5 Common Questions About Roof Construction for State and Federal Buildings

Kathleen Maxwell | May 14, 2021

Skyline view from top of a commercial building.

Commercial roof construction for state and federal buildings can be a difficult thing to arrange. Many government buildings must remain open to the public during construction, making roof replacement or roof repair inconvenient.

Here are a few common questions that facility managers at state and federal buildings have about their roofing services.

Common Questions About Roof Construction for State and Federal Buildings

1. What kind of roof is best for a government building?

Many of the same techniques and roofing materials used in commercial roof construction will work for government buildings. To save money, many government agencies will choose a low-slope roof, which is usually significantly cheaper than a sloped roof. EPDM roofs and built-up roofs put over a roof membrane are some of the most popular types of low-slope (or flat) roofs, because they are cost-effective and easy to maintain.

Some public government buildings—like courthouses or legislative buildings—may be best suited by something flashier like a metal roof, which is durable and provides a dramatic look to a building. Other government agencies may need to consider regulations on building energy efficiency and may choose a green roof or a cool roof.

2. How much of a disturbance will roofing installation cause?

Commercial roofing can be very disruptive, but at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., we work with our customers to schedule construction around the needs of the building and to reduce construction noise. Maxwell Roofing applies this same level of customer service to the long-term maintenance of the roof. If your building winds up needing work, Maxwell will ensure that it doesn’t disturb the day-to-day management of the building.

3. Can a new roof help drive down energy costs?

Some older government buildings may have poorly insulated roofs that drive up energy costs. During a re-roof, a roofing contractor can do several things to improve energy efficiency, which may help government agencies save money in the long term. Certain roof systems for commercial buildings can reflect light away from the roof to reduce cooling costs or accommodate solar panels to generate electricity.

4. Will my roofing contractor meet state and federal safety guidelines?

Any reputable roofing company will meet state and federal guidelines on insurance and workplace safety. Long-standing companies like Maxwell Roofing provide regular training to their employees to ensure that they stay safe on the job and to reduce the risk of an accident. Choosing a company with a good reputation that can provide safety credentials is the only sure-fire way to ensure compliance with state and federal laws and protect your agency from legal trouble down the road. 

5. What are the advantages of a full-service roofing company?

Full-service roofing companies offer in-house sheet metal fabrication, roof construction and inspections and maintenance plans for the life of the roof. These programs, like Maxwell’s MAXCare® are an excellent choice for state and federal government agencies with multiple buildings to manage. Full-service roofing companies can help government agencies save money over the time by bundling services. These programs also help busy facility managers with multiple buildings stick to a maintenance schedule so that their roofs last for years to come.

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


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