Month: January 2025

A Guide to Re-Roofing Your Hospital or Healthcare Facility

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Re-roofing a hospital or healthcare facility is a complex undertaking that demands careful planning, expertise, and a deep understanding of the project’s unique challenges. As facility managers, you shoulder the immense responsibility of ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors. A disastrous re-roofing project can disrupt operations, compromise patient care, and lead to costly repairs.

At Maxwell Roofing, we’ve worked with some of the leading hospital and healthcare facilities across Tennessee and Alabama, including Ascension St. Thomas Network, HCA, Southern Hills, Premier Radiology, and Vanderbilt Medical Center. While each project is unique, we’ve developed a customer-focused approach designed to deliver an unparalleled experience throughout the entire re-roofing process—from pre-construction planning to project completion and beyond.

In this article, we’ll highlight the most important factors to consider when embarking on a re-roofing project for your healthcare facility.

Keys to Successful Re-Roofing for Hospitals and Healthcare Centers

1. Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor

Selecting the right commercial roofing contractor is paramount to the success of your project. Experience, licensing, insurance, and warranties are crucial factors to consider. But it’s equally important to evaluate intangible factors like responsiveness, clear communication, and a commitment to keeping you informed every step of the way.

At Maxwell Roofing, we pride ourselves on our open communication and dedication to building strong partnerships with our clients. We believe that a successful project starts with a solid foundation of trust and collaboration.

2. Understanding the Current Roof Condition

Understanding the current condition of your roof helps you plan and budget for the re-roofing project. That’s why a comprehensive roof inspection is essential for identifying potential problems and determining the extent of necessary repairs. 

At Maxwell Roofing, we’ve worked with healthcare facility managers to regularly assess their roofs for signs of damage such as leaks, punctures, granule loss, and discoloration.

3. Planning and Logistics

Effective planning is the cornerstone of a successful re-roofing project. Define the project scope clearly, including the areas to be covered and desired materials. Setting your re-roofing budgeting is essential, as costs can vary widely based on project size and material choices. Creating a realistic timeline is crucial, considering factors like weather conditions and material availability.

To minimize disruptions to hospital operations, develop a comprehensive business continuity plan. Prioritize patient and staff safety by implementing clear safety protocols. Additionally, plan for the temporary relocation of rooftop equipment, HVAC systems, and other critical components. 

At Maxwell, our experienced team can help you navigate the complexities of a re-roofing project and create a plan that minimizes disruptions to your facility.

4. Material Selection

Selecting the right roofing materials is vital for long-term performance and durability. Consider options like TPO, EPDM, and metal, evaluating factors like weather resistance, fire resistance, and energy efficiency. Maintenance requirements also vary by material, so factor that into your decision.

5. Regulations and Compliance

Adherence to local, state, and federal building codes and standards is mandatory for any roofing project. Understanding insurance requirements is also crucial to protect the facility during construction. 

Meeting fire safety codes for roofing materials and installation is another critical aspect. Additionally, facilities managers must consider how the re-roofing project aligns with hospital accreditations like those from the Joint Commission. 

At Maxwell Roofing, we ensure that every project meets all regulatory and safety compliance requirements, safeguarding your facility from potential legal and operational issues.

Additional Considerations

To maximize the lifespan of your hospital or healthcare facility’s roof, consider these additional factors:

At Maxwell Roofing, we offer comprehensive maintenance programs tailored to your specific needs, and our 24/7 emergency repair service ensures rapid response to critical issues.

Experience the Maxwell Way

With nearly 70 years of experience, Maxwell Roofing has established a reputation for honesty, capability, and dependability. We’re proud to partner with healthcare facilities to deliver exceptional roofing solutions that protect your patients, staff, and investment.

If you’re looking for a commercial roofing partner to help you navigate a re-roofing project or care for your roof, contact our team today.

Unveiling Maxwell’s Most Innovative and Memorable Hotel Projects

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

When it comes to hotel roofing, the sky isn’t just the limit—it’s often part of the experience. From working on rooftop bars with incredible views to preserving the architectural beauty of historic buildings, Maxwell Roofing has been a trusted partner in some of Nashville’s most innovative hotel projects. Each project showcases our commitment to craftsmanship, quality, and problem-solving. Here’s a look at four standout hotels that demonstrate our expertise and attention to detail in roofing in the hospitality industry.

Thompson Nashville Hotel

Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the Thompson Nashville Hotel offers breathtaking views of the city skyline from its popular rooftop bar, L.A. Jackson. The hotel features two terraces in addition to the bar. This 25,000-square-foot project required Maxwell to balance both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, ensuring that the roof could handle the weight of substantial rooftop equipment without compromising on design. Completed in 2016, the Thompson Hotel rooftop remains one of the best spots in Nashville for drinks with a view.

Loews Nashville Hotel at Vanderbilt Plaza

In 2015, the hotel made a variety of energy upgrades to improve overall building performance and lower operating costs. Maxwell was hired to make upgrades to the hotel’s ballroom roof. Our team replaced over 2,000 square feet of ballroom roofing that involved a complete tear-off. Once the old roofing system was removed, a Siplast torch-applied roof system was installed over 1.5-inch polyiso insulation on a lightweight concrete deck. This improved the building’s overall insulation effectiveness by 20 percent. 

Our work on this award-winning hotel also included the installation of a copper roof, which enhanced the building’s visual appeal and long-term durability.

The Hermitage Hotel

Maxwell had the honor of working on the iconic Hermitage Hotel, a Nashville landmark. Restoring the roof while maintaining the building’s historic integrity and original architectural style was an important element of this project. 

Repairing, re-roofing, or reconstructing a historic building requires a qualified roofing professional with extensive experience crafting roofs to match a variety of architectural eras. We’ve outlined additional factors to consider before investing in roofing services for your historic building in our blog.

Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown 

The Sheraton Grand Hotel project involved installing roof davits to ensure safe maintenance access. To help commercial building owners meet specific OSHA regulations for their roofs, we provide numerous services, including engineering and installing hatch railing systems and roof davits. These railing systems allow individuals to access the roof from a ladder inside the building with a grab bar for a climber, ensuring a safe transition to and from the ladder. Roof davits (or roof anchors) are attached at various points across the roof so workers can easily attach their safety harnesses and conduct their work without falling. 

An Experienced Partner You Can Trust

For 70 years, Maxwell Roofing has been a trusted name in commercial roofing because of the quality of our work and our commitment to our customers. From the historic Hermitage Hotel to the modern Thompson Hotel, each hotel project reflects our commitment to quality, problem-solving, and collaboration. Contact us today to learn how our trusted service can support your next project.

2024 In Review: A Year of Milestones for Maxwell Roofing

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

As we wrap up the year, we’re taking a moment at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal to look back on a year full of big achievements, tough challenges, and unforgettable moments. From welcoming the third generation of company ownership to projects that put our skills to the test, this has been an extraordinary year to remember. 

In this blog, we’re excited to share some of the milestones that shaped 2024 for us. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating these accomplishments, the team members who made it all happen, and the clients who put their trust in us every step of the way.

Noteworthy Projects

Nashville City Center: A Rooftop Delivery with a View

One of our most unique projects this year took place at the Nashville City Center, a major office tower in downtown Nashville. In the spring, we faced a challenging delivery, as the only way to get materials to the roof was by helicopter—a first for Maxwell Roofing! This high-stakes operation required three months of meticulous planning and coordination. With 19 off-duty police officers helping to manage traffic and four city blocks shut down, our team worked safely and efficiently to complete the job.

With 15 of our Maxwell Roofing crew members on site, we successfully navigated the complexities of this project. It was truly a team effort, and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone who helped make it a success. This project was an inspiring reminder of how teamwork and careful planning can bring even the most ambitious projects to life.

Nashville City Center office tower building

209 Broadway: Roofing Under the Nashville Night Sky

Another memorable project in 2024 was our work on 209 Broadway, a popular venue that was announced to be the future home of “Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville”. Located on Nashville’s bustling Broadway Street, this project required our team to work around the clock to avoid disrupting daytime traffic. To accommodate these needs, we scheduled material movements for 2 a.m., when the streets were quiet. Coordinating with vendors well in advance, we organized two full tractor-trailer loads to be lifted to the roof in a single night.

We owe a huge thank you to the dedicated crew members who made this project possible: Jose Aquino, Heriberto Llanos Garcia, Alejandro Garcia, Miguel Balderas Castillo, Juan Rodriguez Arrayaga, Juan Peroza Premoli, and Mike Buckingham. Their precision and commitment were essential in making this project a seamless success, and we are grateful to have such talented individuals on our team.

workers at 209 Broadway building construction

Responding to Storm Damage Across Tennessee and Alabama

2024 also brought its share of challenges as our region endured severe weather, including the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Tennessee and Alabama saw widespread storm damage in the wake of the weather. 

As a trusted roofing partner, Maxwell Roofing was on the front lines of recovery efforts. Over the past several months, we’ve worked closely with property managers and building owners to address emergency repairs quickly, helping our clients restore their properties. 

It’s in these moments of emergencies that we feel especially grateful for our team members—the way they’ve leaned in, showed up for our community and clients, and worked tirelessly to help where it’s needed most.

Company Moments and Milestones

A Leadership Transition to the Next Generation

This year marked a monumental shift for our family-owned company as leadership officially passed to the third generation. After 45 years of dedication, John Maxwell entrusted ownership to Kathleen Maxwell Stroop and David Maxwell. Both have worked for Maxwell for over a decade and are deeply committed to preserving a legacy of excellence while exploring new growth opportunities for the future.

With Kathleen and David at the helm, Maxwell is entering an exciting new chapter. Their vision for Maxwell Roofing reflects both respect for Maxwell’s rich history and a drive to innovate and expand. Together, they are dedicated to ensuring Maxwell Roofing continues to make a positive impact on our clients, employees, and communities for years to come.

kathleen maxwell and david maxwell

Featured in the Nashville Business Journal: Addressing Industry Challenges

Labor shortages have posed significant challenges in recent years, and this has impacted the construction industry profoundly. This year, CEO Kathleen Maxwell Stroop shared her perspective on this issue in an article in the Nashville Business Journal. 

She discussed the strategies Maxwell Roofing has implemented to address these workforce challenges, including investing in employee development and fostering a supportive workplace culture. 

We’re proud to be part of this important conversation and contribute innovative solutions that can strengthen our industry.

Supporting Our Community: Sponsoring the Goodwill Impact Awards

Giving back to our community is a core value at Maxwell Roofing. For the third year in a row, we were honored to sponsor the Goodwill Impact Awards! Goodwill’s mission to transform lives through education, training, and employment aligns with our own values, and we are proud to support their efforts across Middle and West Tennessee. Being part of the Impact Awards allowed us to celebrate and contribute to the important work Goodwill is doing to empower individuals and build stronger communities.

kathleen and david maxwell at goodwill impact awards

Growing and Celebrating Our Team 

At Maxwell Roofing, our strength lies in our people. In 2024, we made it a priority to invest in our team’s growth by recruiting talented new members and continuing to provide valuable skill-building opportunities for our current employees. Our monthly skills workshops have expanded, equipping our crew with new techniques and insights that enhance our work on the job site.

We also believe in celebrating our team’s hard work and dedication. In 2024, we continued our bi-annual company-wide parties to recognize the achievements of our employees and to foster camaraderie among the entire Maxwell Roofing family. These gatherings are an essential part of our company culture, reminding us that every accomplishment is a shared one and that we’re all in this together.

Come Along for the Next Chapter

As we close the chapter on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the projects, partnerships, and people that have made this year unforgettable. 

  • To our clients: we thank you for trusting us with your roofing needs and allowing us to be part of your journey.
  • To our team members: thank you for your hard work, passion, and resilience. We couldn’t achieve any of this without you!

If you’re seeking a roofing partner who combines expertise with a genuine commitment to clients, we’d love to hear from you. Or, if you’re interested in joining our team, explore our current job openings to see what makes Maxwell Roofing a special place to build your career.

Here’s to more milestones, more memories, and a bright future in the year ahead!

Employee Spotlight: Mary Smith

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Born and raised in East Tennessee, Mary Smith’s love for numbers and people has been a guiding force throughout her career. Influenced by her father’s accounting background, Mary knew from a young age that she wanted to work in finance, but she also had a natural affinity for supporting others. 

With a passion for numbers and a talent for problem-solving, Mary pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting from Middle Tennessee State University, graduating in 2003. With over 20 years in financial and operational management in various niche industries, she’s built a career as the rare accountant who thrives on team building and collaboration just as much as balancing the books. 

“I’ve always enjoyed finding ways to connect with people while driving strategic solutions.” 

Shaping Maxwell’s Financial Future with Expertise and Integrity

At Maxwell Roofing, Mary’s role as controller goes beyond crunching numbers. She helps oversee financial operations and works closely with Maxwell’s leadership team to drive efficiencies through financial and operational policy. For Mary, it’s the balance of analytical challenges, collaborative teamwork, and autonomy that makes her role so fulfilling. 

“The owners and staff at Maxwell trust me to make the best decisions for the company and for my department. I feel as if they truly value my feedback and direction. There is a lot of opportunity for growth, for anyone willing to put in the work at Maxwell Roofing.”

A Culture of Care and Support 

What Mary appreciates most about Maxwell Roofing is the company’s culture. 

“There is a family dynamic here that’s so unique. The owners genuinely care about their employees. We aren’t just numbers on a page.” 

This close-knit environment extends to her financial and administrative team, where everyone is committed to balancing workloads and supporting one another’s growth. Mary feels that her team embodies Maxwell’s core values, making their contributions essential to the company’s ongoing success and trusted reputation.

Life Outside of Maxwell

A former rugby player at MTSU, Mary now enjoys volleyball and is passing on her love of team sports to her three children. She dreams of traveling the country one day with her husband in an RV. For now, Mary remains focused on her beloved career while striving to be “the best working mom and wife I can be.”