Month: February 2021

Quality vs. Price: How General Contractors Can Choose the Best Commercial Roof Value

Posted on by David Maxwell

A commercial roof is often one of the largest investments in any construction project. The high cost of a roof can make cutting corners seem tempting, but any good general contractor knows just how important a leak-free roof will be going forward. 

The bottom line with commercial roofs is that you get what you pay for. This makes selecting a company to construct a commercial roof a balancing act, weighing price versus quality. The starting point for any general contractor looking for a good commercial roof value is to get roof estimates from local companies. Any reputable roof company can provide an accurate roof estimate that will include costs, crew size, and the amount of time it will take to complete the project. 

When comparing the roof estimates there are a few things to consider about pricing. There are also a couple things to think about when trying to assess the value of a proposal.

Things that you don’t want to skimp on:

1. Experience and Reputation

Always choose a reputable company for your commercial roof. These companies may cost a bit more, but they will ensure that you don’t wind up with a defective roof later on. Experienced roofers pay more attention to detail, can better troubleshoot problems, and work more quickly and efficiently. It’s worth it to pay for a company that will do the work right in order to prevent other costly problems later on.

2. Insurance

Liability insurance is expensive for roofing companies, but the money saved by using an uninsured company is not worth the risk that it poses. Roofing accidents happen to even the most experienced of roofers, and without insurance, those incidents can cost your company big time. Not only does liability insurance prevent costly lawsuits, it also makes sure employees are treated well in case of an accident. Choosing an insured company is simply the right thing to do.

3. Materials

Subpar materials will lead to a subpar roof. No matter what type of roof you choose for your commercial building, make sure it is built with long-lasting materials. Choosing quality materials will help your roof last longer and prevent costly damage down the line.

4. Future Maintenance

When budgeting for a new commercial roof, it’s important to look beyond the immediate construction costs. Maintaining a roof is just important to its longevity as good construction. Set aside some money for future maintenance and be aware of the costs of maintaining whatever type of roof you choose.

Where you can save money:

1. Roof Type

Roof costs can vary quite a bit per square foot, depending on the type of roof you choose. There are plenty of practical considerations for what type of roof is best for your building, but you can save some money by choosing something that may be less aesthetically pleasing. Even if you choose a type of roof that’s easier on your budget, the roofers can still use quality materials to build it.

2. Long-Term Budgeting and Bundling

A commercial roof is a long-term investment. Instead of thinking about roof value in terms of the up-front construction costs, companies should consider the long-term costs. Many companies offer plans for roof management that allow companies to save money over the life of their roof. These plans, like Maxwell’s MAXCare®, offer discounts on repairs and allow for long-term budgeting on maintenance and inspections.

If you’re ready to choose a commercial roofing company that will offer you the best value and a commitment to quality and timely work, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

How HVAC Units Can Affect Commercial Industrial Roofing

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

For industrial building owners, roof failure is not an option. If an industrial roof fails, it could create a serious safety hazard for workers or damage expensive equipment. To prevent commercial roof damage, industrial roofing contractors must take special care to secure any equipment that will be housed on the roof.

The HVAC system, in particular, can present risks for industrial roof systems. Here are some common issues with rooftop HVAC systems that we often find.

Condensation 

HVAC units vaporize water in order to cool buildings down. A properly functioning HVAC system will release the vapor into the air around it, but broken units may cause the vapor to condense into water. Left alone, pools of water can build around unreliable HVAC units and leech into the roof membrane. This can cause leaks, mold build up, and can damage roofing materials. 

Improper Installation

HVAC contractors are trained on the ins and outs of the systems they install, but some don’t always know everything about commercial industrial roofing. In the course of their work, HVAC contractors can cause damage to a roof, leading to leaks or punctured roofing materials. To prevent this, it’s important to have someone specialized in industrial roofing on hand during HVAC installation. Installation becomes even more complicated on certain specialized roofs. Metal roofs, for example, require additional equipment to support HVAC equipment and keep the building waterproofed. Because of the potential for damage, it’s even more important for someone with an industrial roofing background to be present when the HVAC contractor is working on installation. 

Damage from Foot Traffic

Rooftop HVAC systems should be serviced regularly to function properly. This means that technicians will be regularly walking along the building’s roof. Over time, foot traffic on an industrial roof can damage the roof membrane. To minimize damage and keep technicians safe, it’s important to have roofing contractors install reinforced walkways on industrial roofs.  

Weather Damage

Storms and heavy winds always present risks to roofing materials, but rooftop HVAC equipment can worsen the effects of bad weather. If an HVAC system is not properly secured, it can be shifted by the wind and damage the roof. Performing routine inspections before and after bad weather events is the easiest way to protect your HVAC system and your roof. 

Though there is potential for damage with a rooftop HVAC unit, with proper consultation with an industrial roofing company, these systems can be safe and effective. If you’re looking to install an HVAC system on your commercial industrial roof, don’t hesitate to contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today for wisdom!

A Quick Guide for Commercial Roofing in 2021

Posted on by David Maxwell

On a commercial building, the roof is the single most important part of the structure. The roof protects the building, supports critical building equipment, and ensures that the building is properly ventilated. Even busy corporate building owners should have a working knowledge of commercial roof construction, so we’ve prepared this commercial roofing construction guide to outline the basics.

What Is Commercial Roofing?

Everyone knows what a roof is—every building has one—but most people do not realize all the functions a commercial building’s roof must serve. Most commercial roof projects produce a flat or low-slope roof that can support HVAC equipment, hold skylights, and prevent damage. 

Types of Commercial Roofs

In 2021, commercial roofing has more innovations than ever before. Here are just a few of the most common roofing options for commercial buildings:

1. Built-Up Roofing: BUR roofs use layers of fabric and asphalt for waterproofing and protection. This is one of the most common types of commercial roofing construction, but it can be expensive.

2. EPDM Roofing: EPDM (or rubber) roofs are one of the most cost-effective commercial roofing options, but they can be prone to punctures and can be damaged in extreme heat.

3. PVC: PVC is one of the newest roofing technologies. This single-ply membrane system is wind-resistant, durable, and fire resistant.

4. Metal Roofing: Metal roofs are the most durable option for commercial roof construction. Metal roofs last for a long time and can provide your building with a unique look.

Commercial Roof Contractors

There are plenty of great residential roof contractors out there, but most of those companies would have no idea what to do with a commercial roof. When searching for a commercial roofing contractor, it’s important to find a company that specializes in commercial buildings.

Keep a look out for roofing companies that have a long history and a good reputation. These contractors are the most likely to deliver a long-lasting, high-quality roof. Commercial roofs are expensive and require expert attention.  

If you’re ready to start construction on your new commercial roof, don’t hesitate to contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is equipped and ready to help.

5 Goals for Your Commercial Property Rooftops in the New Year

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

The new year is a new beginning for your business. For commercial roofing contractors making their New Year’s resolutions, it’s time to finally resolve to take proper care of your properties’ roofs. Here are a few ideas for your roofing goals in the new year ahead that will make your buildings safer and save you money over time:

1. Schedule regular inspections.

Ignoring your roofs’ problems does not make them go away. Scheduling regular roof inspections is the first step towards having consistently healthy roofs that last their full life span. Qualified inspectors can spot small roof problems, allowing you to get them fixed before they evolve into a chronic or catastrophic issue. Roof inspectors can also help building managers prepare for seasonal changes and plan for large upcoming expenses.

2. Perform ongoing maintenance.

Simple tasks like roof cleaning can go a long way in extending the life of a roof. Left alone for too long, debris can clog drainage systems and cause moisture to build up on a roof. Small repairs for minor damage can also prevent large repairs later on. While maintenance has a small up-front cost, it saves money over time and helps roofs last longer. 

3. Request an upgrade.

If you’ve been putting off a roof replacement, the new year is a great time for an upgrade. New roofing technology can help make a building safer and even improve its energy efficiency. Even if you don’t need a new roof, there are ways to upgrade energy efficiency with solar panels or other improvements. 

4. Monitor your buildings.

Keeping track of buildings that aren’t in use can seem like an unnecessarily hassle, but just because a building isn’t being used doesn’t mean it’s not at risk of damage. With Maxwell’s newest program, Maxwell Monitors, a qualified roofing inspector will keep an eye on your roof when the building manager is absent. The program gives building owners the piece of mind that their building is in good shape even when it is out of use. 

5. Develop a long-term management plan.

The best way for your roofing goals to have a lasting impact is to enroll in a roofing management plan like Maxwell’s MAXCare®, which allows commercial building managers to monitor the health of their roofs in one, easy-to-use dashboard. With MAXCare®, it’s easy to schedule inspections, make an ongoing maintenance plan, and prepare for large expenses down the line. 

If you’re ready to start working on your New Year’s roofing resolutions, don’t hesitate to contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is equipped and ready to help.

4 Ways to Proactively Prolong Government Building Roofs

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

For busy government agencies and their budgeting committees, roof maintenance may not always be at the top of the priorities list. However, roof maintenance can’t go unchecked—no matter the industry. Especially for government facilities that are regularly used each day, proactive management can greatly extend a roof’s lifespan. 

Here are a few ways in which government agencies can save money over time by proactively maintaining their building rooftops:

1. Avoid unexpected repairs with inspections.

Government roofing repair can be difficult or costly, as many civic, state, or federal buildings are often older facilities with outdated materials or technology. The best way to avoid a big roof repair expense is to get the roof regularly inspected for problems. Small roofing issues can be easy to fix, but they can turn into major leaks, resulting in a costly and emergency repair, if left alone.

2. Make an inspection and maintenance plan.

A government roof inspection contractor should have a clear schedule for inspections and recommended maintenance. Most government facility roofing is similar to a typical commercial roof and should follow a similar schedule. These recommendations are based on the average lifespan of a commercial roof and following them can help prevent a roof from wearing out too quickly.

3. Start right away.

Before selecting a government roof installation contractor for a new building, find out if the company also offers a long-term roof management plan. These plans—like Maxwell Roofing’s MAXCare®—roll construction, maintenance, and repairs together in one program for easy budget planning. These programs are a simplified way for government agencies to manage numerous buildings at once and ensure that their budget is always prepared to handle their roofing needs. The sooner you start maintaining a roof, the longer it will last.

4. Make proactive building updates.

Roofing has come a long way since many government buildings were constructed. There’s plenty of new materials, services, and technologies that can help government agencies save on electricity costs or protect their buildings. Working with an experienced government roof installation contractor, government agencies can identify which upgrades will help prolong the lifespan of facility roofs and save money over time. 

 If you’re ready to find out how you can prolong the life of your civic, state, or federal building rooftops, don’t hesitate to contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.