Month: March 2025

Preparing Your Commercial Roof for Springtime

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

As winter fades and spring approaches, property managers and building owners across Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama face a familiar challenge—making sure their commercial roofs are ready for the season ahead. Spring weather can be unpredictable, bringing heavy rains, strong winds, hail, and sudden temperature swings that put any roof to the test. If your roof isn’t properly maintained, minor issues from winter can quickly escalate into costly problems.

Maxwell Roofing has spent nearly 70 years helping businesses in the region protect their buildings. We’ve seen firsthand what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to preparing a commercial roof for spring. Here’s what you need to know:

Why Preparing Your Roof for Spring Is Important

Springtime may bring sunshine and warmer temperatures, but it also introduces serious risks for commercial roofs. Leaves and debris from fall and winter can clog your drains, leading to water backups and potential leaks.

Another common issue is membrane damage. Heavy winter storms and foot traffic from maintenance crews can cause punctures or cuts in single-ply roofing systems. Those temperature swings we mentioned? They can also damage the flashing around roof penetrations as materials expand and contract.

Spring storms only add to the problem. The season often brings high winds, hail damage, or even tornadoes, all of which can cause significant issues. A well-maintained roof is much better equipped to handle these challenges.

4 Keys to Getting Your Commercial Roof Ready for Spring

1. Schedule a Professional Inspection

You can’t fix what you don’t know is broken. A commercial roof inspection will uncover damage that may not be visible to the untrained eye. At Maxwell Roofing, we use a variety of tools and techniques—including specialized tools like infrared cameras and drones—to detect leaks, weak spots, and other potential issues before they lead to costly repairs. We walk our customers through any potential issues and highlight our recommendations for any necessary maintenance before spring storms hit.

2. Clean and Maintain Your Commercial Roof

As the weather gets warmer, cleaning your gutters and clearing your roof is essential. An experienced commercial roofing company can remove any leaves, twigs, or large pieces of debris that could block drainage. We can also inspect the roof membrane closely to catch small issues like minor tears or loose seams before they escalate in severity.

3. Plan and Budget for Roof Maintenance

A well-maintained roof is an investment that pays off in the long run. If you’re not already budgeting for roof maintenance, now is the time to start. Look at past repair costs and increase your budget by about 10% each year to account for inflation and wear. 

If you haven’t invested in proactive maintenance before, consider partnering with a roofing company to develop a long-term plan. At Maxwell Roofing, we help businesses create customized maintenance budgets that prevent unexpected expenses and extend the life of their roofs.

4. Document Everything

Keeping detailed records of inspections, repairs, and maintenance is essential. A well-documented history of preventative work and repairs can be especially valuable after a storm. If your roof sustains damage, having proof of proper maintenance shows that you took the necessary steps to keep it in good condition beforehand. This can help streamline the repair process and ensure that any necessary work is handled efficiently.

Get Your Roof Ready with Maxwell Roofing

Spring is just around the corner, but there’s still time to get ahead of potential roofing problems. Our team at Maxwell Roofing can inspect your roof, make necessary repairs, and help you develop a proactive maintenance plan tailored to your building’s needs.

Don’t wait until the first big storm to find out if your roof is ready—connect with us today to schedule an inspection and ensure your building is protected this spring.

The Iconic Nashville Skyline: 10 Landmark Commercial Roofing Projects for Maxwell

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Whenever someone admires a stunning building, they rarely think, “Wow, that’s a great roof!” And honestly, we’re okay with that. For us, it’s about the relationships we’ve built and the pride we take in delivering quality work.

As a leading commercial roofing contractor in Nashville for nearly 70 years and three generations, Maxwell Roofing has had the privilege of working on some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. These projects represent the heart of Music City and showcase our love for our community and dedication to craftsmanship and teamwork.

Maxwell’s Top 10 Landmark Commercial Roofing Projects

Here are ten of our favorite iconic Nashville buildings that showcase our work over the past few years:

1. Thompson Hotel

Guests at the Thompson Nashville Hotel enjoy sweeping views of the skyline from the L.A. Jackson rooftop bar. 

In 2016, Maxwell Roofing partnered with JE Dunn on this 25,000-square-foot project to ensure the bar’s combined style and durability. We delivered a customized roofing solution that not only supports the lively atmosphere but also enhances the building’s overall design.

2. Ole Red

No trip to Nashville is complete without a stop at an iconic honky tonk. In 2017, we partnered with Turner Construction to transform the Broadway Nashville Bank building into Ole Red. The project included a 6,000-square-foot rooftop bar and restaurant on the newly added fifth floor, blending historic charm with modern flair.

3. L&C Tower

As Nashville’s very first skyscraper, the Life & Casualty Tower has been one of the most recognizable buildings for decades. 

In 2014, during a major renovation led by DWC Construction, Maxwell Roofing replaced the south roofing area. This project restored the structure to its original glory, ensuring it stands tall for future generations.

4. Municipal Auditorium

For decades, the Municipal Auditorium has hosted iconic acts—from Elvis Presley to the Rolling Stones. Maxwell Roofing had the privilege of replacing the auditorium’s roof in 2015 and installing new planter boxes, ensuring the building continues to welcome music fans for years to come.

5. Tennessee State Tower 

The William R. Snodgrass Tennessee Tower is a 31-story skyscraper housing government offices. Its roof covers over 500,000 square feet. Maxwell Roofing waterproofed the roof to protect this critical infrastructure from the elements, safeguarding the building’s operations.

6. The Hermitage Hotel

Designated a National Historic Landmark, the Hermitage Hotel holds a special place in Nashville’s history. We were honored to complete a reroofing project in 2023 to preserve its historic architecture and iconic design. Our team ensured the new roof blended seamlessly with this celebrated building’s legacy.

7. Loews Vanderbilt Hotel

Located in the heart of Nashville, the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel serves visitors to Vanderbilt University. In 2016, Maxwell Roofing completed a total roof tear-off and installed a new, energy-efficient roofing system. The result exceeded energy code requirements by 15%, enhancing both sustainability and performance.

8. Tennessee State Library & Archives

Nestled in Germantown, the Tennessee State Library & Archives boasts a modern 165,000-square-foot home. Maxwell Roofing partnered with Turner Construction to install a Gray Fleeceback TPO roof, completing the project in December 2020 after facing numerous weather and pandemic challenges. This new facility now preserves Tennessee’s history under a roof built to last.

9. Nashville City Center

Nashville City Center, a 27-story office tower, offers over 480,000 square feet of commercial space. In 2024, Maxwell Roofing coordinated a complex operation, transporting thousands of pounds of materials via helicopter to complete vital roofing work. This project demonstrated our expertise in managing challenging logistics.

10. The Frist Museum

The Frist Museum is housed in a 1930s marble building that originally served as a post office, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2023 Maxwell Roofing led reroofing efforts to protect this architectural treasure while maintaining its historic integrity.

A Trusted Partner for Nashville Roofing Projects

From historic landmarks to modern skyscrapers, Maxwell Roofing has left its mark on Nashville’s skyline. These projects highlight our expertise and our dedication to preserving the city’s unique relationally-oriented culture. 

If you’re a property manager, building owner, or general contractor looking for a roofing partner with experience and a proven track record, we’d love to hear from you. Contact our team today to learn how Maxwell Roofing can bring your next project to life.

What Every General Contractor Should Know About Rooftop Penetrations

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

No one wants a hole in their building’s roof, but every general contractor understands that rooftop penetrations are sometimes essential for the functioning of a commercial building. From HVAC systems and skylights to vent pipes and solar panels, these penetrations play a critical role—but they also pose unique challenges. Poorly executed penetrations can compromise a roof’s integrity, leading to leaks, and costly repairs. 

Roofing contractors regularly handle rooftop penetrations during commercial construction projects. For general contractors and construction managers operating under tight timelines and budgets, it’s important to collaborate with an experienced roofing contractor to ensure that these penetrations are executed correctly the first time. We’ve created this guide to help general contractors understand the details of rooftop penetrations to ensure every aspect of your project is a success. 

What Is a Rooftop Penetration?

A rooftop penetration is any opening made in the roofing membrane and roof deck to accommodate equipment or infrastructure. Here are just a few types of intentional roof penetrations:

  • Skylights—Skylights can dramatically improve the natural light in your building without taking up valuable wall space.
  • Solar Panels—Large solar units for a commercial building at times are fastened to the roof deck, which puts small holes into the roof.
  • Pipes and Drains—Some complex pipe systems may be kept on a building’s roof and need entry into the building.
  • HVAC Systems—Large commercial heating and cooling units are often kept on a building’s roof, and penetration will be needed to bring warm or cool air inside the building.
  • Exhaust Fans—Exhaust fans can help remove steam, odors, or other unwanted pollutants in your building’s air.
  • Vents—Vents suck out moisture or pump air to provide ventilation to a building.

Almost every commercial roof will require some type of penetration for the building to function properly. While necessary, penetrations are one of the most complex elements of commercial roofing construction, and these areas are the most vulnerable parts of a completed roof.

Best Practices for Installing Roof Penetrations

Penetrations are best installed during initial construction. Whenever possible, plan rooftop penetrations during the design and construction phases to integrate them seamlessly with the roofing system. 

It’s also important to work with a professional roofer during this process. Penetrations are complicated, requiring unique detail flashings depending on the roof type that few other construction contractors are trained to use. Improper installation can result in a leak at the penetration, which can be a costly repair down the road. While HVAC contractors or skylight installers may offer penetration services, only a specialized roofer has the expertise to maintain the roof’s integrity and comply with manufacturer details and industry standards.

Not everything about a commercial building can be planned right from the outset. If you wind up needing a roof penetration down the road, your roof can be retrofitted, but it may be a more complex process. Penetrating a roof that’s already constructed requires puncturing your “building envelope,” which refers to the materials that seal a building off from the elements. After installing a roof penetration, this envelope needs to be properly re-sealed to protect the building. Adding a penetration changes the original design of the roof system, which can affect drainage.

Maintaining a Roof Penetration

General contractors should be aware that a roof with penetrations will require more regular maintenance than one without. Flashing, sealant, and other elements of penetrations should be monitored to keep the roof waterproof. Be sure to develop a plan with your commercial roofer for how to protect roofing penetrations and keep personnel away from them.

A reputable commercial roofing company should be able to design, build, and maintain the penetrations. At Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., we understand the complexities of rooftop penetrations and our team of experts has the experience to walk you through the process, from design to installation and continued maintenance. 

Whether you’re managing new construction or retrofitting an existing building, Maxwell Roofing provides the expertise you need to get the job done right. Contact us today about your next project.

Employee Spotlight: Jeff Newman

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Nashville has grown and changed over the years, bringing people from all over the country to our city—and Maxwell Roofing. But some members of our team have deep roots right here in Middle Tennessee, growing up in both the area and the roofing industry. Jeff Newman is one of them.

Jeff was born and raised in Cheatham County, just outside of Nashville. His uncle owned a roofing business, and Jeff got his start there immediately after high school at 18. It didn’t take long for him to realize that roofing was more than just a job—it was a skill, a challenge, and a career he wanted to grow in.

In 2019, Jeff brought his years of experience and strong work ethic to Maxwell Roofing, and he’s been an essential part of our team ever since.

Leading the Way as a Service Foreman

As a service foreman, Jeff plays a hands-on role in ensuring quality repairs for our customers. He’s responsible for investigating, identifying, and repairing leaks—often tackling complex issues that require both expertise and problem-solving skills. “Sometimes trying to find leaks can be challenging, but it’s always rewarding when you solve difficult issues,” he says.

He also helps lead and mentor service technicians, teaching them proper roofing techniques and guiding them through the process of diagnosing and fixing problems. Jeff has worked on hundreds of projects throughout his time at Maxwell. When asked if he had a favorite, he couldn’t pick just one. 

For Jeff, one of the best parts of his job is the people he works with every day. When asked to describe Maxwell Roofing in one word, he quickly answered: “Real.” He explained that Maxwell has a unique culture—one that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Life Beyond Roofing

Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending time with his wife and family. “We don’t get much time, so we always cherish what we have,” he says.

At Maxwell Roofing, we’re grateful for Jeff’s dedication, expertise, and helpful mindset. His commitment to quality and teamwork makes a difference every day, and we’re proud to have him on our team.

If you’re interested in learning more about what it’s like to work at Maxwell or start a career in commercial roofing, you can explore our current positions and benefits on our careers page.