Month: September 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Mixed-Use Building Roof Maintenance

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Maintaining the roof of a mixed-use building can be a complex task, especially when you’re catering to the diverse needs of multiple tenants. From restaurants and retail spaces to offices and residential units, each tenant may have unique requirements that directly impact the roof’s performance. In this comprehensive guide, we’re walking property managers and building owners through essential strategies to ensure your mixed-use roof remains in top shape to serve all your tenants well. 

Common Challenges with Mixed-Use Building Roofs

Mixed-use buildings typically house multiple tenants, often from different industries, which presents unique challenges when it comes to roof maintenance. Mixed-use buildings often have different roof sections, each with its own material or structure. For example, if you have a restaurant as a tenant that is emitting grease onto the rooftop, this section of the roof will require more attention than other sections. Roof systems are designed to cover what is taking place within the facility, so when it comes to maintaining the different systems on mixed-use buildings, there is not necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach.

Proactive Commercial Roofing Maintenance Measures 

Beyond regular maintenance, there are proactive measures that property managers and owners can take to enhance roof performance and longevity. It’s beneficial to require tenants to use the same roofing contractor, especially for roof repairs. Allowing tenants to hire their own contractors can lead to incompatible repairs, voided warranties, or even unintentional damage. By ensuring consistency in roof maintenance and repairs, you can avoid complications and protect the integrity of the roof.

Another proactive maintenance measure property owners and managers can take is to track rooftop activity. Since multiple contractors may access the roof (e.g., HVAC repairs), it’s critical to keep a log of who was on the roof, when, and where they worked. This not only helps prevent accidental damage but also provides a record in case issues arise.

Our Comprehensive Roof Maintenance Resource dives even deeper into roof maintenance tips for property managers and even includes resources to help you navigate the financial aspects of roof care.

Recommended Commercial Roofing Maintenance Schedule

For mixed-use buildings, regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to keeping the roof in good condition. At a minimum, property managers should schedule an annual roof inspection paired with a preventative maintenance call. This ensures a roofing professional is on-site at least twice a year to identify and address any potential issues.

Additional maintenance for specialized areas of the roof, such as sections with grease vents from restaurants, may require more frequent attention. In these cases, installing grease guards and changing filters regularly (up to monthly, depending on the level of grease output) can help prevent damage to the roof membrane.

A Trusted Partner for Mixed-Use Building Owners and Property Managers

Mixed-use building owners should consider enrolling in a roof management plan like Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal’s MAXCare®. MAXCare® helps owners and property managers schedule maintenance, prepare budgets, and track the building’s condition online. 

Maxwell Roofing specializes in customized roof maintenance for mixed-use buildings. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help maintain the integrity of your roof while meeting the diverse needs of your tenants.

Generations of Expertise: A Family’s Journey at Maxwell Roofing

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Maxwell Roofing was founded nearly 70 years ago. Today, the third generation of Maxwells is carrying on their family’s tradition of quality and integrity. The Maxwell family’s commitment to excellence has created a legacy that continues to shape the company today. This strong sense of family and tradition is evident not only in the leadership but also within the team. This is exemplified by the Cox family—Michael, Lee, and Tim—who bring their own generational expertise to Maxwell Roofing.

The Cox Family at Maxwell Roofing

Michael Cox has worked in the roofing industry for over 30 years. He joined Maxwell Roofing 15 years ago, relocating from Pennsylvania to Tennessee in search of milder winters and new opportunities. Starting as a service foreman, Michael’s dedication and expertise quickly propelled him to the role of service superintendent and eventually service manager​. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping Maxwell’s service department, where he oversees projects with meticulous attention to detail.

Michael values the company’s commitment to quality and excellence, which aligns perfectly with his principles. 

“The values of integrity, quality craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction are paramount. These principles are integral to every aspect of our work, ensuring that we deliver exceptional results while building lasting relationships with our clients.”

For Michael, working alongside his son and his brother has been one of the greatest rewards of his career. This strong family connection has fostered a sense of unity, trust, and commitment that permeates everything they do at Maxwell Roofing.

Continuing A Family Tradition

Lee Cox followed in his father’s footsteps, joining Maxwell Roofing in 2015 after moving from Pennsylvania to Nashville. Starting as a service technician, Lee’s hard work and talent were soon recognized, leading to his promotion to service foreman. 

Lee appreciates the opportunities for growth and development at Maxwell Roofing, as well as the collaborative culture that encourages employees to support and learn from one another. 

“I love working for Maxwell Roofing because the people are amazing and supportive. There are great opportunities for growth and development.”

One of Lee’s most memorable projects at Maxwell was the installation of copper standing seam panels on the Ensworth High School towers. This job was particularly significant because it demanded a high standard of safety, quality, and craftsmanship—values that resonate deeply with Lee​.

A Brotherly Love for Roofing

Tim Cox has spent over a decade at Maxwell Roofing, primarily working as a service foreman. His career in the roofing industry spans 20 to 30 years, and despite brief stints in other jobs, he always finds his way back to roofing—a testament to his skill at the trade.

Tim’s experience is vast, but what he loves most about his job, aside from working with his brother and nephew, are the unexpected moments that come along with working on rooftops. “This job is cool, it really is. The stuff we can see from the rooftops is amazing. We were at a job in Huntsville next door to a place that repaired helicopters, so they were taking off and landing next to us all day long,” he explained. 

Tim initially joined Maxwell Roofing on the recommendation of his brother Michael. While the family connection was a draw, what keeps Tim at Maxwell is the company’s culture of hard work, trust, and respect for its employees. 

“I’m here because I work with very good people who trust their employees to do their jobs and follow their best judgment out in the field. That’s rare.”

Tim’s expertise and leadership have made him a dependable and valued member of the Maxwell team.

As Maxwell Roofing continues to evolve, the Cox family’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of legacy, dedication, and the impact that a strong, supportive work environment can have on both individuals and the company as a whole. Discover the difference a career with Maxwell can make in your life, and apply today to join the Maxwell team.