Month: April 2023

Commercial Roofing FAQs: How Should You Prep Your Roof for Spring Weather?

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

With winter on its way out, it’s time to make a plan for prepping your commercial roof for spring. Here are some common questions building owners and property managers have about their roof’s seasonal changes.

Q: What winter damage should I look out for on my roof?

A: Snow and ice can damage your commercial roof in several different ways. Ice can block a roof’s drainage systems causing water to dam creating leaks when it thaws. As the weather warms, commercial building owners should be on the lookout for signs of moisture. They should also have their building inspected to see if the roof sustained any damage over the winter months.

With extreme weather conditions, buildings expand and contract naturally. This movement can cause leaks, especially around penetrations, flashing laps, etc.

Q: What challenges could the spring season bring for my roof?

A: With the end of winter comes spring rain showers that can expose winter damage. Debris from nearby trees or winter storms can clog drains and gutters or damage the roof membrane, causing leaks. A lot of rain in a short period of time can also cause moisture to build up on the roof.

Q: What can I do to make sure my roof is in good condition this season?

A: Building owners or facility managers should walk their roofs regularly between periods of inclement weather. Keeping the roof clear of debris can help prevent water from pooling on the roof. Take note of any leaks or strange smells inside the building.

If properly maintained, commercial roofs are designed to handle the natural wear and tear of seasonal changes. We recommend seasonal roof inspections and proactive management to identify small problems and make any repairs before they become large issues.

Q: What professional help do I need to prepare my roof for spring?

A: It’s best to get a professional roof inspection several times a year. The changing of the seasons is a great time to schedule these inspections. A professional commercial roofer can find damage on your roof that may otherwise be undetectable by special equipment like infrared cameras and even drones. A commercial roofing company will also be able to advise you about any repairs or maintenance your roof may need. The inspection report may also warn you about potential hazards that may pose a threat to your roof during springtime storms.

If you’re ready to prepare your roof for spring weather, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is on hand to help with all of your commercial roofing needs.

Employee Spotlight: Mikki Zimonjic

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

One of the benefits of working in cities like Nashville and Huntsville is that both locations attract residents with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal Superintendent Mikki Zimonjic is a prime example of that phenomenon. Mikki was born and raised in Serbia. Before working in the roofing industry, Mikki served in the Serbian Special Forces. From there, he began his commercial roofing career in Europe before moving to the United States.

Mikki’s Experience and Role at Maxwell Roofing

Mikki has worked in the commercial roofing industry for 35 years. He gained valuable experience installing commercial roofing systems in Germany. After moving to the United States, Mikki wanted to work at a company where he could advance his professional career. Once he found Maxwell Roofing, the rest was history.

Mikki recently celebrated his 20th year anniversary at Maxwell Roofing. In his role as Superintendent, Mikki manages multiple crews and projects of various sizes. He’s also played an important role in serving our clients in a variety of industries—from airport and commercial facilities to hospitals and museums.

Why Mikki Sticks With Maxwell Roofing

But it’s not the many projects he’s helped to complete that stand out most to Mikki when he thinks about his long career with Maxwell. When asked what he loves most about working at Maxwell Roofing, Mikki was quick to answer, “At Maxwell, you’re not a number. You’re family.”

Mikki has definitely added to that family-oriented feel at Maxwell in the way he leads others. “One thing I love is that we are ALL a team at Maxwell,” Mikki said. “We can count on each other to help in any and every situation.”

As he looks toward the future, Mikki hopes to finish out his career at Maxwell. He and his wife of 32 years have several children and pets that keep them busy. When he’s not working or spending time with family, Mikki enjoys fishing, shooting, and grilling.

How to Assess and Address Storm Damage to Your Commercial Roof

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Severe storms, strong winds, and hail often cause unplanned commercial roof damage. These elements can cause immediate and long-term issues for the roof, gutters, flashing, and skylights on your commercial property. With nearly 70 years in the business, we know the weather patterns in Tennessee and Alabama (and how unpredictable they can be). We also know the common issues to look for when you assess and address damage to your commercial roof after a major storm.

One of the first steps in repairing your commercial roof after a storm is to assess the damage. But what should you look for? And when do you need to conduct a professional inspection? We wanted to provide a few helpful tips that will help you know how to safely assess the potential damage to your commercial property. Here are the three basic steps you can take to properly assess and address any roof damage after a storm:

1. Conduct an initial inspection with your facilities crew to look for obvious signs of damage.

If possible, facility managers or owners should inspect their roofs independently after every storm. You will want to clear your roof of any debris and look for any warning signs that indicate roof damage. Make sure you can do this safely. If your building has any pitch at all, we suggest bringing in a professional roofing company to assess the damage. If the roof is safe, you can begin by looking for some of the more obvious signs of roof damage. These include damage to the roof flashing, any splits or tears on the roof surface, missing accessories, or punctures to the roof. If you experienced hail, you’ll also want to consider how to address hail damage on your commercial roof.

2. Work with a trusted roofing partner for a more thorough inspection.

While the obvious indicators of storm damage are easy to spot, many signs of storm damage are not easy for the untrained eye to see. This is when hiring a qualified roofing technician is a good idea. A trained roofer can conduct a more thorough inspection — checking seams, testing flashing, and looking for small signs that often go overlooked.

It’s also important to find a technician you can trust. Over the last several years, many roofing contractors have become “storm chasers” that may cut corners and do faulty work. That is why it is essential to work with a local, reputable roofing company to help inspect, assess, and repair damages.

3. Don’t delay roof repairs.

Delaying roof repairs will only compound the impact of the damage. Waiting too long to repair your commercial roof can make the job much more expensive later on, especially if the storm season is just beginning! Addressing and repairing issues quickly also helps prevent further damage to your building or inventory.

At Maxwell, our 24/7 Emergency roofing repair service is designed to help customers address issues immediately. Whether it’s a weekend storm or a nighttime emergency, our team is on call and ready to respond after a significant storm.

As a leading roofing contractor in Tennessee and Alabama, we know that storm damage can happen at any time, creating significant challenges for property managers and commercial building owners. From making sure your building is safe to navigating insurance questions, we recognize you have a lot of responsibilities to manage. We want to make the repair process as smooth as possible.

To learn how we can help you assess and address storm damage on your commercial roof, contact us today. You can also report an emergency any time of day or night on our website.