Month: June 2020

We Monitor Your Building, You Focus on Your Business: Maxwell Monitors

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Even as states begin to open, COVID-19 has dramatically changed our local businesses. It’s likely that we will all see the effects of the pandemic long after it has dissipated. In light of the changes our customers are experiencing, Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. is offering a modified service to maintain the integrity of your building—so that you can focus on your core business functions.

We know firsthand how difficult this time has been to navigate. And we understand that your building has most likely not been top-of-mind lately because you have been dealing with pressing issues, such as protecting your employees, serving your customers, and making decisions about your business’ future. 

We understand, and we’re here for you. So, we built our Maxwell Monitors plan to ensure that no matter the changes that COVID-19 brought your way, your building will be looked after. 

What is Maxwell Monitors?  

Maxwell Monitors is our commitment to you. Proactive maintenance still remains one of the most important elements of facility management, even during a pandemic or during its aftermath. Maxwell Roofing will monitor your building to ensure that damages don’t snowball into costly repairs or stall operations. This plan allows you to continue maintenance as you change your business to fit the needs of the current climate. 

Do I need Maxwell Monitors?  

Choosing our Maxwell Monitors service option gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your building is maintained, and you don’t have to worry about coming in to see an unexpected leak or other damage. 

Not sure if this service applies to you? Here are three scenarios in which this service can help. 

1. Your building has been [or will be] empty for the foreseeable future; however, you have a qualified person on staff who can inspect it. 

Maxwell Roofing will provide you with a list of what to look for when checking for damage and how to identify issues safely. This proposition applies to businesses that have a facilities manager, or someone who is qualified to inspect the building—empowering them to take the inspection and maintenance into their own hands.

2. Your building will be empty for the foreseeable future, and you are concerned that the building will have sustained damage before business returns to normal.

Maxwell Roofing will provide a monitoring service to regularly check the health of your roof and facility. This allows us to identify any current and potential issues, keeping your building protected and ensuring that it’s safe when the building must be occupied again.

3. Your business has been deemed “essential” and is conducting business as usual.

Maxwell Roofing will provide a monitoring service to regularly check the health of your building’s roof and facility to identify any current and potential issues. The check-in frequency will be determined based on the characteristics of each roof. This service ensures that your employees have a safe building to work in, and your operations can continue without downtime caused by damages. 

How do I get started? 

We are here to talk through the best way to handle building maintenance while you’re focusing on your core business functions. Maxwell Roofing has a selection of services to fit any scenario, and we want to help in any way that we can. 

You will find our downloadable Maxwell Monitors monthly inspection checklist here. 

Contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today to learn more about the new Maxwell Monitors program.

What to Expect with New Commercial Roof Construction

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

A new commercial roof is a significant investment. As such, you want to be as informed as possible before hiring a roofing contractor and beginning your project. We want our customers to understand every step of the process. Because, at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., we know that transparency and communication are two key elements to ensure customer satisfaction. Here are five components that you can expect when engaging Maxwell Roofing for a commercial roof construction job. 

1. A Comprehensive Planning Process

Once you contact Maxwell Roofing to request an initial quote for your project, our team walks you through our process from beginning to end. We spend time asking you questions and answering any questions you may have so that everyone is on the same page, and communication runs smoothly. Our team always wants to be sure that we have a firm understanding of your project and your expectations before we move on to the next steps.

2. An Expert Materials and Design Consultation

Not all roofing materials are made equal. Some are more durable than others, fit particular needs better, or reach certain goals. We walk you through the types of materials that we suggest for your project, based on your needs and budget. With our complimentary design services, we will present you with the plan for an expertly-designed roofing system that is built to protect your building and maintain its integrity. 

3. A Proposal and Open Communication

At this stage, we have the information we need to provide you with a comprehensive proposal. We explain the breakdown of cost and materials, as well as the timeline, ensuring that you understand the specifics of your proposal. You and your team can decide if this plan aligns with your goals before we begin the installation. If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to modify something about your project, our team is more than happy to talk it through. 

4. The Installation Process

As soon as we have your approval, our team begins the installation process! We keep the communication open with you and keep you up-to-date on any changes to the timeline—if needed, due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. It is our first priority to ensure that you’re satisfied with your project from start to finish, so we do everything in our power to make that happen.

5. A Continued Maintenance Plan

Once the installation is finished, there is still work to be done to protect your new investment. We will discuss maintenance plans and determine the best course of action to extend the lifespan of your roof. Our MAXCare® plan—the most comprehensive roof management program in the industry—is one way that our customers stay on top of their roof maintenance. Ultimately, we hope to become your commercial roofing partner, creating a long-term relationship, so that we can help you get the most out of your new commercial roof.  

Contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today to learn more about the commercial roof installation process and how we can make your project a reality.

Rooftop Safety 101

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Roofing can be a dangerous profession without the appropriate safety precautions. Workers are thousands of feet above the ground, and one misstep could severely injure or even threaten one’s life on a job site. Knowing the risk, the best roofing companies understand their responsibility to keep their workers safe by following proper guidelines, such as those outlined by OSHA. You can identify a quality roofing company by how they care for their employees’ well-being. 

To help you identify a safe, qualified roofing contractor, we’ve outlined some rooftop safety basics, with added precautions for COVID-19. 

1. Fall Prevention

In 90 percent of fatal falls, there’s not a proper fall protection plan in place. To stop these preventable accidents and protect from injury and liability lawsuits, roofing companies must stay up to date on OSHA regulations and that facilities take precautions to protect roofers.

OSHA requires the following precautions to prevent falls:

  • Covering holes like skylights or other penetrations using a cover or railing
  • Building guardrails and toe-boards near certain ledges and on lifts
  • Creating warning systems for areas with a fall risk
  • Providing fall restraint systems (like harnesses) when workers are near edges
  • Securing ladders and other equipment used to access a building’s roof

2. Proper Employee Training

No matter how many precautions are in place, a roofing team is only as safe as its least-informed team member. Everyone on a job site should be regularly trained on safety basics—even the most seasoned roofers need refresher training. The team should all have a great deal of knowledge when it comes to keeping themselves and the rest of their team safe from the beginning to the end of a project.

3. Attention to Weather

Even if a change in schedule shifts a roofing project’s timeline, a roofing company should never be willing to send its team to work on a roof in inclement weather. Certain weather conditions can create extremely dangerous work conditions for their teams, causing decreased visibility as well as increased risk of falling and other work-related injuries.

4. Job Hazard Analysis

Companies that value safety will conduct a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) to understand how they can best prepare their team for a safe project. This analysis takes into account fall risks, exposure to electricity or chemicals, and several other potentially unsafe items that teams should be aware of.

5. Use of Technology

Roofing technology advances quickly, and it’s up to companies to stay up to date and utilize technology that can increase the safety of their employees. For example, drones can now be used for small-scale roof inspections to keep team members off of the roof altogether, until it’s absolutely necessary.

6. Health Precautions: COVID-19

Safety for construction sites currently includes protecting workers from spreading the coronavirus. Rooftop workers are practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and are asked to stay home if they are feeling ill. To keep their areas sanitized, teams use sanitizing solutions so as not to contaminate an area that another team member will touch.

Roofing companies must carefully follow the general CDC guidelines for construction sites, as well as guidelines by industry-specific organizations, such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), to ensure that they have taken every possible precaution.  

Contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today to learn how we keep our employees safe while continuing to serve our customers.

9 Common Commercial Roof Problems

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Just like with any problem or issue, commercial roof problems are inevitable but can be prevented with proper care and attention. From the quality of installation and products used to the frequency of inspection and maintenance to the occasional natural disaster—if commercial roofing problems are left unchecked, they will lead to bigger, more costly repairs. It’s important that you have a trusted roofing partner to guide you in the prevention and repair of unwanted surprises with your commercial roof.

Here are nine of the most common commercial roof problems we find within the industry. If you are experiencing any of these with your commercial roof, please contact us today for a consultation and inspection.

1. Age

Commercial roofs will generally last in good condition for around 15 to 20 years. However, as a roof ages, it becomes more susceptible to damage. Proactive maintenance can go a long way in ensuring that a commercial roof stays problem-free as it ages.

2. Leaks

Wear and tear, open penetrations, and even clogged drainage on a commercial roof over time can create numerous opportunities for water to seep in. You can prevent leaks on your commercial roof by scheduling consistent appointments with a commercial roofing company.

3. Poor Installation

Faulty installation will speed up the potential for commercial roof problems, ultimately affecting a roof’s life expectancy. If you suspect poor workmanship or construction with your commercial roof, it’s likely time to contact a reputable roofing company to inspect and correct any installation issues to avoid greater problems down the road.

4. Lack of Maintenance

Routine inspections are a must for commercial roofing systems. Waiting too long for an inspection or proactive maintenance can cost you financially and at risk of your employees’ safety. 

5. Improper Roofing Materials

Commercial roofs that have been installed or repaired with improper roofing materials can cause major problems. Not only do you want to select the appropriate roofing materials, it’s critical to ensure that your roofing contractor or maintenance technician is certified to install and repair your roof.

6. Ponding or Standing Water

Especially common on flat or low-slope commercial roofs, there can be spots where water collects and “ponds,” meaning it doesn’t drain or evaporate quickly. Standing water on a roof will lead to a number of costly problems for your building and can dissolve the adhesives used in construction, allowing moisture to infiltrate your building.

7. Blow-offs

When heavy winds blow over a commercial roof, the pressure above the roof’s surface can decrease. At the same time, internal air pressure can expand due to air infiltration through cracks and openings—known as a wind uplift. Strong winds can also blow off vents or caps, which allows water to get into pipes.

8. Faulty Flashing

A high percentage of roof leaks can be attributed to faulty flashing. This is because of the expansion and contraction that occurs and causes the flashing to tear and break. If the top of the flashing is not terminated properly, water will creep in and lead to major damage.

9. Debris

Rooftop debris can come in natural and man-made forms—from leaves and limbs to cardboard or trash. Debris can clog a building’s gutters or pile up in rooftop areas, leading to rapid deterioration of roofing materials. Though you may not be atop your commercial roof often to notice debris, scheduling regular inspections will be helpful in ensuring that debris and gutter systems are clear—especially after severe weather.

How to Prevent Commercial Roof Problems

It’s no secret that preventative maintenance is a must when it comes to keeping your commercial building’s roof free of problems. Commercial roofs should be checked at least seasonally, as well as immediately after storms or extreme weather. Our team at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. prides ourselves on the quality of our inspections, preventative maintenance services, and long-term roof management program.  

Contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today to learn how we can help you steer clear of unwanted commercial roofing problems and costly repairs.