Category: Roofing Product

Commercial Roofing FAQS: Is a Metal Roof the Best Option for My Building?

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Metal roofs have become increasingly popular for commercial buildings, and for good reason. They offer a sleek aesthetic, exceptional durability, and low maintenance costs. However, before you jump on the metal roof bandwagon, it’s essential to understand if this option is the perfect fit for your specific needs. Here at Maxwell Roofing, a trusted commercial roofing contractor, we’re committed to providing our customers with the best possible experience, and that includes helping them make informed decisions.

In this blog post, we’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions about metal roofs for commercial buildings, empowering you to make the best choice for your property.

FAQs: Metal Roofing for Your Commercial Building

1. What are the most significant advantages of choosing a metal roof over other roofing materials?

Metal roofs offer significant advantages over traditional options. Here are a few key benefits:

  • Durability and Longevity: With proper installation, metal roofs can last over 50 years. While the upfront investment might be higher, you’ll benefit from significantly lower maintenance costs compared to a typical single-ply system.
  • Superior Leak Protection: Double-lock standing seam metal roofs offer exceptional leak resistance. Water infiltration is virtually non-existent, except at potential penetration points like skylights or HVAC units.
  • Enhanced Aesthetics: Metal roofs come in a variety of styles and colors, offering a clean, modern look that can elevate the curb appeal of your commercial property.

2. What are my options for metal roofs, and how can I choose the correct one?

There are various types of metal roofs, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here’s a quick breakdown of two standard options:

  • Standing Seam Metal Roof System: This system features interlocking panels that create a secure and watertight barrier. It’s a popular choice due to its exceptional durability and clean look.
  • Screw-Down (Exposed Fastener) Metal Roof System: This method utilizes screws and washers to secure the panels directly onto the roof deck. While it’s a cost-effective option often used for pre-engineered metal buildings, it can be more susceptible to leaks as the butyl sealant breaks down from the metal expanding and contracting due to temperature changes.

Choosing the right metal roof depends on several factors, including your budget, desired aesthetics, and building structure. Consulting with an experienced commercial roofing contractor like Maxwell Roofing can help you make the best selection.

3. Are there any specific types of commercial buildings for which metal roofs wouldn’t be the best choice? If so, why?

While metal roofs are a fantastic choice for many buildings, there are situations where they might not be ideal. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Extreme Temperatures: If your building experiences drastic temperature swings, which is common in our Tennessee and Alabama service areas, the constant expansion and contraction can cause the metal to wear down quickly, especially with certain systems.
  • Insulation Needs: Metal roofs offer little insulation. Therefore, proper interior insulation may require additional work and services. The good news is that there are many options available for insulation for metal roofs.
  • Flat Roofs: Metal roofs are designed for positive slopes to ensure proper drainage. Flat roofs require different roofing materials specifically designed to be waterproof such as PVC, TPO, or EPDM membranes.

4. What are some key things to consider when choosing a metal roof contractor?

Selecting a qualified roofing contractor is crucial for a successful metal roof installation. Here are some important points to consider:

  • Attention to Detail: Metal roof systems have many components that work together to ensure optimal performance. A qualified contractor will meticulously review the design and ensure all necessary components are included to prevent future issues.
  • Clear Scope of Work: A reputable contractor will provide a detailed scope of work outlining the entire project, including materials, labor, and warranties. Be wary of contractors who lack transparency in their proposals.

5. If we want to switch to a metal roof, how could we do that?

Transitioning to a metal roof involves several steps:

  • Current Roof Assessment: A thorough inspection of your existing roof will identify any potential issues that need to be addressed before installing the metal roof.
  • Contractor Selection: Next, research and select a qualified commercial roofing contractor experienced in metal roof installations.
  • Metal Selection: It is crucial to choose the right type of metal roofing material for your building’s needs. Our team can evaluate your priorities to help you make an informed decision.
  • Permits and Scheduling: Obtain any building permits necessary for the project and schedule the installation with your chosen contractor.

Partnering for Your Commercial Roof’s Success

At Maxwell Roofing, we understand the importance of choosing the right roof for your commercial property. Our team of experts is here to answer your questions and guide you through the metal roofing process. We take pride in partnering with property managers and building owners throughout Tennessee and Alabama to ensure their roofs are dependable and long-lasting.

Looking for additional resources?

Here are some helpful articles:

If you have questions about metal roofs or are considering a metal roof installation for your commercial building, contact Maxwell Roofing today. We’d be happy to discuss your project, provide a free consultation, and offer you a quote. Let’s work together to ensure your building has a roof that protects your investment for decades to come.

3 Types of Commercial Roofing Insulation Explained

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Choosing the right type of commercial roofing insulation is one of the most important components of any roofing project. Insulation not only protects your building from extreme temperatures, but it can also provide fire protection. When building managers are planning a re-roofing project, they often focus on the exterior components of the roof. However, what goes underneath the roof can be just as important. So how do you choose which insulation is right for you? Your roofing partner can advise you on this decision, but it may help to have a basic familiarity with your options. This blog will walk you through the three primary types of commercial roofing insulation.

1. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS)

When polystyrene is made with an expansion process, it spreads out the material in order to cover more area with less material. As a result of this process, expanded polystyrene is cheaper to make but provides less thermal resistance than some other roof insulation options. For the best insulation from the elements, a higher thermal resistance option is recommended. 

2. Polyisocyanurate (ISO)

This closed-cell foam insulation is the most common type of roofing insulation. It’s created by heating up different kinds of synthetic materials that are cooled into a rigid foam substance. This foam is then placed between glass or fiberglass panels. Polyisocyanurate is primarily used on flat roofs, and it is considered a step up from expanded polystyrene (EPS) in terms of its thermal resistance. This material is a good middle-of-the-road option for businesses that want effective insulation but have a tighter budget.

3. Extruded Polystyrene (XPS)

This type of commercial building roof insulation is made from the same material as expanded polystyrene (EPS), but it is created with a different process. The high-pressure extrusion process packs polystyrene into dense foam panels, providing more thermal and water resistance. This is considered a high-end option and is more expensive than many other types of roof insulation. You typically see this insulation type on “green roofs” or systems where H2O is present.

Regardless of which type of insulation you choose for your building, it’s important to always hire a qualified roofing technician for installation. If you want to learn more about what type of commercial roofing insulation is right for your building, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is ready to help with your roofing project.

When to Replace the Roof on Your Industrial Building

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Industrial building roof replacement or commercial roof replacement are both expensive undertakings. Yet there comes a point in every roof’s life when replacement is absolutely necessary. In this blog, we will look at the signs that an industrial roof is wearing out and go over options for replacing it. 

Roof Lifespan

How long a roof lasts depends on how well it is taken care of, starting with its installation. Without preventative maintenance, an industrial roof will wear out long before its expected lifespan. Here are some expected durability timeframes for well-cared-for roofs:

Standing-seam metal roofs: 30-40 years

Single-ply roofing: 15-20 years

Modified bitumen and built-up roofs: 20-30 years

Once your roof starts approaching the end of its lifespan, it’s important to keep an eye out for other signs that it may be deteriorating.

The Four Signs It’s Time for an Industrial Building Roof Replacement

Well-maintained roofs will last for decades, but once they start exhibiting these problems, it’s time for a replacement.

  • Persistent leaks: If a leak continues even after a repair, then it may be time for a replacement. Any leaks that have infiltrated the insulation cannot be fixed and will require roofers to cut out the insulation and replace it for proper repair. 
  • A large number of leaks: If a roof has many different leaks, it’s likely a sign that part of the roof is compromised. If your building is experiencing many leaks in different parts of the building, it’s time for a new roof. 
  • Visible damage: Micro-perforations, or splits, in a single-ply roof are signs of membrane deterioration. When this occurs, it’s best to consider a full replacement, as repairs are costly and less effective.
  • Blistering: Water damage to a roof can cause gas to build up under the roofing membrane and cause blistering. This type of damage is a sign that the roof is aging, and it’s time to begin discussing replacement. 

What To Do if Your Industrial Roof Needs Replacement

Commercial roof replacement costs can be daunting, but a roof replacement can be a significant improvement for a building. A new roof will improve the look and safety of your building and can even create energy efficiency savings on your energy bill. If you’re ready to learn more about industrial roof replacement, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is here and ready to help.

3 New Trends in Commercial Low-Slope Roofing

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

The world has changed a lot within the last year, and the industrial roofing industry is evolving to accommodate these changes. Unfortunately, 2020 and 2021 were challenging years to plan and execute building construction and maintenance for many factors, including delays in supplies, insufficient staffing, and state-mandated social distancing regulations. 2022 and 2023 will be time to make up lost ground with the most efficient plans and quality execution.

Commercial low-slope roofing has become a popular choice for building owners due to its long-term quality, low maintenance, and, most recently, a new trend in commercial low-slope roofing—green roofs. In this article, we will discuss three trends in commercial low-slope roofing to look out for in the near future.

Investments in Metal Roofing

As the commercial low-slope roofing industry continues to be heavily influenced by rapidly changing environmental efforts, metal roofing is becoming an increasingly popular material choice for building owners. 

The value of this investment is tenfold over the long-term financial forecast. Although there is a substantial difference in the initial cost of metal roofing compared to asphalt, the maintenance proves to be low-cost and minimal. In terms of the contribution to the green efforts, metal roofing has proven to be an excellent insulating roof choice, reducing heating and cooling costs with the proper interior insulation. It’s good to note, also, that metal roofing is best installed with a pitched or sloped roof.

A Renewed Focus on Maintenance

Now that some of the industry upheaval of 2020 and 2021 has subsided, a major priority of 2022 is to return to a regular and efficient maintenance schedule. Areas to pay particular attention to include:

  • Keeping your roof clean
  • Ensuring proper escape routes and drain systems
  • Having a consistent inspection plan

Use of Blank Space

Low-slope roofing provides a canvas of possibilities in the form of a semi-flat, stable surface. Although much of this space is accounted for by proper drain systems, which are essential for low-slope roofs, there is also ample space for social or functional accommodations.

Solar panels have become a common use for low-slope roofs. Gone are the days of the bulky solar panels you can see from miles away; solar panels now come in the form of indistinct tiles. In the same vein, green garden roofs are becoming an increasingly popular choice for industrial low-slope roofs. These living, vegetated roofs absorb heat and provide insulation, as well as serve to slow storm runoff. 

Hire a Trustworthy Roofing Professional

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, building owners have faced project delays as well as a lack of in-person consultations over the past year. As a result, many building owners have turned to self-education, and others have been forced to delay maintenance and now find themselves overwhelmed with frustration. We see you, and we are here to help. 

At Maxwell Roofing, we are ready to answer any and all of your commercial roofing concerns. We pride ourselves on our ability to both collaborate knowledge and provide expert insight. 

If you’re ready to get started, 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.