Month: April 2021

A Quick Guide to Rooftop Preventative Maintenance for Government Agencies

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

When a government agency invests in its buildings, it’s investing the taxpayer’s money. This makes it even more important that the agency makes cost-effective purchases that last. To help building managers make lasting investments, we’ve put together the following quick guide for government agencies and rooftop preventative maintenance.

1. Why focus on inspection and maintenance?

Taking good care of a roof is the most efficient and effective way to save money on building costs. Even a well-constructed roof system needs monitoring and occasional repairs to last it’s full, expected lifespan. For government agencies, the best roofing solution is one that utilizes frequent inspections and maintenance plans in order to save money over time. Fixing small problems along the way can stave off the need for major repairs and prevent weather-related accidents. 

2. Why a maintenance plan is so important.

“Performing roof maintenance” isn’t something that just happens. It requires careful planning and budgeting. Government agencies are not built for facility management, so it’s important to find a professional roofer to help plan maintenance. A maintenance plan includes a schedule for inspections and estimates on budgets and repairs. 

3. Different types of roofs require different approaches to maintenance.

Different types of roof installations will require different approaches to maintenance. Many government agencies have buildings with a traditional flat roof or thermoplastic membranes, but historic buildings or energy-efficient buildings may have something more complex. Some local and state governments are beginning to consider green roofs for new buildings. It’s important to consider the cost of maintenance on more specialized roofs such as these.

4. Choose a trusted roofing partner.

A good roofing contractor will be capable of building a quality roof and then inspecting and maintaining it over the course of its entire life. Choosing a reputable roofing company that has experience with other federal, state, and local government agencies is key to developing a maintenance plan that will save money over time. 

5. Save on costs with a long-term management program.

Administrators at agencies with multiple buildings may want to consider a roof management program like Maxwell’s MAXCare®. MAXCare® provides monitoring, maintenance, and budget forecasting across an entire real-estate portfolio. The program also offers discounts for inspections and repairs.

If you’re ready to get started, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

Employee Spotlight: Chris Vogl

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Born in Iowa but raised in North Carolina, Chris Vogl has worked in the roofing industry for the past 25 years. With over two decades of experience, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. team. Even more worthy, though, is the time Chris spent serving in the US military’s 82nd Airborne Division Artillery before eventually making his way to Maxwell Roofing three years ago. Chris was impressed with Maxwell’s reputable legacy within the commercial roofing industry, which led him to joining the team.

Current Role

As an Estimator/Project Manager, Chris works closely with general contractors and private clients who rely on Maxwell Roofing for their service, and he is responsible for reading project specs, performing take-offs, bidding projects, and attending meetings. Appreciative of the company’s collaborative spirit, Chris says, “We all have our role and correspond frequently to discuss the progress of the company and how we can all contribute our part for the common good.”  

Why Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. Stands Out

Among the other qualities that Chris admires most about Maxwell Roofing and his team, he says, “It would be honesty, freedom, and the ability to expand.” Even more, Chris is grateful for the camaraderie among his colleagues, and attributes being able to diversify the bidding capability as a uniquely special part of his work environment. 

Personal

Beyond his ongoing roofing projects, Chris can be found fishing and traveling when possible. A family man, Chris is married to Lynn, and they have a son named Ryan. Among his lifelong goals are to travel more—within the US and throughout the world. Chris’s favorite places, however, are right here in the deep South, where he swears that Mississippi and Alabama have the best food and vacation spots.

5 Ways Your Commercial Roof Can Save Energy Costs

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

With their large air conditioning systems, commercial buildings can often rack up high energy bills. But, there are several ways building owners can save energy. In fact, a new commercial roof can save energy costs through special materials and reflective surfaces. As a help, we put together these five simple ways that commercial building owners can reduce energy through the installation of a new roof.

5 Ways Your Commercial Roof Can Save Energy Costs

1. Reflective surfaces keep buildings cool.

In many commercial buildings, heating and cooling costs are the most expensive parts of the energy bill. Solar reflection on a commercial rooftop can keep a building from heating up too much in the summer, greatly reducing your energy use. To keep buildings cool, choose a roofing material with a reflective surface that won’t absorb the sun’s heat. Metal roofing is one of the best types of reflective roofing, and it’s one of the most durable roofing materials that will last for a very long time.

2. Light-colored roofs also reflect the sun.

Another common way to reduce energy costs in commercial roofing is through a cool roof. A cool roof is a typical flat roof painted white or another light, reflective color. Almost any type of commercial roof material can be converted into a cool roof to help you start saving energy.

3. Quality commercial roofs provide extra insulation.

Insulation is difficult to install on a commercial roof that already exists, however, if you’re installing a new roof, adding insulation can be a major energy saver. The materials and labor for an insulated roof can be expensive but the money saved on electricity bills over time can offset the cost.

4. A green roof can help reduce heat.

A green commercial roof is any type of energy-efficient roofing that uses vegetation on the rooftop to cool the building and filter stormwater. Green roofs can last much longer than a traditional roof, and they greatly reduce heat caused by buildings in urban areas. Keep in mind, though, that a green roof won’t work for every building type and requires a specialized roofing contractor.

5. A solar roof can power your building.

An excellent way to cut your power bills down is to generate your own electricity. Flat commercial roofs are an excellent place to put solar panels. Many roofs need very little prep in order to support solar panels, but a roofing contractor may need to reinforce your roof and ensure that the solar panels are fastened properly.

Looking to Reduce Your Roof’s Energy Costs?

Our team at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. has nearly 70 years of experience in guiding building owners toward the best commercial roofing options that will last for years to come and save as much on energy costs as possible. Contact us today for a consultation or to learn more about our commercial roofing solutions!