, while a storage warehouse may have less specific needs. Before deciding anything else, choose what type of roof makes the most sense for your building.

3. Think about upgrading.

Many older warehouses may have roofs with outdated technology that is not as durable as what is available today. Roof replacement is the best time to consider upgrading your roof to a more durable material that will last longer than the previous roof. This is also the best time to evaluate the energy efficiency of your roof. A cool roof could help your business save money in electricity, or you may want to generate your own electricity with solar panels.

4. Prepare a maintenance plan.

When replacing a roof, building owners need to think beyond construction. Roof replacement is only the first step in the life of a roof. It will need to be properly maintained and managed in order to last out its full lifespan. When replacing your roof, be sure to consult your roofer about creating a maintenance schedule that will keep your roof in top shape.

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

5 Commercial Roofing Preventative Maintenance Tips for Property Managers

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

While commercial roofs are often a huge investment, they are an often neglected part of a building. Roofing issues are not always obvious to those who occupy a building, which can result in the roof being overlooked for ongoing maintenance and repairs. 

However, property managers who make preventative roof maintenance a regular part of their schedules will see benefits for their buildings over the long-term. Here are our best tips for easy preventative roof maintenance for property managers:

5 Tips for Preventative Roof Maintenance for Property Managers

1. Get regular professional inspections.

Of all our tips, this one might be the most important. Roof maintenance is a job for a team, not just the property manager. Every property should have a dedicated roofing company to perform regular inspections and uncover hidden problems. Professional roofers have tools like infrared imaging cameras and drones that can detect damage unseen by the naked eye. They also have the experience to know what kind of maintenance a roof needs and when it needs it.

2. Keep an eye out for open points on the roof, where water can infiltrate the system.

Moisture is the single biggest troublemaker for commercial roofs. Water that gets under the roof’s waterproof membrane can cause leaks or even damage the structural integrity of the building. The best way to prevent one of these disasters is for property managers to have the roof regularly checked for moisture. Equipment, such as HVAC units, along with rooftop penetrations, like skylights, can allow for water infiltration if not properly sealed, so these areas should also be inspected regularly to make sure no moisture is gathering and causing issues.

3. Monitor who can access the roof.

Unless they are specially reinforced, commercial roofs are not built to be walked on. Allowing workers, tenants, or employees regular access to the roof can cause unseen damage. While there are times that a property manager or a work crew will need rooftop access, that access should be carefully managed. Property managers should not allow people on the rooftop without permission for each instance.

4. Don’t underestimate the importance of cleaning.

Roofs may not need to look nice for anyone, but allowing them to get too dirty can lead to maintenance problems. Dirt, water, and grime can build up and cause damage to a roof. Build-up on a roof also makes it difficult to spot deficiencies and make proper repairs. Debris from trees or other things following a storm can also block drains or puncture holes in the roof if left alone. 

5. Plan for seasonal shifts.

Roofs are exposed to the elements all day, every day and need to be prepped for shifts in the seasons. Before a possible freeze, property managers need to clear commercial roofs of water to prevent ice from forming and blocking drains or warping the roof membrane. Property managers should also check drainage points before seasonal rainfalls begin.

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