Month: August 2024

SOS Signals: 6 Signs Your Commercial Roof Needs Immediate Repair

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

A roof is an integral part of your commercial building’s structure, protecting everything beneath it from the elements. Identifying when it needs immediate repair can be challenging, as some warning signs are subtle and easily overlooked, while others are more obvious. To help you stay proactive and avoid expensive repairs, we’ve outlined key signs that signal your commercial roof requires immediate attention.

 

Obvious Warning Signs

1. Active Leaks

One of the most obvious signs of roof damage is an active leak. If you notice water dripping from the ceiling or pooling on the floor, it’s a clear indication that your roof has been compromised.

2. Wet Ceiling Tiles

Wet, discolored, or sagging ceiling tiles are a common sign of roof leaks. These spots often indicate that water has penetrated your roof and is seeping into the building. 

3. Dripping Noise 

Hearing a dripping noise from above is a subtle warning sign that should not be ignored. Try to identify the source of the drip and find out if there’s more than one leak, then promptly call a roofing professional to assess and fix it.

 

Subtle Warning Signs 

The following are some early warning signs of roof damage that are commonly overlooked by property owners and managers:

1. Grease and Chemical Contaminants

For buildings with rooftop equipment, grease and other chemical contaminants can pose problems. These substances can damage the roofing material over time, leading to leaks and other issues. Regular inspections can help identify and mitigate this type of damage before it becomes a major problem.

2. Damage from Weather Events

Strong storms and severe weather events that bring high winds, heavy rain, snow, ice, or hail can cause significant damage to your roof. It’s important to conduct a thorough inspection, even if the damage isn’t immediately visible. This will ensure that your roof remains watertight and identify any repairs that may be needed.

3. Unnoticed Damage from Contractors

Sometimes, other contractors working on rooftop equipment can accidentally damage the roof without realizing it. Regular inspections can help identify any unintentional damage caused by third parties. 

Conducting regular visual inspections of your roof can help identify areas that look problematic. Look for signs of external damage, such as cracks, openings, or damaged skylights. These issues can allow water to penetrate the roof and lead to leaks. 

If you see a leak, it’s important to act quickly. Delaying can cost you even more time and energy in the long run.

 

Risks of Delaying Roof Repairs

A roof system protects the interior of a building by being waterproof. If water infiltrates the system, that’s an indicator that a repair is needed as soon as possible. When leaks are ignored or overlooked, even more water can infiltrate the system. If water gets trapped in the roofing system, it has to be physically removed. What could’ve been a minimal repair turns into the replacement of a large roof section or the replacement of the entire roof, depending on the level of water damage.

If a roof is neglected for long enough, it can also make the roof replacement more costly. For example, perhaps there’s currently one roof system on the building. In typical conditions, a roof overlay may be possible, but not if the existing roof system is waterlogged. Or, if the roof system has been waterlogged for so long that it damages and rusts the metal deck, a total roof replacement plus a deck replacement is required.

 

Emergency Repairs

If the leak is occurring over electrical systems or valuable property, it calls for emergency service. At Maxwell Roofing, we provide our customers access to qualified roofing technicians every day at any hour. If necessary, we’re prepared to send out a team to respond to your emergency right away, whether it’s a weekend storm or a nighttime emergency.

 

Preventative Maintenance is Key

We’ve said it for nearly 70 years: preventative maintenance is essential to protecting your investment and avoiding costly repairs. A roof management program like Maxwell’s MAXCare® is the simplest way to track the care and condition of a commercial roof.

For more information on how Maxwell Roofing can help you maintain your commercial roof, contact us today. Our expert team is here to provide comprehensive roofing solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Ace the Test: 7 Roof Maintenance Tips for Schools

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

School facility managers wear many hats. From managing budgets to overseeing maintenance, the responsibilities are vast. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, the condition of your school’s roof shouldn’t be an afterthought. It’s the unsung hero, protecting students, staff, and equipment from the elements.

At Maxwell Roofing, we understand the unique challenges faced by school administrators. With nearly 70 years of experience serving educational institutions across Tennessee and Alabama, we’ve seen (and passed) every type of test that has come our way. That’s why we’ve put together this “study sheet” to help you protect one of your school’s most critical assets.

 

School Roof Maintenance 101: 7 Lessons for Facility Managers

1. Be Proactive: Develop a Preventative Maintenance Plan

The best defense against damage is a proactive offense. Regular maintenance for school facilities is important, and the same applies to your roof. 

Developing a preventative maintenance plan is crucial. A well-maintained roof system is essential for ensuring a water-tight environment that can withstand the test of time. Regularly removing debris from all drainage points and repairing small defects every winter and summer can have longstanding effects that prolong the life of your roof.  

2. Don’t Guess, Inspect: Invest in Annual Inspections

Just as teachers give regular assessments to track student progress, your roof needs a checkup, too. Annual inspections are like progress reports for your roof. They help identify potential problems before they become major headaches. Think of it as preventing an “unexpected pop quiz” you weren’t prepared to take. Catching issues early means more minor repairs and less disruption to school activities.

3. Visitor Check-Ins: Don’t Neglect Ad-Hoc Inspections

From HVAC technicians to satellite dish installers, your roof sees its fair share of visitors. Every time someone accesses your roof, it’s like a pop quiz—you never know what damage might occur. That’s why it’s essential to schedule a quick roof inspection after any non-roofing-related work is done. It’s like double-checking a student’s work to ensure accuracy.

4. Prioritize Safety First, Always

In the same way principals and teachers prioritize student safety, a qualified roofing contractor should prioritize safety on school roofing projects. Ensure your roofing team is well-trained, equipped with the proper safety gear, and adheres to strict OSHA safety protocols. A safe work environment is essential for protecting both your roof and the people working on it. It’s like creating a classroom where everyone feels secure and focused.

5. Be Weather Wise: Recognize the Impact on Your Roof

Every facility manager knows the importance of keeping an eye on the weather. From scheduling outdoor events to preparing for emergencies, weather is a constant factor. But have you considered how the weather impacts your roof? Understanding the specific challenges your roof faces in each season can help you protect it from damage. And when severe weather occurs, you need a plan to assess your roof for potential damage.

6. After the Bell Rings: Strategic Timing Repairs 

Just as teachers plan lesson plans around school breaks, you should strategically schedule roof repairs. Working on your roof during school vacations minimizes disruptions to students and staff. It’s like tackling a big project over the summer— you can experience less stress and better results. By planning ahead, you can ensure a smoother repair process and a happier school administration.

7. Knowing When It’s Time: Planning for Replacement

More frequent and larger roofing leaks may mean your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. If your roof is over 15 years old, it’s time to start budgeting for a replacement. Advanced signs of deterioration in the field membrane or shingles are clear indicators that action is needed. Just as you plan for long-term facility upgrades, planning for roof replacement ensures the longevity and safety of your school building.

 

Ace Your Roof Report Card

By following these seven tips, you can transform your school’s roof from an overlooked asset to a high-performing component of your building. Partnering with a reliable roofing service provider is essential to ensure your roof “passes the test” of time with flying colors.

Maxwell Roofing is committed to partnering with school facility managers to ensure your roof gets the attention it deserves. 

Get an inside look at our work with Ensworth’s facility management director, or contact us today for a comprehensive roof evaluation and customized maintenance plan. Let’s work together to give your roof an A+!

Scorching Sun, Safe Crew: How Maxwell Roofing Prioritizes Employee Safety in the Summer Heat

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

After being in business for nearly 70 years, we know that the best way to build a lasting legacy is through the people we hire and the teams we build. That means creating a strong internal culture where our team knows we care. 

At Maxwell Roofing, the safety and well-being of our crews are always our top priorities, regardless of the season. Working under the scorching sun, surrounded by humidity, our roofing team faces many heat-related health risks, from heat stroke and dehydration to cramping and exhaustion. Here’s a closer look at the health risks and the policies we have in place to ensure our team is safe and healthy during the hot summer months.

 

Understanding Heat-Related Health Risks

Roofing employees face several heat-related health risks during the summer, including:

  • Heat Stroke: A serious medical emergency where the body’s temperature regulation fails, leading to a rapid rise in body temperature. The symptoms are red, hot, dry skin, a rapid weak pulse, rapid shallow breathing, and a change in consciousness. 
  • Heat Exhaustion: A serious condition with symptoms that include cool, moist, pale skin, headaches, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and exhaustion. If ignored, heat stroke may occur. 
  • Heat Cramps: Muscle spasms can be caused by excessive sweating and loss of salt. Heat cramps are often the first sign that your body is having difficulty functioning in the heat. 
  • Dehydration: Loss of body fluids through sweating, which can impair physical and mental performance.
  • Sunburn: Damage to the skin caused by prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays.

In the event of heat-related emergencies, Maxwell Roofing has clear procedures in place, including the use of the Safety HQ Harness app, which provides the location of the nearest hospital, ensuring quick access to medical care. Our team is also trained to call 911 if they’re ever unsure about the severity of a heat-related illness or in the case of any emergency.

 

Core Safety Policies for High Temperatures

Our leadership team closely monitors the changing temperatures and doesn’t hesitate to adjust work schedules to protect our crews. We’ve also created the following safety policies:

  • Work Hours Limitation: When temperatures are forecasted to exceed 95 degrees, workdays are limited to eight hours to reduce prolonged exposure.
  • Shade and Rest Areas: Pop-up tents are set up to provide relief from the sun, allowing team members to cool down during breaks.
  • Early Start Times: Work starts earlier in the day to avoid the peak heat hours, minimizing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
  • Hydration Supplies: Water, ice, and coolers are provided to ensure that employees stay hydrated.


Training and Educational Programs

Proper training and education are essential for ensuring safety in extreme heat. The Maxwell team receives training on how to recognize the signs of heat stroke and the immediate actions to take if someone is affected. 

We also host year-round safety discussions called Toolbox Talks. During the summer months, we put a special focus on heat risks and high-temperature safety practices, reinforcing the importance of staying hydrated and taking breaks.

 

Adherence to Safety Policies

To ensure all employees follow safety policies, we require daily safety reports that include a safety checklist which must be completed every day. Our superintendents also conduct weekly safety audits to ensure compliance with all safety measures.

At Maxwell Roofing, our team is our family, and their safety is our top priority. That commitment to our employees is reflected in the quality and care you’ll find in every project we’re a part of. Learn more about our team and discover the life-changing difference a career with Maxwell can make in your life.

The Comprehensive Guide to Roof Maintenance for Property Managers

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

As a property manager, you wear many hats. You handle tenant concerns, manage budgets, and oversee the overall maintenance of your buildings. But few things can cause a bigger headache than a roof issue. Leaks disrupt tenants, cause internal damage, and can quickly snowball into major problems.

At Maxwell Roofing, we understand the unique challenges property managers face, especially those juggling multiple buildings. With decades of experience working alongside property managers, we’ve developed a comprehensive suite of solutions to keep your roofs in tip-top shape.

 

What Property Managers Should Know About Roof Inspections

Regular inspections are the cornerstone of a successful roof maintenance strategy. A thorough inspection by a qualified professional can identify minor issues before they become major problems. Here are some resources from Maxwell Roofing to guide you:

Commercial Roof Inspection Tips for Property Managers:

1. Schedule a comprehensive inspection at least once a year.

2. Ensure a thorough inspection of the entire roof membrane, especially around roof penetrations and curbs, looking for defects.

3. Conduct an initial inspection with your facilities crew after a storm to identify any obvious signs of damage.

4. Maintain a detailed roof inspection history, including photos and notes.

 

What Property Managers Should Know About Preventative Roof Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is key to extending the life of your roof and avoiding costly repairs down the road. Here are some helpful resources from Maxwell Roofing:

Preventative Maintenance Tips:

1. Schedule at least one preventative maintenance service call per year. A professional roofer can clear debris, check seams and flashing, and identify minor issues before they become major problems.

2. Regularly clean drains and gutters, especially during the autumn months when leaves are falling. Clogged drains can lead to water backup and potential leaks.

3. Trim any tree branches that overhang the roof. This will prevent them from scraping or damaging the roofing material.

 

What Property Managers Should Know About Roof Budgeting and Future-Proofing

Planning and budgeting for roof maintenance is essential. Here are some resources from Maxwell Roofing to help you navigate the financial aspects of roof care:

Additional Tips:

1. When working with a commercial roofing company, always get everything in writing. This includes a detailed proposal outlining the scope of work, materials used, warranty information, and the payment schedule.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. A reputable roofing company will be happy to answer your questions and explain their recommendations in detail.

3. Consider the long-term value proposition. While the initial cost of a roofing project is important, look for solutions that offer energy efficiency or extended lifespans, potentially saving you money down the road.

 

Maxwell Roofing: Your Partner in Roof Management Success

We understand the unique challenges property managers face in maintaining multiple buildings. We are a trusted partner for commercial property managers throughout Tennessee and Alabama, offering comprehensive roofing solutions and exceptional customer service.

Maxwell Roofing can help you:

  • Develop a proactive roof maintenance plan
  • Conduct thorough inspections based on your unique needs
  • Address repairs and potential problems promptly with 24/7 emergency services
  • Budget effectively for roof care

Let us help you keep your roofs in top shape and ensure the peace of mind you deserve.

Contact Maxwell Roofing today to discuss your specific needs and learn how we can become an extension of your property management team.