Month: May 2020

Client Spotlight: Samples Properties

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Developing more than two million square feet of commercial space in the Huntsville area

Samples Properties is a full-service commercial real estate company that has served Northern Alabama for more than 40 years. Having overseen the development of over two million square feet of projects, the company has established a strong reputation, background, and experience base. Samples Properties thoroughly understands its local market and is able to quickly adapt to its changing needs. The company especially prides itself on the honest, ethical, and trustworthy core values on which its foundation was built. 

The Opportunity 

As the company develops and manages numerous properties, the need for commercial roofing services is frequent. Samples Properties’ first priority is the integrity of its buildings, so preventative maintenance, routine inspections, and other roofing services were top-of-mind. Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. opened a service hub in Huntsville in 2010 and approached Samples Properties about a possible partnership. 

The Solution

Samples Properties chose Maxwell Roofing as their commercial roofing partner and has been a customer ever since. Over this long-standing relationship, we have had the pleasure of providing their company with leak-related services, roof inspections, repair projects, and budgeting forecasts for its many properties. 

“They do cost-effective, quality work,” says Kyser Samples, Property Manager at Samples Properties. Samples also notes that our thorough inspection reports are a great help in maintaining the buildings’ commercial roofing systems. 

Maxwell Roofing’s local Huntsville, Alabama representative maintains a strong relationship with the property management team of Samples Properties to better assist with the managing and maintenance of each property. We foster these relationships so that we can always broaden and improve our services for our customers, and are grateful that Samples Properties enjoys our partnership as much as we enjoy working with them.

4 Common Causes for Commercial Roof Leaks

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Commercial roof leaks can cause significant damage to your building if left untreated. But, how do they happen in the first place? The wear and tear on your roof over time creates numerous opportunities for water to seep in. And even minor damages can create extensive vulnerabilities. 

Your first step in preventing leaks is to be aware of what causes them most often. When your commercial roof is damaged or worn, and leaks occur, it’s usually because of one of these four factors. 

Material Damage

Damage to your roof’s materials, primarily the membrane or flashing, can cause leaks if they are not identified and fixed promptly. To give you insight into why these elements are so important: the membrane is the outer covering that protects your roof, and the flashing protects the membrane’s edges. Because these are two of the primary components that protect your roof from the elements, any damage to their integrity can lead to leaks. Without proactive roof maintenance, these materials can crack, expand, or shrink, allowing for water to find its way in.  

Open Penetrations

Anything that penetrates a roof’s membrane (HVAC units, vents, drains, pipes, etc.) can make your roof vulnerable to damage when they are not correctly installed or sealed. Penetrations should be inspected and sealed to prevent structural damage to your building. 

Age of the Roof

Your roof’s lifespan is a significant factor in leaks. Commercial roofs generally last for around 15 to 20 years, but as your roof ages, it becomes more susceptible to damage. In addition, damages that may have gone unnoticed will become worse as the roof ages, creating leaks in the future. Preventative maintenance can help you stay ahead of minor damages and repairs as they come up, which can extend the roof’s lifespan considerably. 

Clogged Drainage Points

Clogged roof drains, gutters, downspouts, and other drainage points can cause water build-up on the roof system. When these points are clogged, the water will eventually find a way to enter the building, resulting in a leak. By keeping the drainage points clear of debris, you can help to promote a water-tight roof system and prevent leaks and other costly damages.

How to Prevent Leaks

The best way to prevent leaks in your commercial roofing system is to schedule consistent appointments with a commercial roofing company. Proactive inspections and maintenance go a long way in finding and repairing minor damages before they become more severe and expensive. 

Before you notice a leak in your building’s roof, ensure that you know your roofing company’s process. Is there an emergency hotline you can call? How quickly can they repair a leak? These questions are crucial because once you notice a leak, time is of the essence. The sooner you can take care of the issue, the less potential there is for damage to your building.  

Contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today to learn how our MAXCare® program helps you prevent leaks by staying up-to-date on your commercial roof’s preventative maintenance.

The Value of Longevity in the Commercial Roofing Industry

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Finding a commercial roofing contractor can be overwhelming. As you prepare to make a substantial investment in your building, you want to make sure you choose the right company. But with so many choices, how do you make the best decision? We view longevity as one of the most valuable assets for a commercial roofing company. Let’s take a look at what makes longevity such a critical element. 

Why Longevity is Important in the Commercial Roofing Industry

Extensive Industry Knowledge

In any industry, years of experience lead to a more knowledgeable team. Commercial roofing companies are no different. Those that have been in business for years have worked on countless projects and have learned from each one. Longevity allows roofing companies to develop extensive knowledge that they can use to better serve their customers.

Fine-Tuned Processes

Years of work and fine-tuning a company’s operations leads to better safety, customer service, and overall project efficiency. Companies that have completed a large number of projects over several years have found the most efficient way to carry out their work.

Proven Track Record

With years of work comes years of loyal customers and completed projects that can speak to a roofing contractor’s value. It’s crucial to look for a company with a comprehensive background of work. Longevity allows a roofing company to build an extensive record of work and customer recommendations.

Commitment to Employees and Customers

A roofing company that shows up for its people year after year demonstrates integrity. Look to well-established roofing contractors that emphasize their commitment to people, employees and customers alike. Companies that have withstood the test of time are those that have taken care of their employees and while providing great customer service, because it’s people who make a company truly great.

Higher Quality Products and Services

New roofing companies hoping to land the sale will often offer discounted prices and, with that, cheaper-quality products. Companies with longstanding reputations are focused on offering customers quality service that will keep their roofs lasting as long as possible. 

Through decades of working in the commercial roofing industry, Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. has learned a valuable lesson about business: trust and reputation are earned over time. To be competitive in the industry, roofing companies must show time and time again that they can finish a job on schedule with quality workmanship.  

Contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today to begin planning your next commercial roofing project.

How to Prepare Your Commercial Roof for Summer Heat

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

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.

5 Commercial Roofing Best Practices

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

A commercial roof is a significant investment in your building. As such, you want to be certain that the company you choose has your best interests in mind throughout the entire project. From the initial quote all the way through to maintaining your roof’s integrity, it’s vital that every step is handled properly. 

Safety, efficiency, and responsiveness are key when choosing a roofing partner, so we’re sharing a few commercial roofing best practices that will help you choose the right roofing company for your business. 

5 Commercial Roofing Best Practices

1. A Responsive Roofing Team

Commercial roofing installation and maintenance are very involved processes. For that reason, many roofers exclude their customers from the process—sometimes so that they can cut corners without the customer noticing. The best roofing partner, however, will include you and keep you informed throughout.

Transparency is a sign of a quality roofing contractor. Ensure that you’ve talked through your questions and concerns with your prospective roofing company before hiring. Their responsiveness to your questions will go a long way in helping you trust them with such a large investment.

2. A Focus on Safety

Reputable commercial roofing contractors follow OSHA’s safety guidelines closely. Human lives are no light matter; the company you choose must have guidelines in place to keep their workers safe. Safe job sites are a sign of a company that cares about its employees and its customers by extension.

3. Routine Inspections

Your roof can sustain potential damage from normal wear and tear. Roofing companies that are concerned with extending the life of your investment will insist on routine inspections. These inspections are to identify possible damages, even seemingly-small damages, that should be repaired before they snowball into larger, more expensive issues.

4. Proactive Maintenance

In line with the routine inspections we mentioned in the previous point, proactive maintenance is another essential element that will extend your roof’s lifecycle. Maintaining your roof proactively, rather than reactively, prevents damage down the line. Every year that you extend your roof’s life is another year that your business can keep a roof replacement off the budget.

Tip: Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc.’s MAXCare® program is the most comprehensive roof management program in the industry. With a customer engagement portal, MAXCare® gives you the tools to stay on top of inspections, maintenance, reports, invoices, and more.

5. An Emergency Helpline

When an issue does arise, such as a leak in your roof, a 24/7 emergency helpline is a much-needed resource. Roofing companies that offer emergency services are those that are more than a contractor; they’re your roofing partner. When you need them the most, you want them to be there to help—before the damage continues to worsen the structure of your roof or building. 

These five best practices are the foundation of the best commercial roofing partner for your business. Contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today to discuss your commercial roofing needs or to get a quote. Our team of experts is here to answer your questions and walk you through what you may need and how to get started.