Here’s How Preventative Maintenance Protects Your Building

For property management teams with multiple buildings to keep track of, preventative roofing maintenance can often seem like a huge, costly burden. But when it’s done right, maintenance can actually save money, prevent stressful emergencies, and, in the long run, even save time for property managers.

Here are just a few of the ways that preventative maintenance can protect help protect your building and increase the life of your commercial roofs:

1. Prevent disasters

With regular inspections and routine repairs, industrial roof maintenance can help keep small problems from becoming major disasters. Roofs, like all parts of a building, suffer wear and tear over time. Tracking down and fixing problems early on prevents them from becoming more serious. While small maintenance is usually a quick and easy process, sustained roofing damage caused by negligence can require expensive, complex repairs.

2. Prolong the life of a roof 

No building can last forever, but commercial roof maintenance can help extend the life of a roof. If disregarded, even minor roofing damage can lead to serious problems down the line. A small puncture or tear can cause a leak. An open penetration can damage the insulation. Keeping every part of a roof in top shape protects other parts of the roof and building, helping them to reach and even extend past their expected lifespan.

3. Save money

While inspections, maintenance plans, and repairs aren’t free, they are all significantly cheaper than an early roof replacement. Keeping up with minor maintenance is always cheaper in the long run than letting a roof wear out and deteriorate.

4. Save time 

Being a property manager means putting out fires all day, every day. Commercial preventative maintenance is like stomping out a spark before it ever grows into a flame. With multiple buildings to oversee, it’s much easier to follow a regular, pre-planned maintenance schedule than it is to respond to unexpected problems over and over again.

At Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, we love helping our clients take care of their roofs. If you’re ready to learn more about how preventative maintenance can help your business, contact us today.

5 Roof Maintenance Tips for Retail Stores

For retail store owners, roofs are not typically a top business priority. But while it can be easy to overlook a roof’s upkeep, failing to properly maintain this important building feature can lead to disaster down the line. To ensure that they can be active partners in protecting their building investment, it’s important that retail building owners understand some basic roof maintenance. Here are five roof maintenance tips for retail stores.

  1. Learn to self-inspect your roof.

All retail building owners should have a trusted roofing partner to rely on for periodic inspections and repairs. Still, owners should learn the tell-tale signs of roof trouble and perform regular inspections themselves. Retail owners should look for open flashing details or open seams on a roof. They can make sure there is no debris on the roof and that the drains are all working properly. Finally, retail owners can check for broken or loose metal parts or damage on the roof. These regular checks can help prevent damage between professional inspections.

  1. Weatherize your roof.

The weather threats to a commercial roof change from summer to winter, and building owners should make sure to prep their building every year as the seasons begin to change. Seasonal roof inspections can help prevent ice dams, clogged drains, and other major roof problems before they occur. 

  1. Get problems inspected early.

If retail owners spot problems during their self-inspections, it’s important to get a professional out to look at them as soon as possible. The longer that a roofing problem simmers, the bigger (and more expensive to repair) it will become. Early inspections and repairs are the key to helping a roof last longer and remain safe for customers and employees. 

  1. Keep your roof clean.

It may seem silly to clean something that customers will never see, but roof cleanliness is an important part of maintenance. Debris can punch holes in a roof membrane, trap water, clog drains, or damage HVAC equipment. Regular roof cleaning should be a part of every retail owner’s maintenance routine.

  1. Get a maintenance plan.

On top of routine in-house roof care, retail store owners should consider enrolling in a roof management plan like Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal’s MAXCare®. MAXCare® helps building owners schedule maintenance, prepare budgets, and track their building’s condition online. 

Interested in MAXCare®?

If you’re ready to get started with maintenance on your retail store roof, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is here and ready to help.

How to Explain the Need for Preventative Roof Maintenance to Your Boss

When there’s a giant hole in the roof, it’s pretty easy for a facilities manager to convince their boss of a need for a repair. However, it’s a lot harder to explain the money needed to prevent the hole from getting there in the first place. Facility managers know how crucial preventative maintenance is to the health of a building, but it can take convincing for those with their hands on the actual purse strings. Here are a few ways that facility managers can explain the need for preventative roof maintenance to their boss.

Explain what preventative maintenance is.

Most people that don’t manage buildings may not understand what those buildings need to function. For them, the cost of a building is just the money paid during construction and then again for replacement. Facility managers should explain that maintenance is what assists a building from failing prematurely.

Show how complex roof systems are.

Commercial roofs aren’t something that most business managers spend much time thinking about. Most people don’t realize how much a roof system does — from protecting the building from interior damage to housing important equipment. Facility managers can show their bosses what catastrophic roof failure means for the whole building and why it’s so critical to care properly for the roof.

Talk about roof longevity.

The expected lifespan of a commercial roof is a projection based on proper maintenance. Poorly maintained roofs do not typically last their expected life span. If a building owner wants to avoid a premature roof replacement, regular roof maintenance is the way to go! 

Lay out the cost savings!

The absolute best way to plan and budget for roof maintenance is to show how much it will save the company in the long run. Preventative maintenance keeps small problems from turning into big, expensive catastrophes. Over time, investing in roof maintenance will save building owners both money and stress in avoiding more serious problems. 

Are you ready to set up a preventative maintenance schedule?

If you’re ready to get started with regular roof maintenance, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

Streamline Your Industrial Building Projects with a Reliable Roofing Partner

Industrial buildings are designed to accommodate streamlined manufacturing processes. So, shouldn’t work on the building itself also be efficient?

When industrial building owners get work done to their facilities, they need it done well, quickly, and in a way that doesn’t impede the important work happening inside. The best way to ensure that an industrial building gets the care it needs is to team up with a reliable roofing partner.

Here are some tips for finding the right commercial roofing company to help your industrial or manufacturing business achieve its goals.

1. Choose reputation.

New roofing companies pop up all the time, but in the commercial roofing industry, only the most reliable and efficient companies last. Choosing a company with decades in business, great customer referrals and a reputation of excellence is the best way to ensure that the work done on your industrial building is the best that it can be. Reputable roofers understand the importance of finishing a job on top and within the budget.

2. Choose quality.

While efficiency and affordability are important in any construction project, industrial buildings need quality materials to ensure they can hold up over time. It’s important to choose a company that prioritizes quality in all that they do. Remember to always consider the value of a new roofing job rather than simply choosing the cheapest sticker price.

3. Choose regular maintenance.

A new roof is only good as long as it lasts. Regular maintenance and frequent small repairs are the best ways to ensure that a roof stays in good condition and lasts its entire expected lifespan. Choose a commercial roofing company that offers maintenance as part of its services and get on a regular inspection and repair schedule immediately after having a new roof installed.

4. Choose full-service.

There are many roofing companies that just pop up for emergency repairs, but the best roofing companies offer services for every stage of a roof’s life. Full-service roofing companies offer everything from design services and sheet metal fabrication to construction, maintenance and emergency repairs. The work that takes place inside an industrial building can be demanding on the roof and only a full-service roofing company has the expertise needed to keep it in great shape for its entire expected lifespan.

If you’re ready to get started, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

A Lack of Maintenance Could Be Draining Your Budget: Here’s How to Fix It

Paying for commercial roof maintenance may seem like an unnecessary expense for some businesses, but it actually saves companies money over the life of the roof. Businesses that fail to maintain their roofs will experience more emergency repairs and sustain damage over time that can shorten the lifespan of their roof. By investing in routine, preventative maintenance, property managers can stave off major, costly repairs. 

For commercial building owners who have not kept up with maintenance, it can seem overwhelming to get started. Fortunately, starting a maintenance routine is simpler than it sounds. Here are a few steps to get started:

1. Get an inspection.

A commercial roof inspection is the first step in any maintenance routine. Inspections give qualified roofers a chance to look over the entire roof. They check for weak spots, moisture build up, cracks, and leaks. The inspection will help identify any problems that need immediate attention, and it will give the building owner an idea of what may need to be fixed down the line. With this information on hand, a roofer can then advise the facility manager on what needs to be done to keep the roof in good shape for the rest of its life. 

2. Fix the little things.

The main idea behind preventative maintenance is that building owners should make small repairs often in order to avoid major repairs down the line. Fixing a crack, for example, is a simple, cheap repair, but failing to make the repair could lead to moisture build-up that could damage the insulation or the roof deck, which would be a much more expensive endeavor. Following an inspection, building managers should get in order any small things that the roofer picked up on to prevent a major repair down the line.

3. Make a maintenance schedule.

Once all of the small repairs are taken care of, building owners should make a plan to continue maintenance. The schedule will depend on the type of roof, its age, and its condition. The schedule will serve as the basic outline for continued building maintenance and help building owners save money over time.

4. Get on a management plan.

For companies that own multiple buildings, it may make sense to get on a full-service roof management plan. These plans allow building managers to monitor the status of their roofs all in one online portal. It also helps schedule inspections, provides budgeting tools, and gives clients priority access for routine repair scheduling.

If you’re ready to get started, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

5 Reasons Why Industrial Roof Maintenance is Crucial

Roofs on industrial buildings must hold up under tough conditions. These roofs may be heavily used, exposed to high temperatures or be exposed to hazards from heavy machinery.

Because industrial roofs face more threats than roofs on any other type of building, roof maintenance is crucial for keeping the roof in a functioning state. Here are some of the major reasons why roof maintenance is so important for industrial buildings.

1. Industrial roofs are frequently under threat.

All commercial roofs face threats to their stability and functionality from weather events or normal wear and tear, but manufacturing and industrial work can cause roofs to deteriorate quicker than on a different type of building that has little foot traffic, few penetrations, or few rooftop equipment pieces on the roof. Preventative maintenance assists with ensuring the roof is in water-tight condition, discovering small deficiencies before they become large issues in order for the roof to last its expected lifespan.

2. Preventative maintenance can help with spotting red flags.

Without regular inspections, roof damage can go unnoticed and develop into serious (and expensive) problems. With all the activity occurring within industrial buildings, a roof can easily get damaged without anyone seeing it. Scheduling regular maintenance gives a professional roofer an opportunity to spot developing damage and stop it before it becomes too serious.

3. Roof maintenance can help protect your investments.

A roof is a building investment, and regular maintenance can protect it and make it last longer. But beyond protecting the roof itself, preventative maintenance also helps protect the interior from the ceiling to the floor. When a roof leak occurs, it can oftentimes result in more clean-up than just the roof, such as damaging equipment or merchandise inside the building

4. Keep rooftop equipment functioning properly.

Moisture, debris, and other problems on the roof can interfere with rooftop equipment like HVAC units. This equipment is often critical to the proper functioning of industrial equipment. Scheduling regular inspections, cleanings, and repairs can help keep roofs clear of material that may damage this type of equipment.

5. Preventative maintenance helps protect workers.

Many industrial buildings have rooftop equipment that workers must access. Roof debris or damage on a roof can put workers in danger of a slip or fall, or possibly extensive damage to the roof system itself. Preventing damage with strict maintenance keeps buildings safe for workers on the roof and inside the building. 

If you’re ready to get started, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

How MAXCare® Helps You Maintain Your Corporate Building’s Roof

For most corporations, buildings are not necessarily the main focus, but they are just something to maintain in order to do business. Corporate building owners want their buildings to function and their investments in the building to last, but they may not have the time to keep up with a strict maintenance schedule.

Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. designed its roof management program, MAXCare®, with busy corporations in mind. MAXCare® takes care of the roofs on corporate buildings, so that corporate workers can take care of what they’re best at: the business.

Here are just four of the key benefits that MAXCare® offers corporate building owners:

1. MAXCare® provides comprehensive roof management.

MAXCare® is designed to take care of corporate roofs from construction or acquisition all the way through the end of its life. The program starts with a roof assessment that gives customers a comprehensive analysis of their roof’s condition and makes recommendations for keeping the roof healthy. MAXCare® gives building owners an easy-to-understand maintenance schedule and forecasts their roof’s budgetary requirements well into the future. The program is designed to make roofs last as long as possible without any hidden or surprise costs.

2. MAXCare® helps track roofs on multiple buildings all in the same place.

All MAXCare® customers get access to the MAXCare® online portal, which includes all reporting on the condition and maintenance schedules for each roof in a corporation’s portfolio. This allows corporate owners to see what is going on with each roof at once and to easily access the documentation they need to show investors. 

3. Long-term monitoring with MAXCare® keeps costs down and eliminates surprises.

Commercial roofs are expensive, and corporate building owners want their investments in their roofs to last as long as possible. With MAXCare®, building owners pay a fixed upfront cost to ensure that their roofs last and to cut down on the surprise expenses that pop up when a roof is not properly maintained. This saves building owners money in the long-run with fewer roof replacements and repairs.

4. MAXCare® provides unparalleled customer service.

If they aren’t actively doing construction or a repair on a roof, many roofing companies can be tough to communicate with quickly. Corporate building owners don’t have the time to chase down a customer service representative with a question or in the event of an emergency repair. MAXCare® customers get access to 24/7 customer service and first-priority maintenance following a weather event.

If you’re ready to get started, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

Roof Maintenance vs. Roof Management—What Building Owners Should Know

Every building owner knows that maintenance is crucial for protecting their investment. Buildings naturally deteriorate over time and need regular care in order to last their expected lifespan. 

Some parts of a building, like a commercial roof, are complex and need a more proactive approach, rather than reactive maintenance, for their care. This is why so many building owners today are turning to roof management programs, like Maxwell Roofing’s MAXCare®, to prolong the life of their roof. Here is a little bit about the difference between roof maintenance and management. 

Roof Maintenance vs. Roof Management

1. Roof management is proactive rather than reactive.

Many building owners assume that properly maintaining their roof amounts to fixing problems as they arise. This reactive approach to maintenance will help protect a roof from the most serious damage, but it isn’t enough to prolong the life of a roof. A roof management program involves a clear schedule for maintenance and inspections to prevent large maintenance work or repairs before it’s even needed.

2. Roof management creates a holistic approach to roofing.

Many roofing companies look at construction, design, repair, and budgeting for commercial roofs separately. While these stages in a roofing project are all different, none of them exist in a vacuum. Every part of roofing and every stage of a roof’s life impacts the entire project. Roof management programs like MAXCare® track everything related to the roof together to create an individualized plan that accounts for the unique attributes of every roof.

3. Roof management provides clear documentation.   

MAXCare® includes industry-leading documentation and reporting in its services. This means that, every time, there is an inspection or a repair that it is clearly documented and properly billed. Documenting sporadic maintenance is not as easy and can raise questions for investors or on taxes. Roof management helps building owners keep everything in one place for easy access when filing financial reports. 

4. Roof management helps with planning for the future.

Occasional and unplanned maintenance creates a lot of room for surprise expenses. With a roof management program, building owners always know the condition of their roof, which allows them to plan and forecast their budget in the long term. This helps building owners save money throughout the life of their roofs and set aside money for upcoming expenses. 

If you’re ready to get started, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

5 Commercial Roofing Preventative Maintenance Tips for Property Managers

While commercial roofs are often a huge investment, they are an often neglected part of a building. Roofing issues are not always obvious to those who occupy a building, which can result in the roof being overlooked for ongoing maintenance and repairs. 

However, property managers who make preventative roof maintenance a regular part of their schedules will see benefits for their buildings over the long-term. Here are our best tips for easy preventative roof maintenance for property managers:

5 Tips for Preventative Roof Maintenance for Property Managers

1. Get regular professional inspections.

Of all our tips, this one might be the most important. Roof maintenance is a job for a team, not just the property manager. Every property should have a dedicated roofing company to perform regular inspections and uncover hidden problems. Professional roofers have tools like infrared imaging cameras and drones that can detect damage unseen by the naked eye. They also have the experience to know what kind of maintenance a roof needs and when it needs it.

2. Keep an eye out for open points on the roof, where water can infiltrate the system.

Moisture is the single biggest troublemaker for commercial roofs. Water that gets under the roof’s waterproof membrane can cause leaks or even damage the structural integrity of the building. The best way to prevent one of these disasters is for property managers to have the roof regularly checked for moisture. Equipment, such as HVAC units, along with rooftop penetrations, like skylights, can allow for water infiltration if not properly sealed, so these areas should also be inspected regularly to make sure no moisture is gathering and causing issues.

3. Monitor who can access the roof.

Unless they are specially reinforced, commercial roofs are not built to be walked on. Allowing workers, tenants, or employees regular access to the roof can cause unseen damage. While there are times that a property manager or a work crew will need rooftop access, that access should be carefully managed. Property managers should not allow people on the rooftop without permission for each instance.

4. Don’t underestimate the importance of cleaning.

Roofs may not need to look nice for anyone, but allowing them to get too dirty can lead to maintenance problems. Dirt, water, and grime can build up and cause damage to a roof. Build-up on a roof also makes it difficult to spot deficiencies and make proper repairs. Debris from trees or other things following a storm can also block drains or puncture holes in the roof if left alone. 

5. Plan for seasonal shifts.

Roofs are exposed to the elements all day, every day and need to be prepped for shifts in the seasons. Before a possible freeze, property managers need to clear commercial roofs of water to prevent ice from forming and blocking drains or warping the roof membrane. Property managers should also check drainage points before seasonal rainfalls begin.

 If you’re ready to get started, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

Top Rooftop Preventative Maintenance Questions for Building Owners

All building owners know that commercial roof preventative maintenance is important for preventing roof problems, but getting started with roofing maintenance can be confusing for many. There are a few important rooftop preventative maintenance questions for building owners to ask their roofing contractor early on in their relationship. 

These questions are designed to help building owners learn the basics of maintaining their roofs, and the answers will vary based on the building’s roof system.

1. What is the expected service life of my roof?

Each type of commercial roof has an expected lifespan range based on certain building factors and the climate. The goal of any building owner is for their roof to last for its anticipated lifespan. While weather events can sometimes cause roof leaks that need emergency repairs and impact the lifespan of a roof, the best indicator is how well a roof is maintained and cared for over the long-term.

2. How often does my roof need maintenance?

Every type of commercial roof will need to undergo regular inspections and routine repairs. During a roof inspection, a roofing contractor will perform a survey for roof damage. After the inspection, they may need to repair the roof or schedule routine maintenance like refreshing sealants or reinforcing weak parts of the roof. These inspections will prevent damage to the roof over time and help the roof last for its expected service life.

3. What are the specific risks to my roof?

Every building engineer works to reduce weaknesses in a building, but there are always risks with certain types of structures. Roofs are vulnerable to damage from moisture, debris, and weight exerted on the roof. HVAC systems are often put on commercial buildings, and the areas surrounding HVAC units can be at risk of moisture pooling. Rooftop penetrations, like vents or skylights for energy efficiency, can also present risks to a roof’s waterproofing. Knowing where a roof is vulnerable gives building owners a chance to give those areas extra attention.

4. What can my property manager do?

Commercial building owners almost always have someone who handles their facility management, and it can be tempting to simply delegate roof maintenance to this department. But, while many facility managers can handle simple roof inspections and some maintenance, a roofing contractor should always be involved in the long-term maintenance plan.

5. Who can I call in an emergency?

Many roofing contractors have a service department that helps customers during a roofing emergency. Building owners should check with their contractors to see if they offer this service. All building owners need a plan and a company they can trust in the event of a leak or some other type of roofing emergency.

If you’re ready to get started with preventative maintenance for your roof, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

A Quick Guide to Rooftop Preventative Maintenance for Government Agencies

When a government agency invests in its buildings, it’s investing the taxpayer’s money. This makes it even more important that the agency makes cost-effective purchases that last. To help building managers make lasting investments, we’ve put together the following quick guide for government agencies and rooftop preventative maintenance.

1. Why focus on inspection and maintenance?

Taking good care of a roof is the most efficient and effective way to save money on building costs. Even a well-constructed roof system needs monitoring and occasional repairs to last it’s full, expected lifespan. For government agencies, the best roofing solution is one that utilizes frequent inspections and maintenance plans in order to save money over time. Fixing small problems along the way can stave off the need for major repairs and prevent weather-related accidents. 

2. Why a maintenance plan is so important.

“Performing roof maintenance” isn’t something that just happens. It requires careful planning and budgeting. Government agencies are not built for facility management, so it’s important to find a professional roofer to help plan maintenance. A maintenance plan includes a schedule for inspections and estimates on budgets and repairs. 

3. Different types of roofs require different approaches to maintenance.

Different types of roof installations will require different approaches to maintenance. Many government agencies have buildings with a traditional flat roof or thermoplastic membranes, but historic buildings or energy-efficient buildings may have something more complex. Some local and state governments are beginning to consider green roofs for new buildings. It’s important to consider the cost of maintenance on more specialized roofs such as these.

4. Choose a trusted roofing partner.

A good roofing contractor will be capable of building a quality roof and then inspecting and maintaining it over the course of its entire life. Choosing a reputable roofing company that has experience with other federal, state, and local government agencies is key to developing a maintenance plan that will save money over time. 

5. Save on costs with a long-term management program.

Administrators at agencies with multiple buildings may want to consider a roof management program like Maxwell’s MAXCare®. MAXCare® provides monitoring, maintenance, and budget forecasting across an entire real-estate portfolio. The program also offers discounts for inspections and repairs.

If you’re ready to get started, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

4 Ways to Proactively Prolong Government Building Roofs

For busy government agencies and their budgeting committees, roof maintenance may not always be at the top of the priorities list. However, roof maintenance can’t go unchecked—no matter the industry. Especially for government facilities that are regularly used each day, proactive management can greatly extend a roof’s lifespan. 

Here are a few ways in which government agencies can save money over time by proactively maintaining their building rooftops:

1. Avoid unexpected repairs with inspections.

Government roofing repair can be difficult or costly, as many civic, state, or federal buildings are often older facilities with outdated materials or technology. The best way to avoid a big roof repair expense is to get the roof regularly inspected for problems. Small roofing issues can be easy to fix, but they can turn into major leaks, resulting in a costly and emergency repair, if left alone.

2. Make an inspection and maintenance plan.

A government roof inspection contractor should have a clear schedule for inspections and recommended maintenance. Most government facility roofing is similar to a typical commercial roof and should follow a similar schedule. These recommendations are based on the average lifespan of a commercial roof and following them can help prevent a roof from wearing out too quickly.

3. Start right away.

Before selecting a government roof installation contractor for a new building, find out if the company also offers a long-term roof management plan. These plans—like Maxwell Roofing’s MAXCare®—roll construction, maintenance, and repairs together in one program for easy budget planning. These programs are a simplified way for government agencies to manage numerous buildings at once and ensure that their budget is always prepared to handle their roofing needs. The sooner you start maintaining a roof, the longer it will last.

4. Make proactive building updates.

Roofing has come a long way since many government buildings were constructed. There’s plenty of new materials, services, and technologies that can help government agencies save on electricity costs or protect their buildings. Working with an experienced government roof installation contractor, government agencies can identify which upgrades will help prolong the lifespan of facility roofs and save money over time. 

 If you’re ready to find out how you can prolong the life of your civic, state, or federal building rooftops, don’t hesitate to contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

4 Ways Maxwell Monitors Relieves Stress for Facility Managers

Facilities managers are the unsung heroes of any business. They are the ones who keep the lights on and the equipment running, reducing stress for everyone who works in the building. However, because facility managers operate behind the scenes, their workload can stack up without anyone else at the company even realizing it. 

Creating a stress-free work environment often starts with the building and facilities managers. Fortunately, we at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. launched Maxwell Monitors to help reduce stress for facilities managers and keep buildings safe for all employees. Under this new initiative, the Maxwell team will watch over the routine maintenance tasks in a building, so that facilities managers can stay focused on the more important elements of their job. 

Here are a few ways Maxwell Monitors eliminates the source of stress for facilities managers:

1. Maxwell Monitors helps you reduce your workload.

 Routine maintenance is a never ending, time-consuming task. Buildings need constant attention and care, even when there is other work to be done. Maxwell Monitors can eliminate this source of stress for facilities managers by taking over some of the basic, routine aspects of caring for a building.

2. Maxwell Monitors helps you keep your buildings in good shape.

For busy facilities managers, building maintenance and monitoring are often the things that get pushed aside for more urgent tasks. Over time, however, minor forgotten tasks can become big catastrophic problems. Maxwell Monitors can stop the effects of stress on a facilities manager from becoming a problem for an entire building by ensuring that routine maintenance continues even when other issues arise. 

3. Maxwell Monitors helps you create a plan of action.

Maxwell Monitors can be scaled to suit a company’s various needs, ultimately reducing building management stress. The program can accommodate anything from full-service monitoring to simply creating a tailored monthly maintenance checklist for your company’s facility management software. Maxwell Monitors can help any business create a plan of action to keep their building maintained and functioning.

4. Maxwell Monitors helps you get back to basics.

Maxwell Monitors was designed to keep your building and business functioning, no matter what circumstances arise. By handing off basic building monitoring and maintenance to the experts at Maxwell your facilities manager can get back to the core of their job.

 If you’re ready to plan or implement Maxwell Monitors into your roofing goals this year, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’re equipped and ready to help!

4 Secrets to a High-Performing Roof

The four secrets to a high-performing roof aren’t such a secret. We love informing our customers about the best ways to get the most out of their roofing investment. We’re sharing the key elements of commercial roofing that you should look out for—whether it’s to extend the life of your current roof or a new installation. 

1. Durable, High-Quality Materials

The durability of your materials is one of the most essential elements to ensure that your roof has the longest life possible. Commercial roofs typically last between 10 and 30 years, depending on installation and your maintenance schedule—both of which are crucial elements. Metal roofs, on the other hand, can last up to 70 years. For the maximum lifespan possible, ask your contractor about a metal roofing option.

Cheaper materials may be enticing at first. It’s tempting to pay less upfront. However, consider that you will be spending more in the long run when your roof needs to be replaced prematurely. A reputable contractor should recommend the highest-quality materials; however, remember to do your due diligence and discuss the materials’ durability and warranties prior to the installation process.

2. Proper Installation

Installation is a crucial step in the process and has a significant impact on the lifespan of your roof. Ensure that the roofer you enlist to complete your roofing project has a reputation for quality and a long history of satisfied customers.

If you have already had your roof installed and suspect poor workmanship, contact a reputable roofing company to inspect and correct any installation issues to avoid more severe issues down the road. Faulty installation will, unfortunately, significantly increase the potential for commercial roof problems, ultimately affecting your roof’s life expectancy.

3. Consistent Maintenance

At Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., we frequently talk about commercial roof maintenance. The lifespan of your roof is directly linked to how often you have your roof inspected and maintained by your contractor, who can identify and solve small issues before they snowball into larger problems.

Routine inspections are a must. Procrastinating on your inspection or proactive maintenance can cost you financially while also potentially putting your employees’ safety at risk.

4. A Reliable Roofing Partner

At the end of the day, you have a business to run. Even if you are responsible for facility management, there are many moving parts to your job. A reliable roofing partner will be there to help you manage roof maintenance so that it’s at the top of their minds, not yours. Work with a contractor that will make it easy to keep up with inspections, maintenance, and replacements. 

Our MAXCare® Program Helps You Extend the Life of Your Roof

Commercial roofing inspections and maintenance are vital pieces of the puzzle when it comes to extending the lifespan of your roof. Maxwell Roofing has made it easier than ever to keep track of your maintenance schedule, invoices, and other essential information. Try the most comprehensive roof management program in the industry—MAXCare®.

If you’re looking for a full-service commercial roofing partner, don’t hesitate to contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! We’re here to help.

How to Prepare Your Commercial Roof for Summer Heat

As we’re enjoying the mild temperatures of spring, summer is right on its heels. It’s getting warmer by the day, and soon enough, the extreme temperatures of summer will be here. Now is the time to consider how you will prepare your commercial roof for the summer heat and humidity—before they begin to deteriorate your roof’s materials. In this article, we’ll share how the summer heat can damage your commercial roof and what you can do to protect it.

How Summer Heat Can Damage Your Commercial Roof

Summer heat and humidity pose a significant threat to the integrity of your commercial roof. Here are a few of the issues that you must be on the lookout for throughout the summer:

Thermal Shock—Summer temperatures rise quickly during the day, and fall quickly at night. Severe temperature changes, known as thermal shock, can cause your roof to warp or create gaps over time.

Sun Damage—The sun degrades roofing materials if they aren’t properly treated, which can cause bleaching or blackening of the roof.

Drying—When roof linings or structural materials dry out from the heat, they become brittle and crack. If left untreated, those fractures can damage the structural integrity of the roof or degrade its waterproofing materials.

Moisture Retention—Where the summers tend to be humid, commercial roofs are at high risk for retaining moisture. Water patches can cause leaks and, if left unfixed, can lead to roof collapses.

Popped Seams and Loose Screws—The combination of high heat, harsh UV rays, and an expansion and contraction of the roof surface can lead to popped roof seams and loose screws.

How to Prepare Your Commercial Roof for Summer Heat

Your primary defense from the summer heat is a regular roofing inspection. Important throughout the year, inspections allow your roofer to mitigate issues before they snowball into serious, and costly, damages. An inspector will look at the interior and exterior of your building to identify signs of weather damage and normal wear and tear. 

We mentioned a few potential heat damages in the section above. Here are other signs of damage an inspector might find:

  • Water stains on the walls and ceilings
  • Cracks in the walls or roof materials
  • Loose or buckled flashing
  • Gaps in caulking around penetrations or masonry panel joints
  • Cracks or blisters in the membrane
  • Loss of UV reflective granules

Any of the damages we’ve discussed could have been caused by heat or will be made worse throughout the summer as temperatures increase. Regular inspections are crucial to catch these issues early and extend the lifespan of your commercial roof. Proactive maintenance like this allows your business to get more value out of your roofing investment, saving your budget. 

As you plan for your next building project or your next roof replacement, talk to your roofing professional to choose the best materials for your region and the typical weather conditions.

Contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today to get a quote on your next commercial roofing project. Our team of experts is here to help you choose the materials that best fit your building’s needs.

The Power of Preventative Maintenance

Exposed to the elements and loaded up with building equipment, commercial roofs have a lot of things that can go wrong without proper attention and care. Even in perfect weather conditions, every roof will experience some level of wear and tear over its life.

In order for a roof to make it through its expected life span, it will need to be maintained. While it may seem like a hassle to take care of a commercial roof, the benefits of preventative maintenance are too great to walk away from. Here’s what preventative maintenance can do for your roof: 

Catch the little things before they become big things.

A roof experiences hundreds of little things that over time cause it to deteriorate. Most of these things are almost undetectable to anyone other than a roofer, and over time these small problems can develop into major leaks or structural damage. Preventative maintenance fixes those small issues before they become major expenses. 

Take advantage of manufacturer warranties.

Sometimes, a roofing product just doesn’t perform the way it’s supposed to. The best manufacturers provide long-lasting, comprehensive warranties for situations in which the product fails. Understanding these warranties and realizing when a product is eligible for replacement is much more difficult than it seems. With regular maintenance inspections, roofers get a chance to go over a roof’s materials and make sure they are working properly and discover if a roof product is eligible for replacement before it’s too late.

Save money.

Preventative maintenance makes it less likely that a commercial roof will require a major repair. Paying for inspections and small repairs will cost far less in the long run than it would for a major repair or re-roof. Structural damage to a roof can also cause damage to equipment and other parts of the building, costing even more. Maintenance also makes a roof last longer, so you get more out of your investment.

Save time and avoid stress.

Dealing with a building disaster can be time-consuming and stressful. With regular roof inspections, you can predict what is coming down the line and avoid a sudden emergency. In the long run, this saves time and avoids unnecessary stress.

Be more eco-friendly.

Major roof repairs and re-roofs require a lot of material. By keeping a roof well-maintained, you are extending its life and the longevity of the materials used on it. 

Plan your budget.

Roof forecast assessments help commercial building owners plan for major expenses. This lets building owners know what they need to save and avoid unpleasant budgeting surprises.

If scheduling roof maintenance still sounds too overwhelming, turn to MAXCare® by Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. MAXCare lets property management companies manage all their roofs in one easy-to-use online portal. This organizes all the reports and assessments, so you know exactly what’s going on with all your facility rooftops.

To learn more about roof maintenance or MAXCare, contact Maxwell today.

The Importance of Reporting During Roofing Maintenance

Everyone knows that making a commercial roof last requires persistent maintenance and regular inspections. But, equally as important as the roof work itself are the reports that come from those inspections. Facility managers often overlook quality reporting as a desired quality in a roofing company. 

Here are a few reasons why you should care not just about maintenance but also about the reports that commercial roof inspections yield:

  • Proof and Understanding—Inspection reports provide detailed proof about what is happening on a roof. Top-notch inspection reports will include imaging—that may be photos, infrared moisture images, or drone footage—to show exactly why a roof needs repair. The best inspectors will walk building owners and property managers through exactly what the report says and explain why a problem needs fixing. The best roofers understand that not everyone understands how a commercial roof works, and they will ensure that their customers understand why they should spend money on this important part of their building’s structure. 
  • Preparation for the Future—Forecast assessments are used to determine a roof’s condition and predict what sort of maintenance and repairs will be required in the future. This type of assessment allows property managers to plan ahead and budget for roofing expenses instead of being caught off guard by an accident or emergency. These assessments are useless without a quality report that lays out a maintenance schedule and estimates a cost for future repairs.
  • Managing Warranties—All quality roof systems have warranties, but getting them fulfilled often requires a lot of work. A manufacturer is not simply going to hand out a refund. Instead, they will want proof and a report of an inspection. Professional roofing companies keep their employees up-to-date on warranties and ensure that inspectors are aware of the implications of their reports. A poorly done inspection report could cost your company thousands in a lost warranty.
  • Juggling Multiple Properties—Worrying about a commercial roof can be stressful, and property management companies often have dozens of roof maintenance schedules floating around on their calendars. Roof management programs like Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc.’s MAXCare® allow property management firms the ability to track all of their roofs in one online portal. Maxwell’s industry-leading reporting is at the center of MAXCare, informing all the maintenance schedules and budget planning.

Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc.’s roofers aren’t just trained to conduct thorough inspections, but they also learn how to make the best reports in the business. This is why Maxwell is consistently considered an industry leader in reporting. To learn more about what Maxwell can do for managing your commercial roof, contact us today.

Commercial Roof Preventative Maintenance 101

Not even the best commercial roofs last forever, but with proper maintenance and preventative care they can last a long time. The key to extending the longevity of any roof is to keep it in the best condition possible. Here are the basics anyone with a commercial roof needs to know about preventative maintenance.

What Is Roof Maintenance?

Preventative roof maintenance encompasses everything from cleaning and repairs to general assessments. If left completely alone, roofs will accumulate debris and small damage. Without intervention, these little problems will worsen, causing the roof to need to be replaced prematurely. 

To maintain a commercial roof, building managers should schedule regular cleanings to remove debris that might cause damage. Yearly inspections are also important to uncover developing leaks and to reveal which specialized roof parts—flashing, gutters, etc.—might need to be replaced.

Good roof maintenance is also critical for complying with factory warranties. Most roofing products come with a guarantee that they will last a certain amount of time. If the manufacturer finds that the roof is not properly maintained, however, it can void the warranty.

How Does Roof Maintenance Save Money?

Commercial roof maintenance can be expensive, but it saves a building owner’s money in the long-term by extending the life of the roof. The best way to save money and still get the benefits of preventative roof care is to join a roof management program, like Maxwell’s MAXCare®

MAXCare helps building owners save on each individual inspection and get discounted repairs. MAXCare customers are also the first priority in an emergency situation, like a storm. With an emergency repair, every minute could cost money in further damage to the roof or other parts of the building.

How Do You Assess Your Roof Maintenance Needs?

With MAXCare, you don’t have to assess your own roof maintenance needs, because a professional will do it for you. Starting with a forecast assessment, a professional roofer will lay out a maintenance schedule for the entire life of your roof, helping you prepare your budget for the future. All roofs have different needs, so it’s best to let a professional handle the planning.

Another advantage of using MAXCare is the program’s industry-leading reporting. Using cutting-edge software, Maxwell technicians log all of their work in one portal so that property managers have easy access to the information they need. With MAXCare, there are never any unwanted surprises or questionable repairs.

To learn more about how MAXCare can help your company keep its commercial roof maintained, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today.

5 Common Misconceptions About Commercial Roofing Preventative Maintenance

If not carefully attentive on an ongoing basis, a lot can go wrong with a commercial roof. However, businesses often ignore their roofs until disaster strikes. There are many myths about modern roof maintenance and how frequently roofs should be inspected. To clear up some of the rumors, here are some insights to several common misconceptions about commercial roofing preventative maintenance, so you can get back on track with proper preventative roof maintenance practices.

MYTH 1: Waiting to fix roof problems saves money.

Many business owners think that waiting for damage to take its course or waiting for roof replacement can save money. The fact is that leaving roof damage until the last minute only leads to more damage to the building. Leaks and holes in the roof can cause water damage in other parts of the building. Tears and damaged insulation can have a direct impact on a building’s heating and cooling bills. Commercial roof preventative maintenance is the only thing that could save money in the long run by preventing disasters before they happen.

MYTH 2: Roofs only need to be examined when there is damage.

For commercial roofs, damage can begin very slowly and go almost unnoticed. Waiting for roof damage or replacement to get an inspection is a missed opportunity to have prevented the damage in the first place. By following a roof preventative maintenance checklist, facility managers will regularly check problematic parts of the roof. Regularly caring for the roof can prevent slow building damage and keep the roof in shape so it can face storms and other types of common damage. You can wait for an inspection until your roof is damaged, or you can avoid small problems before they become full-blown damage.

MYTH 3: Flashing only needs to be replaced when you get a new roof.

It’s easy to think of a commercial roof as one system. But, while each part of a roof has to work together to function, every individual piece has its own maintenance schedule. Flashing should be specially maintained to prolong its life, but even then, it may need to be replaced earlier than other parts of the roof.

MYTH 4: Every roof maintenance company can handle every type of roof.

Not all roof materials are created equal. Shingle roofs need a very different type of care than asphalt roofs. Metal roofs also require special care and may be best handled by a company with an in-house fabrication shop. Not every roof maintenance company has the expertise to handle metal roof maintenance.

MYTH 5:  Warranties cover all roof problems.

Roof warranties only cover manufacturing defects. In some cases, a warranty may cover major damage to your roof, but usually manufacturer defects start as small problems and only grow to a disaster once the warranty is expired. To catch these small issues, it’s important to get regular roof inspections from a professional roofing company.

Maxwell Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc. has great pride in the thoroughness of our maintenance program. To learn more about our roof inspections, contact us today.

How MAXCare® Makes Roof Maintenance Simple

You don’t notice some things until it’s too late…like the burnt burgers on the grill or the leaves overflowing from your gutters. That’s often how commercial roof maintenance goes, too. It’s often ignored until there are buckets littering the floor, catching drops of water falling from the ceiling. We’d guess this happens because people are intimidated by the idea of developing a proactive roof maintenance plan.

How often should my roof be evaluated?

What’s the typical cost of repairs?

Does it truly save money in the long-run?

Why MAXCare?

The fact is: Roof maintenance can seem like a vague concept that people tell you is important but have a hard time explaining. “You’ll save money,” they say. And, you know it’s true, but you have a hard time taking any action because you’re not sure how much you’ll save, or if it’s worth all the effort.

That’s where MAXCare® comes in. We know roof maintenance can get confusing. And, too often, people try to sell you on vague concepts without clearly explaining how they will help you or save you money. We created MAXCare so you could get a clear understanding of your roof maintenance plan—and how much money it could potentially save you.

MAXCare is different from Maxwell Roofing’s regular service and maintenance offerings in the way that Maxwell provides reactive daily response to roof maintenance needs, where MAXCare stands apart in its proactive, relationship-driven approach to roof maintenance that is built around an asset management. “Through the MAXCare program, you increase the return on investment in your assets. With roofing, that return is most prominently affected by extending its life or reducing operating costs over its life,” says John Maxwell, President of Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. “The real value of MAXCare is partly dependent on the stage or life cycle of the roof and can often depend on the construction being correct and complete, if the damage was caught early and corrected, if the roof was monitored and cared for from day one, and if the roof gets a lot of traffic. When customers invest in MAXCare early on, there’s great value in having document intelligence of all these matters to help maintain the roof’s current life cycle and inform any future changes or needs,” he adds.

How MAXCare Works

MAXCare is our comprehensive roof management program. Here’s how it works:

We start with a roof assessment, where we look at the state of your roof and generate a report that details planning, work recommendations, and forecasting for each section of your roof. We’ll be 100% transparent with you about the state of your roof and what we recommend to keep it healthy. You’ll also get access to the MAXCare online portal, where you can access educational content, tools, resources, historical reports for each of your buildings, and invoicing. MAXCare will show you exactly how healthy your roof is now and how you can best plan for future expenses. John explains, “One of the most significant values of MAXCare to our customers is in the regular monitoring we perform. When repair needs arise, our customers quickly learn that with MAXCare the question isn’t about the condition itself, but rather how long did it take this condition to develop. With long-term monitoring, you’ll have less costly surprises along the way.”

MAXCare helps you say goodbye to vague statements like, “You’ll get a few more years out of it.” We’ll forecast, as clearly as we can, future repairs to your roof, along with a prediction of costs and general timeline. As a bonus, our MAXCare portal lets you report leaks, check the status of work orders, and review invoices, so you can stay up-to-date on everything related to current and past work. MAXCare members also get discounted rates on other Maxwell Roofing services.

Who Needs MAXCare?

While MAXCare may not be the right fit for every commercial roofing partner, it can be greatly beneficial for property or industrial managers who are responsible for maintaining multiple buildings, roofs, and units. Though it might seem like you’re paying a bit more in upfront costs, MAXCare can save on overall maintenance costs in the long-term, and it can be greatly beneficial in proving your attentiveness to roof maintenance if ever faced with a complaint of negligence. “If you’re looking to break away from a run-to-fail model, MAXCare is right for you,” affirms John. “A run-to-fail model doesn’t cost much to operate, but there’s always a surprise factor that appears,” he adds.

Is MAXCare Right for You?

MAXCare is a result of our years of experience in the field and our desire to make roof maintenance as simple as possible for our customers. With MAXCare, you don’t have to guess. We take the effort off your plate and consolidate all your roof maintenance needs into a simple online portal.

If you’re interested in learning how MAXCare might help simplify your roof maintenance program, just click here to contact us.

3 Tips for Weatherproofing Your Roof

Drip.

Wait. Was that water?

Drop.

Where is it coming from?

You look up and feel another drop of water land on your face.

For a business owner, this is the beginning of a headache that will likely span weeks, beginning with a drop of water and ending with a check for thousands of dollars leaving your pocket. But, what could you have done? And, how can you prevent this from happening again?

The fact is, all roofs will need repair at some point, but, there are things you can do to prolong the life of your roof and avoid costly repairs for as long as possible. One of the best ways to avoid excessive repair costs is to make sure your roof is properly weatherproofed. Here are three, simple things to consider when weatherproofing your roof.

  • Roof Structure—Most commercial roofs are flat and can be made of a variety of materials, including bitumen, metal, plastic, foam, and more. Before beginning the process of weatherproofing your roof, you must know what you’re working with. What is your roof made of, and what weatherproofing capabilities does it currently have? Where is it lacking? No matter which type of roof your building has, it will eventually leak and wear down, but determining the structure of your roof and understanding its strengths and weaknesses will give you a clearer picture of what must be addressed during the weatherproofing process.
  • Geography—Where is your business located? What’s the weather like? If you’re located in the Mid-South, you likely experience all four seasons. So, you’ll have to protect against heat and intense sunlight in the summer, as well as freezing temperatures and ice in the winter. To fully understand how to weatherproof your roof, you must know exactly what weather elements it needs to be protected from.
  • Materials for Weatherproofing—Depending on your business’ location, weatherproofing may not be the same thing as waterproofing. To use the previous example, if your business is located in Tennessee or Alabama, you may need heating cables in the winter for ice protection, as well as additional coating in the summer to protect from intense sunlight. If you want your roof to be completely weatherproof, you may need to use a variety of materials to achieve that goal.

There are many variables to consider when weatherproofing your roof, but if you do your homework, it can be a straightforward process. You simply need to understand the material you’re working with and the weather elements you need to guard against.

While the process can be straightforward, some intricacies may best be addressed by a professional. If you’d like some guidance to determine the best way to weatherproof your roof, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. We’d love to help you protect your building and avoid costly, unplanned repairs.

When Is the Right Time for Preventative Roof Maintenance?

You go to the doctor for a checkup. You get the oil changed in your car. But, you completely take for granted the roof over your head.

We get it—preventative maintenance isn’t sexy. Nobody’s pulse speeds up when they hear about commercial roof inspections or flashing repairs. But, if that doesn’t get you going, we can guarantee there is one thing that will make your eyes bulge: The cost of putting a new roof on your facility.

We say this all the time, but it bears repeating: Every roof will need to be replaced at some point. But, if you perform preventative maintenance regularly, you can greatly extend the life of your roof and keep small repair costs from turning into big replacement costs too soon.

What Is Preventative Roof Maintenance?

Before we continue talking about why preventative maintenance is important, let’s define exactly what it is. Preventative roof maintenance includes inspecting your roof regularly and performing proactive services before they become large issues, causing costly repairs. Essentially, preventative maintenance is checking on the health of your roof regularly and providing timely tune-ups when needed to give your roof a healthier and longer life.

Can Preventative Roof Maintenance Save Money?

So, you may be wondering—how exactly does preventative roof maintenance save your company money (and potential stress)? Consider this example:

Let’s say you had your roof installed in 2013.

“It’s a brand-new roof,” you thought. “There’s no way it’ll need any attention for at least a few years.”

So, you ignored it. Little did you know, the roofing crew was in a rush to finish the job on time, so they sped through the installation. Because of this, a tiny crack formed at the corner of the roof.

As time passed, the alternating heat of summer and cold of winter caused that crack to expand.

It turned into a leak in late 2014, but since it was on the corner of the roof, the water flowed down the side of the building—and the leak went unnoticed.

In early 2015, you decided to have a roof inspection performed.

“I doubt it’s necessary…but, just to be safe,” you said to the inspector.

After the inspection, he said, “Everything looks great, except for one thing. Did you know you had a crack in this corner of the roof?”

He pointed to the ceiling.

“No…we’ve never noticed anything.”

Fast forward a few days and after some further investigation.

“Bad news. That crack is a leak, and you have wet insulation. You’re going to have to get that section of the roof replaced, in addition to the insulation and possibly the drywall.”

And, just think: If you would have caught that crack earlier, it could have been patched in a matter of minutes for a fraction of the cost.

When Is the Right Time for Preventative Roof Maintenance?

Preventative roof maintenance probably won’t help you win any popularity contests or make you sound interesting to an attractive stranger, but it will save you from unplanned expenses and help you with budgeting roof expenses. The right time begins as early as new roof installation. Unlike fine wine, roofs do not age better with time. If you’re interested in learning exactly how a preventative maintenance plan can help your business, click here to contact us today. Our team of professionals are ready to assist.