Month: September 2023

Collaboration and Commitment: Maxwell’s Approach to Commercial Roofing

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

It’s no secret that happy employees are more productive and more likely to excel in their jobs. Here at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, we work hard to ensure our employees love their work. We do that both to improve their well-being and morale and to benefit our clients. 

Here are just a few ways that Maxwell’s workplace environment serves both our employees and our customers:

1. Maxwell encourages teamwork and collaboration.

All of Maxwell’s employees know that they are critical to the success of a roofing project, regardless of the role they hold. We encourage collaboration and input from all of our employees. This empowers them to ensure that all of our work meets the highest possible standards. Our clients know that they can trust every worker on a job site, and our workers know that they can trust each other. When trust is developed on a job site, it can become safer and more efficient at the same time. 

2. Maxwell employees get top-notch training.

We seek out the best-skilled laborers for our team and then we provide them with excellent training to enhance their skills. Roofers with Maxwell get the opportunity to learn about all different types of roofing systems and how to adhere to strict safety standards. Maxwell Roofing customers can rest assured that everyone working on their roof has the knowledge and skills they need to get the job done. To support the continued growth of our employees, Maxwell provides workers with at least 40 hours of training and development, including certifications.

3. Maxwell values professional growth.

We value ambitious, hard-working people who are committed to their jobs. To support these driven employees, Maxwell is committed to supporting their career growth through internal promotions. Someone who starts out as a laborer at Maxwell has the opportunity to move up the ladder from roofer to foreman, superintendent, or even into operations or project management. We believe in building up and supporting our workers from within to create a workforce that is filled with people who have held multiple roles on the job site and in the office. 

4. Maxwell’s business is built on strong principles. 

As a family-owned business, Maxwell Roofing wants to provide its workers with more than just a job. Instead, we foster a culture that respects and acknowledges the individuals that make our business work! To do this, we use a framework called Q.T.I.P.S, which stands for Quality, Teamwork, Integrity, Professionalism, and Service. It’s a playful acronym with a serious meaning. Our commitment to doing our very best makes Maxwell unique. The way we do business is also the reason so many of our customers sign up for MAXCARE, our comprehensive roof maintenance and management program. Our approach to commercial roofing also explains why we have had so many repeat customers over the 60+ years we’ve been in business. 

If you’re interested in working for Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, visit our career page. We have several open positions for hard-working, dependable workers. 

A Day in the Life of a Commercial Roofing Service Technician

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Service technicians are essential to maintain the integrity and safety of commercial roofs. Technicians must be trained and prepared for a variety of complex tasks such as conducting roof inspections, identifying issues, and performing repairs or installations as necessary. When every day looks different, a day in the life of a commercial roofing service technician can be both challenging and rewarding.

At Maxwell Roofing, we take pride in the team of technicians who serve customers across Tennessee and Alabama. As a family-owned business, we believe in treating employees like an extension of our family. Whether you’re a Maxwell customer or you’re considering a job in the commercial roofing industry, we wanted to offer a behind-the-scenes look at a typical day in the life of our service technicians.

Every Day Looks Different

“Typical” is not a word that is usually associated with a day in the life of a commercial roofing service technician. The reality is that every day or week might look different for our technicians.

Commercial roofing service technicians are responsible for a wide range of tasks such as emergency leak repairs, large-scale repairs, roof cleaning, coating or waterproofing, and inspections. Some repair projects may require a crew on site for several weeks. Other jobs, such as identifying and repairing leaks, might only take a couple of hours in a day. Once the job is complete, the technician will pack up their tools and equipment and move on to the next job site. They may visit several job sites in a day, depending on the workload and the location of the sites.

Each week, our technicians are given a job list with an established number of hours. This becomes a framework that they use throughout the week. If they find more problems during a visit, they’ll conduct a thorough investigation and work with the customer and Maxwell team to identify the work that needs to be done.

Tackle Each Day Early

For most technicians, each day begins with reviewing the schedule for the day and preparing the necessary tools and equipment. At Maxwell Roofing, our technicians might start the day around 6:30 a.m. and either stop by our warehouse to pick up parts or head straight to the job site. If it’s a new job, the technician will inspect the roof and diagnose any issues. This process involves climbing up to the roof and inspecting every area to ensure that nothing is missed. Each of our technicians uses their skills and experience to work efficiently and effectively, ensuring that the job is completed to a high standard.

Ongoing Training and Collaboration

Collaboration is an essential part of our work at Maxwell Roofing. Our service technicians are partnered in at least teams of two and work together to complete the repairs or installations. There are always at least two techs present on a job. We’re privileged to have team members with decades of experience in the industry and have worked hard to create a collaborative environment where we work together to resolve questions and overcome obstacles.

It’s not uncommon for a new technician to jump on a quick call with a seasoned team member to ask about a specific question or issue. We also invest in gathering the team together for ongoing training and employee appreciation events throughout the year. This culture of collaboration is crucial for creating an environment where jobs are completed safely, accurately, and on time.

Experience the Rewarding Work of Professional Roofing

At Maxwell Roofing, we recognize that our technicians play a vital role in maintaining the safety and integrity of commercial roofs, ensuring that our customers and their employees are covered from potential roof issues. We retain the best employees in the industry by fostering a culture of mutual respect based on hard work and excellent compensation.

If you’re ready to start an exciting and rewarding career in commercial roofing, take a look at our open positions online and begin your application today!

4 Steps to Clean and Maintain Commercial Roofing Gutters

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Gutters aren’t always a top priority for most building owners and property managers. However failing to maintain your commercial roof can oftentimes cause serious problems for both your roof system and your building as a whole. Keeping your commercial roof gutters and drains clean is one of the most important ways to avoid any serious issues. Regular cleaning prevents damage that can be caused by excess weight and water issues caused by clogged gutters and downspouts.

At Maxwell Roofing, we typically recommend regular quarterly cleaning. At a minimum, your commercial roof gutters should be cleaned once in late fall and once in late spring. Our service and maintenance team can quickly, safely, and efficiently clean gutters on any commercial property. Regular cleanings also offer an opportunity to look for potential issues that might go unnoticed.

1. Know the types of gutters and drainage system on your roof.

Understanding how your drainage system works is the first step in cleaning debris from your commercial roof’s gutters and drains. Clogged gutters can cause water to backflow into the building and flood interior walls. On flat membrane-style roofs and parapet walls, clogged roof drains can cause water to accumulate on the roof. It can also cause water ponding around drains, which can prematurely deteriorate roofing membranes.

2. Flush small debris with water or a vacuum.

Once you’ve removed the larger debris, flush the gutters with a hose to remove any remaining dirt and small debris. You can use a pressure sprayer or hose to make sure the downspouts are clear and the water is flowing properly. If there’s no access to water to flush gutters on a tall commercial roof, there are special vacuum systems that can suction debris out of the gutters and into a collection tank.

3. Inspect your gutters and drains for leaks.

Cleaning your gutters and drains is also a good time to check for any leaks or signs of damage. This includes checking for loose bolts and screws on gutters and examining flashings, sealants, and seams for problems. If you find any issues, it’s essential to repair or replace the damaged parts as soon as possible.

4. Consider ways to avoid build-up in the future.

If you notice significant build-up in the fall or spring, there are ways to improve the long-term protection and performance of your gutters and drains. Consider having a trusted roofing company install commercial-grade gutter guards to prevent debris from accumulating in your gutters and drains. This step can save you time and effort cleaning them in the future. If you have trees around your commercial building, make sure you trim them regularly to prevent leaves and branches from falling onto your roof and clogging your gutters.

Cleaning and maintaining commercial roof gutters can be a bit more challenging than clearing debris from residential gutters, as commercial gutters tend to be larger and higher up. If you are not comfortable doing the maintenance yourself, or if you have a large commercial building, consider hiring professionals to clean and maintain your gutters and drains. As one of the most trusted commercial roofing companies in Nashville and Huntsville, our team at Maxwell has decades of experience cleaning and maintaining commercial roofs across Tennessee and Alabama. Contact us today to learn more about all of the ways our team can help serve you.