When it comes to constructing or renovating a school, safety is often the first and greatest priority. Parents want the peace of mind that their children are spending their day in a building that is as safe as possible. The school system and administrators also have a duty to protect the students, educators, and support staff from workplace hazards. However, what isn’t typically top of mind is the roofing system.
Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. has had the opportunity to work as the roofing contractor for several schools in recent years, including Ensworth School, Currey Ingram Academy, Father Ryan High School, Saint Henry School, and Saint Ann School. And, because June is National Safety Month, we wanted to highlight some specific keys to consider for designing and building a school’s roofing structure.
How to Prioritize Safety for Students with Your School’s Roof
Here are a few things for school administrators, architects, and contractors to keep in mind when it comes to prioritizing safety for a roofing project:
- Design and build with safety in mind. While there are various new trends in commercial roofing that could make for an interesting design, it’s important to consider safety first and foremost. When it comes to roofing, thicker and stronger is better. However, there are several other risks to consider for protecting against damage and potential disaster. For example, how water is kept out during the construction project is critical. Schools should consult with a qualified roofing professional to not only identify the standards and codes that apply to their facilities, but they should also understand how to prioritize safety during the construction process.
- Maximize on-site safety during the roofing project. Roofing projects can be a dangerous undertaking, especially if people are present. Before any work begins, it is necessary to have some serious discussions about safety. For example, we often encourage that a roofing project takes place when students aren’t present. In addition to some of the obvious ways to prioritize safety, there are numerous ways schools can prioritize on-site safety during a roofing project.
- Be proactive about planning for potential disaster. Even if you choose to build the safest roof possible, no one can control unforeseen circumstances and natural disasters. A committed roofing partner can help schools establish a disaster response plan to minimize roof damage in the event of a natural disaster. They can also provide preventative maintenance to guard against the weather damage from wind, hail, rain or ice and snow.
When it comes to constructing or renovating a school, architects and contractors make every effort possible to make sure the project meets or surpasses all building code requirements. The roof should be at the top (no pun intended) of that list.
To learn more about our safety principles and practices, our services, or our commercial roofing capabilities for schools, contact us today!