Month: December 2019

Client Spotlight: Colliers International | Huntsville

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Accelerating Client Success with Seamless Services to Investors, Property Owners, Tenants, & Developers

Colliers International is a commercial real estate services organization with more than 400 offices across the world. The company got its start in Alabama in 2007 when father and son team Joe Sandner III and Joe Sandner IV created Sandner Commercial Real Estate, Inc. in Birmingham, Alabama. The firm quickly became one of the city’s leading commercial real estate companies and then joined Colliers International in 2012 as an independently owned affiliate.

In 2013, Colliers International began investing in Huntsville, acquiring 2.1 million square feet of office space in the city. After merging with a local Huntsville real estate firm, Colliers formed Colliers International | Alabama, opening three offices and employing 47 people. The firm employs specialists in local real estate who know their communities and local industries. Colliers International provides services from brokerage sales and leasing to investment services, project and real estate management. 

“Our clients depend on our ability to draw on years of direct experience in the local market,” says Alison Waddell, Director of Operations for Colliers International in Alabama. She adds, “Our professionals know their communities and the industry inside and out.” 

The Opportunity 

Colliers International enlisted the services of Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. in 2013, making the company a preferred roofing vendor for all of its Alabama properties. Colliers uses Maxwell for roof repairs, assessments, and replacements and is enrolled in Maxwell’s roof management program, MAXCare, for several of its properties.

According to Waddell, Maxwell has been dependable, responsive, and professional on the job. She says, “We have not had any complaints from our tenants or building engineers since we started using Maxwell.”

The Solution

Because Colliers owns so many different types of properties, their roofing needs vary. Still, Colliers has found that Maxwell’s quality work translates from job to job. “They are always willing to work within our building owner’s budget to prolong the life of the roof until a replacement can be afforded,” says Waddell.

Beyond the actual roof work, Waddell says that it is Maxwell’s service that sets them apart from other roofing companies. The communication between Maxwell’s account managers and technicians with the property manager has helped make managing their properties easier. Says Waddell about Maxwell Roofing, “Try them. You won’t be disappointed.”

Is 2020 the Year for a New Commercial Roof?

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

If your roof is getting old, if it has serious damage, or if it’s just full of outdated materials, then 2020 might be the year for an upgrade. New construction for a commercial roof is a big undertaking, but it’s usually worth the effort. Here are some signs that it’s time to get a new commercial roof.

Reasons to Get a New Commercial Roof

  1. Leaks and damage: Sometimes, leaks can be solved with a simple repair, but often they’re signs that something more serious is going on with the roof. If you have severe leaks, you may have other problems, and it’s probably time for a new commercial roof. Other damage to the roof membranes, flashings, or deck can also signal the need for a new roof.
  2. Investing in the longevity of your building: The cost of a new commercial roof can be off-putting, but the investment goes a long way. New commercial roofs can last for more than 20 years, and they also protect the rest of the building from damage. Without a good roof, your building may be prone to damage from storms or moisture.
  3. Improve energy efficiency: Energy efficiency technology has come a long way in the last few years, and roofs play a large part in how many of those technologies function. A new commercial roof can get better insulation or be fitted for solar panels or some other kind of technology to lower electricity bills and make your building more efficient.
  4. Structural roof damage: Old roofs or roofs that have undergone some sort of accident can become structurally unsound. When this happens, it doesn’t just endanger your roof but the integrity of the entire building. If a roof is sagging or bending, it’s time to get a new commercial roof as soon as possible.
  5. Damage to roof equipment or penetrations: Damage to roof accessories like flashings, drains, or penetrations like skylights can be a cause for a roof replacement. Sometimes, these accessories can’t be replaced, and you will need a whole new roof.
  6. Get a new design: Maybe you want to make your building more green. Maybe you want some nice skylights to wow your clients. A new commercial roof opens up a whole world of design possibilities.

If you’re thinking about starting a new year with a new roof, consider Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. We have nearly 70 years of experience and pride ourselves on the quality of our work. To learn more about how Maxwell can help you get the most from your new commercial roof, contact us today.

How Rooftop HVAC Systems Can Affect Your Roof

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Commercial rooftop HVAC units have many advantages and are a common choice for many building owners. Choosing a rooftop HVAC unit can help keep the machinery safe and makes it more versatile for changes later, but rooftop HVAC units can have a big effect on the roof structure itself. 

When considering commercial rooftop HVAC prices, facility managers should factor in the additional maintenance a roof will need to support one. 

Ways Rooftop HVAC Units Impact Roofs

  • Condensation: HVACS are heavy duty machines, and when they run they can cause condensation and sometimes steam. Moisture is the biggest enemy to a solid roof structure. Over time moisture can erode the roof’s membrane or cause leaks. Ponding on a roof can also cause mold. 

Moisture should vaporize while still inside of an HVAC unit, but sometimes malfunctions can lead to leaking. Many roofs with HVACs have special areas to trap and retain moisture, but it’s also important to regularly inspect roofs with HVAC equipment to ensure that there aren’t any pooling or build up in condensation. 

  • Roof strain: Not every roof can support a heavy HVAC unit. Roofs need to be specially designed to ensure the structure is strong enough to support HVACs. Typically, HVAC units are planned out and installed while a roof is under construction in order to accommodate the added weight. Some building owners may want to add more HVAC units after the roof is already done. It’s absolutely essential that a roofer be consulted during this process to help design the area where the new units will be placed.
  • Wind lift: HVAC units are heavy, but that doesn’t mean they are immovable. Strong winds and storms can shift or lift units out of place, damaging the roof and creating a dangerous situation for people inside and outside the building. Workers who install HVACs know how to properly secure their systems, but they may not know what impact that will have on the roof underneath it. 

Roofers need to be consulted about the fasteners used for HVAC systems to ensure they don’t pull on the roof and damage the structure underneath it. Even slight movements in heavy HVAC equipment can cause major damage over time. Making sure all curbs, flashings, and sealants have been properly installed is the only way to guarantee your roof is protected. 

  • Negligent technicians: Having a rooftop HVAC unit means inviting technicians onto your roof for maintenance and repairs. These HVAC technicians will not be specialized in roof care and may cause damage without realizing it. Keeping up with regular inspections can help identify damage that negligent technicians may have overlooked. 

At Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, we have worked for decades with different HVAC technicians and systems to ensure that both the roof and the equipment can function properly. Contact us today to learn more about what Maxwell can do for your rooftop HVAC unit.

Common Questions About Commercial Roof Construction

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Commercial roof construction can be intimidating for a business that hasn’t dealt with a major project on their building before. The process naturally brings up many questions. What happens if the roof isn’t well-made? How do you know if you’re getting the best deal? What does it mean for the future of your business? 

Here are the answers to some of the most common commercial roof construction questions so you know what to expect with your new project.

1. How much is this going to cost?

There’s no easy answer to this. It depends on a whole variety of things, like the size of the roof, the materials used, and whether you’re tearing down to the deck and installing new (roof replacement) or putting a second roof on an existing system (recover). There is no “typical commercial roof construction,” as it varies from project to project. 

The good news is that companies like Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. can help building managers be proactive in planning and budgeting for their future roofing needs. For new roofs, Maxwell can help find a solution that fits a full range of budgets.

2. Can commercial roof construction help save money?

Depending on the project, your roof may qualify for some tax incentives. This is especially true for roofs that provide energy efficiency improvements, but it also applies to other commercial roof construction types.

3. Will I need to close my business?

Probably not. Most commercial roof construction projects won’t force a business to close, but you should inform your clients or tenants and make sure they are aware of any areas that may be hazardous during construction.

4. Should I be concerned about workers on my roof?

Roof construction can be dangerous, but reputable companies provide training and take precautions. It’s important to find a roofing company with the proper licensing, bonding, and insurance, so that your company is not liable for anything that might happen during construction.

5. What are the commercial roof construction types?

The materials available for commercial roofs are endless—everything from metal to bitumen to membranes. Some commercial roofing projects may even involve green roofing, which involves putting vegetation on the rooftop. A good roofing company will be able to work within any reasonable budget to find the right material.

6. Will my roof have a warranty?

Typically, roofing systems come with a warranty from the manufacturer. The trick is finding a roofing company that knows how to properly install that system and can monitor it for flaws that would trigger the warranty. Even the best warranties are useless if you don’t know how to take advantage of them.

7. Will my new roof need maintenance?

All roofs—old and new—need maintenance to help them last longer and function properly. The best way to make sure you get the best possible return on investment on your roof is to start a maintenance plan immediately. 

If you’re getting a new commercial roof or re-roof, you likely have many other questions. A good roofing contractor like Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. will make sure that a customer service representative walks you through everything from costs to the commercial roof construction terms you should know. 

To get the answers to all your commercial roofing questions contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today.

A Beginner’s Guide to Roof Recover Systems

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

It can’t be said enough: preventative maintenance is the best way to protect a commercial roof and make it last longer. Most major roof repairs can be prevented by following this important guide, but if you’ve lapsed on your maintenance or inherited roof problems after buying a building you may need to consider a roof recovery.

A roof recovery system uses a new membrane over the existing roof. These systems can be installed on roofs with damage, but only if the structural integrity of the roof deck is still sound. For many leaks and other types of damage, roof recovery may be the best option, but there are some things anyone considering a major change to their roof should know about.

Roof recovery systems are more affordable:

Reroofing requires stripping every part of the existing roof down. You have to tear off the insulation, membrane, and flashing all the way down to the roof deck. This is a time-consuming and expensive process. Because roof recovery systems also use the existing insulation and other roof materials, there is less to replace, making it more cost-effective.

Roof recovery systems are considered more environmentally friendly:

By reusing the existing roof materials, less new raw materials go into roof recovery. This isn’t just good for your wallet, but it’s also beneficial for the environment.

The age and amount of damage can limit the effectiveness of a roof recovery system:

Roof recovery systems are cheaper than a reroof, but they aren’t inexpensive. If a roof is already reaching the end of its life or has significant damage, it may be worth the extra money to just get a new roof that will last longer. Though this costs more up-front, it may save money in the long run.

Excessive moisture can make a recovery unviable:

While many types of damage can be papered over with a roof recovery, extreme moisture intrusion cannot. If the insulation or roof structure has gotten wet, putting a new roof over the existing one will only exacerbate the problem. It’s possible to remove moisture from some parts of the roof and replace wet insulation, but it’s important for roofers to use thermal detection to attempt to discover how much of the roof insulation is contaminated. If too much of the roof is wet, it may be more cost-effective to replace the roof. 

Consider the roof deck:

Without pulling up the existing roof, it’s impossible to adequately examine the condition of the roof deck. A damaged roof deck will eventually mean that the roof needs to be replaced and can render a roof recovery system ineffective. If there is reason to believe that the roof deck has been damaged, it may be necessary to replace the roof. 

Only a roofer can determine if a recovery is appropriate:

The best way to understand if your roof is best suited for a recovery or a replacement is to consult a reputable roofing company. Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. has decades of experience in both roof recoveries and replacements. To find out more, contact us today.