Month: January 2022

Why Contractors Should Choose a Roofing Partner with In-House Metal Fabrication

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Every type of commercial roofing system needs sheet metal to function, yet most roofing companies get their sheet metal from a third-party fabrication plant. For contractors, this use of third-party sheet metal can become a problem, as it can lead to delays and even cause a project to blow its budget. 

Contractors in search of a roofing partner should consider companies with their own in-house metal fabrication. Here are just a few of the advantages that in-house fabrication brings to a project. 

1. Increased Efficiency

The more subcontractors and suppliers that are involved in a project, the less efficient it becomes. Using a roofing company with in-house metal fabrication eliminates the need for a metal middleman, and lets contractors work straight with their suppliers. Contractors can get their questions answered and their budget concerns addressed directly from their metal fabricator rather than having to pass messages through multiple gatekeepers. 

2. Increased Design Options

In-house sheet metal fabrication opens up a whole world of design options for contractors. Custom fabrication shops can produce specialized roofing products instead of just the typical prefab shapes offered by most roofing companies. This allows contractors to produce more visually appealing roofs and address special construction concerns.

3. Better Management of Supply Shortages

It’s no secret that supply shortages have severely affected the roofing industry following the pandemic. Suppliers all over the world are trying to squeeze out orders at a record pace, throwing off their time and budget estimates. Fabrication shops within roofing companies serve customers directly, enabling them to deliver more accurate estimates and a higher percentage of orders.

4. Decreased Costs

Whenever a contractor goes through a third party for materials or labor, there is a mark-up. Roofers that have in-house sheet metal fabrication are able to save money on labor and materials and pass those savings onto their customers. 

5. Increased Project Speed

Roofing companies with in-house sheet metal fabrication have complete control over their project timeline. There is no risk that their supplier will fail to deliver on a promise. In-house metal fabrication also does not require delivery, eliminating any unnecessary transportation delays.

In Search of a Trusted Roofing Partner? 

If you’re ready to learn more about in-house sheet metal fabrication, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

A General Contractor’s Guide to High-Quality Roofing Projects

Posted on by David Maxwell

For a general contractor, the most important step in a high-quality roofing project is to hire a trusted company to do the work. If you’re a contractor on the hunt for a commercial roofing partner that fits your needs, this guide will help you choose a roofing contractor and make sure that you are producing high-quality roofing projects for your customers. 

1. Choose quality materials.

All roofing contractors should have familiarity with different kinds of roofing materials—and the best contractors will have access to products of the highest quality. Choosing a long-lasting, durable roof material will make the roof last longer and save money over time. 

2. Prioritize safety.

A lack of safety measures during a construction project can often influence the quality of the product. Roofers need to feel secure and be careful; a failure in either of these two areas can lead to problems during the construction project. Be sure to verify safety protocols with your roofing contractor and to prioritize safety on the job site. 

3. Emphasize customer service.

Roofing contractors are part of a team on a construction site. General contractors should choose a roofer with a history of good customer service to ensure that their roofers are responsive, meet deadlines, and collaborate appropriately while on the job site.

4. Plan for maintenance. 

High-quality roof construction is pointless if it isn’t followed up with a high-quality maintenance plan. General contractors should choose a roofing partner that offers maintenance plans along with roof repairs and construction. Building owners always appreciate the option to enroll in a plan like Maxwell’s MaxCARE® for the life of their commercial roof. 

Are you a general contractor looking for a trusted roofing partner?

If you’re a general contractor who is ready to learn more about high-quality roofing projects, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is ready to help.

A Property Manager’s Guide to Roof Leaks

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

A leaking roof is every property manager’s worst nightmare. Roof leaks can compromise building safety, damage a property’s value and even cause further damage to the building. In order to prevent the worst outcomes from a roof leak, property managers need to know how to recognize a leak and what to do if they find one.

Signs Your Roof is Leaking

Storm damage can cause obvious holes in a roof, but not all leaks are this easy to spot. Small leaks can show up in a variety of small ways throughout a building. Property managers should always remain vigilant and check for signs of small leaks. Failing to address minor leaks can lead to a much bigger problem down the line.

Some signs that your roof may be leaking include:

  • Stained interior or exterior walls
  • Strange odors
  • Pooling water inside the building
  • Stained ceiling tiles

Immediate Actions After a Leak

Once a leak has been identified, property managers should take some immediate steps to prevent further damage and to protect the building’s occupants. First, close off the area affected by the leak and clean up any water that may be on the floors or interior walls. Keep the area well ventilated and use dryers or fans to dry it off and prevent mildew. Get in touch with both the building’s insurance company and a trusted roofing company to schedule a fix as soon as possible.

Finding a Roofing Partner 

Property managers should always have a roofer they trust on call. But if a leak occurs when you’re between roofers, it’s important to find a trusted partner as soon as possible. Don’t make the mistake of choosing the cheapest, first available roofer. Do your research to find a reputable company that will be able to produce quality work beyond this individual leak.

Preventing Future Leaks

The best way to deal with a roof leak is to prevent it from occurring! Preventative maintenance is the most effective way to keep commercial roofs leak-free. For property managers with multiple assets, a roof management program like Maxwell’s MAXCare® is the simplest way to track the care and condition of each building’s roof.

If you’re ready to learn more about leak repair and prevention, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is ready to help.