Month: December 2020

What Contractors Can Do to Develop Talent for the Future

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Like any company, a commercial roofing contractor not only desires to be known as the best in its industry, but it also hopes to maintain a solid reputation and employ qualified team members along the way. The latter of those goals ultimately helps lead the company to success and longevity within the roofing industry. So, what can roofing contractors do to develop and train top talent who will perform quality work, provide excellent customer service, and become long-term employees? Here are a few tips we’ve observed along the way at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc.

Provide Ongoing Learning Opportunities

The best and most valuable employees are those who are afforded opportunities for ongoing training and development. And, no matter the type of job or environment, learning is essential for employees to be properly equipped and highly effective on the job. Especially if your roofing employees are joining your team with little to no experience, ongoing learning opportunities are essential to the company’s success. Consider hosting monthly or quarterly on-site training seminars or demonstrations that are taught by industry veterans. Another option is to create or source training videos for employees to watch on a regular basis. All in all, implementing an ongoing learning strategy should be a simple and necessary task for any reputable company that wants to develop top talent for the future.

Offer Competitive Benefits

No matter the industry, a competitive benefits package will always draw the best quality candidates. From affordable health insurance to paid time off to daily working conditions to tuition assistance and more, make sure your company stands apart from competitors when it comes to taking care of your employees. Even more, providing intentional and rewarding opportunities for advancement within the company will often clearly reveal top talent who truly value your company and their roles within it. 

Alter Your Recruitment Efforts

While commercial roofing isn’t the most glamorous of industries for next-generation talent to consider, it is an industry that can provide stable and enjoyable work opportunities. So, while there are modern-day challenges in recruiting new employees to commercial roofing jobs, there are many ways to focus on your recruitment efforts for drawing top talent. From tapping into high school programs to teaching aspiring students about the industry to partnering with military veteran programs to offering college credits for soon-to-be graduates, consider altering your recruitment efforts beyond simple job postings or waiting for talent to find you.  

Create Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships for the next generation of roofing professionals is a growing trend within the industry. This involves pairing new or inexperienced employees with seasoned industry veterans. Whether you’re able to naturally create and develop these staff relationships or partner with industry organizations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), you’ll find that the return on your investment will be well worth your efforts.

Looking for a Talented and Reputable Roofing Contractor?

At Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., we value our employees and strive to build a team that is committed to excellence. If you’re looking for a full-service commercial roofing partner in Nashville, Tennessee, Huntsville, Alabama, or their surrounding areas, please don’t hesitate to contact our team today! We’re here to help.

Winterizing & Preparing A Commercial Building for Ice, Snow, and Cold

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Winter is almost here. And, for the commercial roofing industry, that means that we’re gearing up for winterizing maintenance and inspections—an integral piece of any long-term roofing plan. We put a great deal of focus on this time of year for a few reasons that we’ll cover in this article. But, the most important reason is that we want to keep undue stress off you and your business—especially stress that is completely preventable. 

By working with your contractor to winterize and prepare your roof for ice, snow, and cold, you can extend your roof’s lifespan and keep your building safe. 

5 Essential Steps to Prepare a Commercial Building for Winter Weather

1. Consider your roof’s surroundings. 

If you see that your building is below tree limbs or other possible hazards, consider that winter elements like snow and ice can make those branches much heavier, causing them to fall. Your roofing contractor may recommend cutting a few of the branches, if possible, to protect your roof from the crushing blow of a broken tree limb. 

2. Schedule your routine inspection. 

At Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., the one piece of advice that you will see in every one of our articles is to ensure that you stay up to date with your roof’s inspections and maintenance. This process will provide you and your roofing company with a good idea of the overall health of your roof and what you could do to extend its lifespan. Seemingly insignificant cracks or loose pieces can seem harmless, but they are far from it, especially as the seasons change. Your roofing contractor can spot those potential hazards and make a plan to take care of them before they snowball into future damage, or even a roof replacement. 

3. Clear all leaves and debris from your roof. 

In our fall checklist, you’ll see that we stress the importance of clearing leaves and debris from your roof’s gutters and drains. That is because when water can’t drain properly, it will begin to pond, especially on a flat roof. Standing water like this is already quite heavy—five pounds per square foot when the water is only standing one inch—and can easily freeze during the winter. Water can get into cracks and crevices of your roof’s membrane and freeze as well, expanding these areas and causing leaks or other damage. Additionally, wet leaves and debris can freeze into large blockages that create further drainage issues all winter long. It is much easier, and more efficient, to clear your gutters and drains on a set maintenance schedule so that you aren’t faced with avoidable damage. 

4. Discuss recommended repairs with your roofing partner.

Your roofing partner will likely recommend minor to major repairs. Discuss your options with them to determine what is best for the life of your roof and integrity of your building—as you want to protect your budget, but most importantly, you want to protect the people inside. 

5. Watch for possible signs of damage. 

Preventative maintenance will help protect your commercial roof in the winter. However, severe weather events, such as heavy snow or ice can damage your roof even when it’s in perfect condition. You and your team must be vigilant in taking note of any irregularities that you see, especially potential leaks. Alert your roofing contractor the moment that you see signs of roof damage to prevent further issues. 

Do you need help winterizing your commercial building’s roof? 

If you need help maintaining your roof throughout the winter, we can help. Don’t hesitate to contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is equipped and ready to schedule your routine maintenance plan, repair damages, and uphold your building’s integrity.

Why Keeping Commercial Roof Gutters and Drains Clean in the Fall is a Must

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Homeowners know that gutter cleaning is an essential part of their home maintenance routine. Not only is it crucial to uphold the integrity of the roof, but it prevents you from spending your hard-earned money on a roof years before you were ready. The same idea applies to your commercial roof. 

If you’re a building owner or facility manager, do you ever find yourself pushing roof maintenance to the bottom of your list? After all, you have lists upon lists of tasks that need your attention. You may think, “What’s another day?” But, in reality, another day could be the tipping point between a healthy, stable roofing system and an unsafe building that needs costly roof repairs. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of keeping commercial roof gutters and drains clean this fall. 

A Roof’s Gutters and Drains Keep Water from Ponding

Of course, your gutters and drain system catch the water that flows off of your roof. However, the bigger question is: where does the water flow when your gutters and drains are clogged? When gutters and drains are not cleaned regularly, leaves and other debris can hang around, decompose, and create mold and mildew issues. This debris clogs your gutters and drains in a way that doesn’t allow water to flow through the correct channels, ultimately trapping moisture on your roof and creating serious issues if left unchecked. 

Your commercial roof is very susceptible to standing water, or “ponding” water, which can get heavy quickly. One square foot of water, standing one inch deep, weighs more than five pounds. Ponding water can not only cause buckling issues—or even a collapsed roof in extreme cases—but it can also attract insects and mold. 

Damp Leaves, Debris, and Water Will Freeze When the Temperature Drops

Roof debris may seem like a minor issue, especially in the warmer months. However, anticipating season changes is a crucial element of ongoing roof management. A wet pile of leaves can quickly become a frozen drain blockage during the winter. Not only that, but pooling water can seep into a roof’s crevices and then freeze and expand, causing potential leaks. 

Routine Inspections and Maintenance Extend the Lifespan of Your Roof

Your roof’s lifespan can be extended by years with a routine inspection and maintenance schedule. Your roofing partner can ensure that your gutters and drains are clear, while also inspecting your overall roof’s health and identifying potential issues moving forward. 

When your roofing team is cleaning debris, they can also examine the gutter and drain systems for clogs and wear and tear. In addition, they will also water-test drains and gutters to ensure that water can escape properly. Keep in mind that not just any maintenance worker or facility manager can do this kind of detailed inspection accurately and safely. It’s vital to call in a professional at least a few times a year to ensure everything is working properly.

If you’re ready to extend the lifespan of your commercial roofing system, don’t hesitate to contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today. Our team is equipped and ready to help!

5 Commercial Roofing Goals for the New Year

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

The 2020 calendar year presented plenty of obstacles for businesses. Many businesses may have fallen behind on new goals or even regular upkeep. With commercial roofs, it’s important not to let business setbacks stand in the way of regular care and maintenance. Negligence can only lead to heavier costs further down the line.

 The new year presents a new opportunity to get back on track with help from your commercial roofing contractor. Here are a few New Year’s resolutions to consider for your commercial roof in 2021:

1. Get an Inspection

Scheduling regular inspections for your commercial roof is critical to extending its life. Inspectors can catch small roofing issues and take care of them before they become catastrophic problems. If your company has fallen behind on roof care, an inspection is the best place to start getting back on track. 

2. Create a Maintenance Schedule

Commercial roofs are exposed to the elements all day, every day. Even the most well-constructed roofs will experience wear and tear over time. While performing regular inspections, your commercial roofing contractor will be able to identify what type of roof cleaning and other maintenance is needed to keep your roof in top shape. 

3. Stop Waiting on Repairs

In a time of crisis, it may not seem like minor roof repairs should be a top business priority, however, small roofing issues can quickly become big problems if left for too long. Getting a repair done early will save money in the long-run and stave off any potential safety issues. If you’ve been delaying a repair, make it a New Year’s resolution to take care of it.

4. Upgrade your Roof

If you’ve been putting off a roof replacement, 2021 might be the year for a new roof. Though expensive, new roofs go a long way in extending the life of a building. A well-constructed commercial roof can keep your building safe. Upgrades to insulation or rooftop HVAC equipment can also help keep your building energy efficient, saving your business money over time.

5. Make a Long-Term Plan

Ongoing roof care shouldn’t be an afterthought when the new year comes along. By implementing a long-term maintenance plan, you can be sure that your roof is taken care of, no matter what kind of disasters arise. At Maxwell Roofing, we offer a no-hassle roofing maintenance plan called MAXCare®. With MAXCare®, your company can easily keep up to date on maintenance and forecast large costs for repairs or replacement down the line. 

 If you’re ready to plan or implement your new year roofing goals, don’t hesitate to contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is equipped and ready to help!

A Look at Roof Construction Worksite Safety During COVID-19

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Workplace safety has always been an important practice within the construction industry. Successful construction companies must make safety a priority with proper equipment and training to keep construction workers from getting hurt on the job.

Though the issue of occupational safety and health is not new for the construction industry, the pandemic has added a whole new dimension to the work of keeping employees safe. The typical safety protocols are designed to deal with construction hazards and were not designed to stop the spread of COVID-19 (or any other virus or illness on a worksite). 

Federal Safety Efforts

In response to this unique public health crisis, the CDC and the Department of Labor have released updated guidance for the construction industry as they create response plans. The agencies’ recommendations include:

  • Encouraging workers to stay home if they feel sick and screening incoming workers for COVID-19 symptoms at the job site.
  • Promoting social distancing by asking workers to keep at least six feet apart while working.
  • Training workers on new health and safety protocols and distributing personal protective equipment.
  • Providing alcohol wipes, hand sanitizer or soap, and water to workers while on the job and encouraging workers to practice good hygiene. 

OSHA has also made an important change to the rules regarding respirator N95 masks, saying that they are no longer required for certain construction jobs. Cloth face coverings or non-N95 masks are recommended whenever workers are required to be near each other. For companies that do have N95 masks available, the CDC has released updated guidance for sanitizing them for re-use.

State Safety Efforts

In addition to these recommendations, construction companies also need to monitor state-specific regulations regarding COVID-19 safety. Each state has different rules and regulations regarding everything from personal protective equipment to paid time off for sick workers. Companies that fail to comply with state-specific guidelines could face steep fines or wind up with costly worker’s compensation claims in the event of an outbreak.

Looking Ahead

Despite the new precautions, the construction industry has been hit hard by outbreaks. It can be difficult for workers to socially distance on the job, and there is a lack of proper personal protective equipment nationally. In light of these risks, all construction companies should undergo legal reviews to protect themselves from potential lawsuits. 

At Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., we take the health and safety of our workers seriously. If you have questions or concerns about our COVID-19 protocols or our new Maxwell Monitors service offering that we developed amid the pandemic, don’t hesitate to contact us today! Our team is equipped and ready to help!