Category: Construction

New Roof vs. Roof Repair: Which Should You Choose?

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Should you repair your current roof or have a new one installed altogether? It’s a decision many facility managers face, and it’s not an easy one. But, there are a few factors that can help you decide which option makes more sense for your facility. Consider these eight questions when making your decision:

1. How old is the roof?

In most cases, if your roof is approaching 20 years old, it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. That doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to fail around that age, but it does mean that, if you’re faced with a costly repair to an aging roof, you should consider complete replacement as a viable option.

However, if your roof is still relatively young and has only suffered minor damage, repair may be the most cost-effective solution. As a general note, the type of material used for your roof’s construction affects its maximum age, which, in turn, affects whether you should lean toward repair or replacement.

2. How much of the roof is damaged?

As a general guideline, if over 25% of the roof is damaged, your money will be better spent on a complete replacement. Although it may cost more, if the roof is not already brand-new, you’ll benefit from newer (and higher-quality) materials that are less likely to cause headaches in the near future. However, if less than roughly 25% of the roof is damaged, and the roof is not nearing the end of its lifespan, a repair can make perfect sense.

3. How long do you plan to stay in the building?

If you intend to stay in the facility for years to come, a completely new roof could be a wise investment that helps you avoid future repair costs. But, if your intended stay is short-term, it might make more sense to pass the roof replacement cost to the next tenant.

4. What is the roof’s history?

In addition to the age of the roof, pay attention to the number of repairs the roof has needed to this point. If the roof is relatively young but has needed several repairs, it could be an indication that the roofing material is low-quality or that it was installed improperly.

On the other hand, if the roof has been in use for over 10 years and has needed relatively few repairs to this point, it can be an indication of quality materials and installation. If that’s the case, it may be worth it to stretch the life of the roof with repairs instead of tearing it off and installing a completely new roof.

5. How healthy is the roof’s membrane?

The membrane is the roof’s most important defense against the elements. If the roof’s membrane is healthy, it has a healthy foundation. The more damaged the membrane, the higher the possibility of damage to the materials underneath. Extensive damage to the roof’s membrane may be a sign to consider replacement over repair.

6. How healthy is the insulation?

Wet insulation can lead to structural damage, a decrease in air quality (due to mold and bacteria), and can even decrease energy efficiency. If the insulation is wet, it’s an indication the damage has surpassed the roof’s membrane—and that’s bad news. As previously mentioned, if damage to the insulation and/or membrane is significant, a replacement may make more sense than a repair.

7. Where is the building located? And, how urgent is the repair?

If your building is located in a climate that experiences significant precipitation or extreme weather for certain parts of the year, this can have a huge effect on your decision to repair or replace. If the repair is urgent and the forecast predicts rain, snow, or extreme weather for the foreseeable future, a complete replacement would unnecessarily expose your building to the elements. You may have no choice but to go with the repair until the weather allows further evaluation.

8. What is the promise of the repair?

How much mileage can you expect from the repair? What are the odds you’ll need to perform another repair within the next few years? These things are affected by the extent of the damage as well as the history and age of the roof. If you’re just placing a metaphorical band-aid on a problem that will continue to occur, a complete roof replacement might make more sense.

Ultimately, the decision to repair or replace a roof can be a difficult one, based on many factors with a wide degree of variance. The smartest choice, when facing such a large decision, is to consult a roofing professional for an inspection.

If you want to learn more about how Maxwell can help guide you through the big decision of whether to repair or replace your roof, just click here to contact us.

What to Consider with New Commercial Roof Construction in North Alabama

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

The North Alabama area is growing rapidly. According to the latest census, the Huntsville metro area is the second fastest growing area in the state. With all the new growth comes new development. Many businesses that are growing or relocating in Huntsville are looking to build. As a local commercial roofing contractor in Huntsville, Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc.’s local presence is just one of the important benefits we provide businesses searching for new commercial roof construction in North Alabama.

Maxwell Roofing—A Leader in New Commercial Roof Construction in North Alabama

Here are a few reasons why businesses in North Alabama trust Maxwell Roofing as a partner for their new commercial roof construction and repair needs:

1. Our Trusted Reputation

There are a lot of factors that go into our A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau. Not only do we strive to make sure every project is completed on time and on budget, we truly approach every project as a partnership. We help our clients think through the various roofing options, including the latest roofing systems, to maximize the lifetime value of their roof. Maxwell is not a “storm chaser” roofing company that goes wherever the latest need is. We are an established company with nearly 70 years committed to excellence.

2. Our Commitment to Quality & Service

Quality and service are more than values on a page, they are words that drive every decision we make as a business. Whether it’s our MAXCare® solution or our in-house fabrication department, we’re constantly looking for new ways to make the service we provide one in which our clients feel like they’re getting more than what they paid for.

For our team, service means facilitating relationships to understand client needs and provide an exceptional customer experience. It’s something we prioritize in every project.

3. Our Approach to Partnership & Communication

We realize that inefficient communication can be one of the most frustrating problems when working with a construction contractor. From the very beginning, we wanted to be different.

But, don’t just take our word for it. Here are a couple of Huntsville area businesses who highlighted this specific attribute about our service…

“Maxwell lets us know when they are on the way, when they are on-site, and what the issue is before a repair is done. All this is done in a timely fashion, and the invoice is accompanied by photos of the repair area and description of work performed.” — SVN | Avat Realty

“What made our experience so much better with Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. versus other companies is their excellent photo reports of problems they find and fix. If larger repairs are necessary, they also prepare a detailed photo report, along with their recommended solutions and quotes. For us, that is perfection.” — John Blue Realty

Can Maxwell Roofing Help with Your Commercial Roofing Needs?

If you’re looking for a commercial roofing construction or repair contractor in Northern Alabama, we’d love to talk! You can learn more about our commercial roofing solutions or contact our Huntsville-based team with a specific question.

4 Benefits of In-House Roofing Fabrication

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Commercial roofing projects are complex, with multiple points where things can go wrong. Pain-free projects happen by minimizing the amount of potential complications and completing the project as cost-effectively as possible.

There are many ways commercial roofing companies work to achieve this—whether it’s how fast they complete the project, how cost-effective they can do it, or how easy they are to work with. While we believe all those things are important, at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., there’s one thing we do a little differently. But, before we get to that, there’s something you should know about all commercial roofs: They contain sheet metal.

It’s a structurally sound (and cost-effective) material used for gutters, drain boxes, cornices, trim, and even secondary components like wall panels. Basically, any commercial roofing project is going to use sheet metal. Here’s why that’s important:

Maxwell Roofing can fabricate our own sheet metal, and there are a few benefits to this:

1. Lower likelihood of complication or failure in the project. By eliminating contractors, middlemen, and vendors, commercial roofing companies who fabricate their own sheet metal can decrease potential points of complication, miscommunication, or mistakes in a project. In short, in-house fabrication keeps things simple. Direct from the roofing company to your roof, with no riff-raff in-between.

2. Projects move more quickly. Outsourcing sheet metal fabrication adds time to the project’s schedule. This often puts the project at the mercy of a third-party’s schedule instead of your specific needs. Companies who provide in-house roofing fabrication can complete projects more efficiently and work with you on an individualized basis to maintain appropriate timeline considerations. In-house roofing fabrication gives both the roofing company and the client more control over the project’s timeline.

3. More efficient customization. In-house fabrication allows you to work directly with the roofing company to customize your roofing design. By working directly with the fabricating/roofing company, you simplify the communication process and maintain the ability to more efficiently communicate your needs for the project.

4. Projects fit on a smaller budget. Companies who perform in-house roofing fabrication don’t have to pay third-parties for the roofing fabrication process. By completing the fabrication in-house, they can cut out the costs associated with outsourcing such a large part of a roofing project.

Commercial roofing projects can be complex, time-consuming, and, in general, not always inexpensive. Working with a company that offers in-house roofing fabrication lets you simplify your roofing project, reduce potential complications, and receive great service at a cost-effective price.

Interested in working with a company that has its own in-house fabrication department? Just click here to contact us and learn how we can help.

5 Reasons to Choose Maxwell for Commercial Roofing in Nashville

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Maxwell Roofing has been in the business for nearly 70 years—and that didn’t happen by accident. We’ve built our business around our reputation for not just getting the job done, but rather getting the job done right—the first time. With the support of our family legacy and guidance from our five core values, we’ve created a business that has become a market leader in quality, communication, and customer service in the Nashville area and beyond.

So, why is Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. the best in Nashville for your roof construction? Consider these five reasons:

1. Maxwell Roofing offers free design services in the planning phase.

We partner with you early in the planning phase to help create a roof design that avoids mistakes and potential problems once the construction phase begins. Oh, and did we mention that we do it for free.

2. Maxwell Roofing does the job right the first time.

People have been saying, “You get what you pay for,” for a long time, and we’ve found that to be true. We don’t pride ourselves on being the cheapest new roof construction service in Nashville, but we do pride ourselves on being the most comprehensive solutions provider. That means we do the job in a timely and correct manner from the outset. As our company president, John Maxwell, explains, “People who want to do business with us do so because we take our work seriously and are confident in our abilities and service.”

3. Maxwell Roofing’s experience speaks for itself.

Businesses that aren’t good at what they do don’t last 60 years. “If you’re in an industry that values reliability, it’s hard to look past longevity,” says John. “When somebody has been doing the same thing we’ve been doing for as long as we’ve been doing it, it suggests we’re doing something right,” he adds. Greg Victor, Director of Facilities at Ensworth School (one of our clients), agrees. “Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc.’s reputation is among the best you’ll find, and everybody we’ve worked with on the team is thorough. They work around our schedule (not creating disruptions or distractions during the school day) and are very respectful of our environment. The team has done a wonderful job from assessment to construction to service,” affirms Victor.

4. Maxwell Roofing looks out for your best interests.

All businesses must make money. We don’t hide that fact. However, we will never charge you more when we can save you money. For example: We work with manufacturers to get the most out of your warranties. We offer free design services during the planning phase. We fabricate our own metal in-house to help you reduce costs. If it can save you money, we’ll do our best to make it happen.

5. Maxwell Roofing runs our business on five core values.

Like a northern star, we look to these five core values to keep us on the right path:

  • Quality: Providing an excellent finished product that exceeds expectations.
  • Teamwork: Achieving common goals through open communication, mutual respect, and the support of one another.
  • Integrity: Doing what we say we will do, when we say we will do it.
  • Professionalism: Exercising our expertise and advancing through education and training.
  • Service: Facilitating relationships to understand client needs and provide an exceptional customer experience.

If you’re looking for new roof construction help in Nashville, we’d love to show you why we’re your best option. Just click here to contact us.

3 Ways to Prioritize School Roofing Safety

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

When it comes to constructing or renovating a school, safety is often the first and greatest priority. Parents want the peace of mind that their children are spending their day in a building that is as safe as possible. The school system and administrators also have a duty to protect the students, educators, and support staff from workplace hazards. However, what isn’t typically top of mind is the roofing system.

Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. has had the opportunity to work as the roofing contractor for several schools in recent years, including Ensworth School, Currey Ingram Academy, Father Ryan High School, Saint Henry School, and Saint Ann School. And, because June is National Safety Month, we wanted to highlight some specific keys to consider for designing and building a school’s roofing structure.

How to Prioritize Safety for Students with Your School’s Roof

Here are a few things for school administrators, architects, and contractors to keep in mind when it comes to prioritizing safety for a roofing project:

  1. Design and build with safety in mind. While there are various new trends in commercial roofing that could make for an interesting design, it’s important to consider safety first and foremost. When it comes to roofing, thicker and stronger is better. However, there are several other risks to consider for protecting against damage and potential disaster. For example, how water is kept out during the construction project is critical. Schools should consult with a qualified roofing professional to not only identify the standards and codes that apply to their facilities, but they should also understand how to prioritize safety during the construction process.
  2. Maximize on-site safety during the roofing project. Roofing projects can be a dangerous undertaking, especially if people are present. Before any work begins, it is necessary to have some serious discussions about safety. For example, we often encourage that a roofing project takes place when students aren’t present. In addition to some of the obvious ways to prioritize safety, there are numerous ways schools can prioritize on-site safety during a roofing project.
  3. Be proactive about planning for potential disaster. Even if you choose to build the safest roof possible, no one can control unforeseen circumstances and natural disasters. A committed roofing partner can help schools establish a disaster response plan to minimize roof damage in the event of a natural disaster. They can also provide preventative maintenance to guard against the weather damage from wind, hail, rain or ice and snow.

When it comes to constructing or renovating a school, architects and contractors make every effort possible to make sure the project meets or surpasses all building code requirements. The roof should be at the top (no pun intended) of that list.

To learn more about our safety principles and practices, our services, or our commercial roofing capabilities for schools, contact us today!

A Commercial Roof Warranty: What It Is and What It Covers

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

What Good is a Commercial Roof Warranty?

Roof warranties provide documented evidence of quality and expected future performance. Manufacturers and contractors offer warranties to project confidence and provide peace of mind to their customers. Commercial roof warranties reassure building owners that they won’t be financially burdened should some damage, malfunction, or other warranty covered issues arise.

A Brief History of Roof Warranties: Where Do They Come From?

Prior to the 1970s, the overwhelming majority of commercial buildings had tar-and-gravel built-up roofs. They didn’t come with modern roof warranties, but instead were backed by bonds, which were much more limited.

In the 1960s, manufacturers like Carlisle Companies Inc. (known today as Carlisle Construction Materials) unsuccessfully attempted to introduce single-ply membrane roofing systems, which are now the industry norm. Businesses largely rejected the new and unfamiliar material. But that all changed about a decade later due to the oil embargo in the early 1970s.

Almost immediately, the petroleum-related materials needed to make built-up roofs became scarce and expensive , and the quality of tar-and-gravel roofs plummeted. The ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber membrane roofs that Carlisle had been touting quickly became a hot commodity.

The problem, however, was that EPDM was radical, new and unproven. Single-ply membrane roof systems had no performance history to make building owners feel confident that they would last. Carlisle assured skeptics by guaranteeing quality and future performance with a documented promise that their revolutionary new roof systems were worth the investment and could withstand the test of time.

The modern roofing warranty was born.

Most roof warranties started as 10-year warranties and, as membrane roofs became more common and trusted through the 1980s, extended to 15 years, and then finally to today’s standard 20-year warranty.

4 Factors to Consider About Commercial Roof Warranties

A roof is one of the most expensive investments in the entire building, and owners and managers must consider several variables before they decide on the type of warranty that’s right for them, beginning with these four:

1. Insurance Policies:

Building owners should first consider their insurance policies. For example, warranties do not cover “acts of God,” like hurricanes, lightning strikes or tornadoes. If a building is located in a hurricane-prone region, it’s likely that the warranty will not cover damages caused by a major storm; the owner will probably have to file an insurance claim.

2. Exclusions:

Owners and managers should carefully review the warranty’s exclusions. For example, roofs are rated for wind speed. If a warranty protects roofs in winds up to 74 mph, any damage incurred in wind speeds greater than 74 mph would not be covered.

3. Issuers:

Not all warranties are created equal. A warranty can come from either the manufacturer, which covers the building materials, or the contractor, which covers the installation of those materials.

4. Maintenance:

Manufacturers can void warranty claims if the roof is not properly and regularly maintained, so owners and managers have to consider how diligently they plan to inspect and maintain their roofs before deciding on a warranty.

There is a common misconception that a warranty is an indicator of lifetime expectancy. It is not. Warranties help to protect buyers against faulty materials, issues with installation and some types of damage; they relieve some of the risk that owners and managers take on with such a costly purchase. Warranties are never, however, a substitute for quality workmanship performed by a diligent, experienced, reputable contractor who uses only the highest quality materials.