Category: Property Management Resources

5 Ways Maxwell’s Commercial Roofing Service Stands Apart in Nashville

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Many people think commercial roofing is a product-based industry. A business or organization needs to purchase a roof—and a commercial roofing company provides the product.

However, Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. is a service-based company. In fact, it’s one of our core values. As a Nashville-based commercial roofing company, we recognize the importance of facilitating relationships to understand client needs and provide an exceptional customer experience. Over the years, our commitment to providing exceptional service for every client is one of the primary reasons businesses choose Maxwell for commercial roofing in Nashville.

Here are five specific ways our commercial roofing service stands apart in Nashville—along with a few testimonials from Nashville-based business leaders.

1. Superior Response Time

Our team recognizes the importance of working quickly to install, repair, and conduct maintenance on all our roofing projects. We work quickly. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for emergency repairs. In addition to providing priority service through our MAXCare program, we have developed a triage system that allows us to rush to the most serious repairs first.

Here’s a testimonial about Maxwell’s superior response time:

“There’s never been a time when Maxwell Roofing has not been on site within 24 hours. They always make us feel like we’re the most important customer, which gives us a peace of mind when potential roofing issues might occur.” – Terry LeTourneau, Facilities Manager at JLL-Mars

2. Consistency

A company with integrity will not only stand by their work, they’ll also have your best interest in mind during each stage of a project. This is a principle we take seriously at Maxwell Roofing. We are involved from start to finish, and you can expect the same experience every single time.

Here’s a testimonial about Maxwell’s consistency with projects and partnerships:

“At SFM, we take a lot of pride in finding the right fit and want to make sure our customers feel good about working with a vendor. Maxwell Roofing is always responsive and gives a fair bid.”– Ryan Brant, Business Development Manager at SFM

3. Communication

We don’t want any of our clients to be surprised or confused about any of the roofing issues or repairs that are being done. At Maxwell Roofing, we make it a priority to keep our customers informed every step of the way. We are committed to helping our clients assess potential problems and forecast for the longevity of their facilities’ roofs.

Here’s a testimonial about Maxwell’s proactive communication with clients:

“It’s better to know any potential roofing problems or needs upfront than have surprises throughout the year. As a facilities guy, you can’t always use who you want to use, but with Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., we got lucky.” – Greg Victor, Director of Facilities at Ensworth School

4. Industry-Leading Reporting

Anyone can tell you that a section of a roof needs to be repaired, but when you’re spending money to fix a critical portion of a building’s structure, you deserve to know what the damage is, why the repair is in order, and how the fix will be made. Our customers are consistently surprised by the level of depth found in our comprehensive reporting.

Here’s a testimonial about the industry-leading reporting Maxwell provides on every project:

“Since Horrell Company is a part of the MAXCare program, the Maxwell Roofing team does an annual update for us, which is extremely helpful because we have partners who want to see the latest roofing surveys. MAXCare sets Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. apart from their competitors.” – Steve Horrell, President at Horrell Company

5. Diversity of Skills

We expect our customers to have a positive experience every single time. We hold ourselves to a standard that accepts nothing less. That’s why we’re committed to educating and equipping our employees with the skills they need for every part of the job.

Here’s a testimonial about the diversity of skills that Maxwell cultivates to meet every need:

“Since 2015, Brentwood Baptist Church and Maxwell have maintained a partnership, with Maxwell’s team providing the church services ranging from entire roof replacements to preventative maintenance to service calls for leaks or additions and more. Maxwell’s team has serviced all our campuses in some form or fashion. They are accessible, dependable, and personable, which speaks to their high-quality of work.” – Eric Pogue, Project Manager at Brentwood Baptist Church

Maxwell Roofing is Here to Serve You

Are you looking for a commercial roofing company in Nashville with a proven track record of quality service? Contact our team today to learn more about Maxwell’s commercial roofing services. We’d love to hear more about your project and explore how we can best serve you.

4 Things That Can Go Wrong During a Re-Roofing Project

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

A complete re-roofing is a huge undertaking. It’s an extensive amount of work for a roofing company, and, as long as the project continues, your building is exposed to the elements. Because re-roofing is such an intensive process, there are a variety of things that can go wrong. Here are four things you should be aware of when planning to undergo a re-roofing project.

1. Inclement weather during the re-roofing.

One of the biggest risks during a re-roofing project is rain. Generally, rain is an inconvenience, however, during a re-roofing project, it can be disastrous. Since the “guts” of your roof are exposed during the process, prolonged rain exposure could cause saturation of the roof’s decking or insulation, which could then require repairs before completing the re-roofing. A reputable commercial roofer will choose a time of year for the project when the risk of precipitation is as low as possible.

2. Failing to get a thorough inspection before beginning the re-roofing.

On a project as extensive (and expensive) as a complete re-roofing, surprises are unwelcomed guests. For example, if you’ve already budgeted thousands for a re-roofing project, the last thing you want to hear is: “Well, when we got up there, we noticed some unexpected damage. If you want us to fix it, we’ll need to discuss a new quote.” That’s why it’s important to have a thorough inspection performed before any re-roofing project. This way, the roofer knows exactly what he’s required to do and will have the materials and labor on-hand to perform that task as quickly as possible. Surprises don’t just add to the bill, they add to the timeline, too, further increasing the possibility of inclement weather exposure, as noted in the first point above.

3. Going with the lowest bid.

“You get what you pay for” is a cliché, but it’s true. Often, the lowest bid on a project is not coming from the best company. That said, the most expensive bid on a project is not a guarantee of quality, either. The bottom line is this: During a re-roofing, you are not only spending a significant amount of money, but you’re also making a decision that could affect the next 20-50 years of your facility. Resist the urge to make such a huge decision based on cost alone. Find a reputable roofer with extensive work history and a penchant for doing quality jobs.

4. Materials left around the job site.

While it may seem immaterial in comparison with the other items on this list, roofing materials scattered around a job site can be a real hassle for employees. Can you imagine walking into work, putting in a hard day’s work, then coming out the door to find you have a flat tire due to a roofing nail you ran over when parking that morning? Issues like this are often avoided by heeding the advice in point number three above and choosing a reputable vendor.

A re-roofing project is a huge undertaking, worthy of your utmost consideration and thought. Use these four tips to avoid some major pitfalls of such projects. If you’re interested in learning more about how Maxwell can help guide you through an extensive re-roofing project, just click here to contact us.

Choosing a Commercial Roofing Partner in Nashville

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Choosing a commercial roofer can be complex. There are multiple things you must account for—reputation, experience, and more. When you’re choosing a commercial roofing partner in Nashville, here are four things we think you should consider:

1. How much experience does the company have? How long has the company been around?

Odds are, if a company has been around for a long time, there’s a good reason for it. Beyond that, you’ll feel much more comfortable placing responsibility for one of your most important (and expensive) assets in the hands of a company that’s been proving its expertise for years—not one that is still making a name for itself.

2. Does the company have a Better Business Bureau (BBB) listing?

According to its website, the Better Business Bureau “helps consumers identify trustworthy businesses.” So, the first thing you’ll want to check is whether the company you’re considering is listed on the BBB at all. If it is, see what its rating is. Use your discretion here, but obviously, companies with higher grades are more likely to be trustworthy and reputable than those with lower grades.

3. Review the company’s previous work. What types of jobs has the company done before?

Does the company have case studies or testimonials on its website? Ideally, a company will have pictures and descriptions of previously completed jobs, as well as testimonials from those customers describing how the company helped and why its services were important. A company with no evidence of past work or testimonials from previous customers may not be worth the risk.

4. Is the company a member of the Tennessee Association of Roofing Contractors?

The Association’s mission is “to have a positive reflection in the roofing industry by representing exceptional professional licensed roofing contractors who are committed to performing superior work standards.”

To become a member of the Association, members must…

  • Be licensed
  • Be insured
  • Have a drug-free workforce
  • Have a safety program in place
  • Have an office location in the state of Tennessee

So, instead of compiling pages of research, you can simply check the association’s list of members to verify that the company you’re considering operates under sound business practices.

Sure, choosing a commercial roofing partner in Nashville can be a complex process, but our hope is that these tips will simplify the search and make it easier for you to find the roofing partner you can trust.

If you’re interested in working with Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. (which has been around for nearly 70 years, holds an A+ rating on the BBB website, maintains a portfolio of previous work, and is a member of the Tennessee Association of Roofing Contractors), just click here to get in contact with us.

The 3 Biggest Factors for Hiring the Right Roofing Construction Company

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Hiring the right commercial roofing construction company is a significant decision for a general contractor or construction manager. While it’s important to hire a commercial roofing company that meets your time and budget requirements, those aren’t the only factors. In fact, failing to consider other macro-level factors will likely increase the chances that your time and budget goals aren’t met.

The 3 Biggest Factors Factors for Hiring the Right Roofing Construction Company

Here are the three most critical factors for hiring a roofing company to ensure your commercial roofing installation is completed on schedule, on budget, and in ways you can be proud of:

1. They Have a Trusted Reputation in the Industry and Experience Meeting Your Specific Needs.

Reputation matters when it comes to commercial roofing. It’s important to choose a roofer that has at least a decade of proven work experience under their belt. Be sure they have operated under the same business name during that time.

At the same time, you want to ensure they have experience in meeting your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to construct a green roof or another more modern energy-efficient roof, it’s important to choose a commercial roofing company that has completed a project like that before. This ensures that they have the experience needed to handle your issue.

2. They Always Approach the Job Having Your Long-Term Best Interests in Mind.

A company with integrity will not only stand by their work, they’ll also have your best interest in mind during each stage of a project. This is a principle we take seriously at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. From the very beginning, we offer free design services during the planning phase to help avoids mistakes and potential problems once the construction phase begins. We fabricate our own metal in-house to help you reduce costs. We also work with manufacturers to get the most out of your warranties.

3. They Have Proven to Be a True Partner Throughout the Entire Process.

Want to ensure your roofing project is completed on schedule and on budget? One of the most important factors for accomplishing this goal is to select a contractor who has proven to be a trusted partner. If you’ve ever worked with a roofing contractor you were constantly having to chase down, you know exactly what we mean.

At Maxwell Roofing, we realize that inefficient communication can be one of the most frustrating problems when working with a construction contractor. We don’t want any of our clients to be surprised or confused about any of issues or potential delays in the project.

Learn Why Maxwell is the Right Roofing Company for You

Hiring the right commercial roofing contractor in Middle Tennessee or Northern Alabama isn’t something that should be taken lightly. By taking the time to find a trustworthy company, you can rest assured that the job is going to be done right the first time.

Maxwell Roofing has been in the business for nearly 70 years—and that didn’t happen by accident. If you’re looking for new roof construction help, we’d love to show you why we’re your best option. Just click here to contact us.

3 Ways Our Nashville Team Maintains a Commitment to Safety

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Roofing projects are known for being hazardous to the crew and those in and around the building. According to OSHA, 34 percent of construction-site fatalities from 2003-2013 were the result of falls from roofs.

There has been a lot of incredible work done to create policies and procedures for protecting roof workers over the past few decades. However, many of the injuries that occur in roofing are due to complacency.

This reality is what our Maxwell Roofing team works diligently to avoid. We recognize that no one walks on a job site at the beginning of the day wanting to injure themselves. Injuries happen when we fail to recognize new potential dangers or rely a little too much on our skills and experience to keep us safe.

3 Ways Maxwell Roofing’s Nashville Team Maintains a Commitment to Safety

Throughout the lifecycle and maintenance of your roof, those who work on the roof can face many different threats, such as skylights and units close to the roof’s edge. Here are three ways we proactively work to keep safety top-of-mind for everyone involved with one of our commercial roofing projects:

1. We Conduct Job Hazard Analysis on a Regular Basis

Before any roofing project begins, we conduct a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) to survey the project and essentially answer the question, “What are the things that could go wrong?”

This is not required by law; however, more building owners are starting to request it and many contractors submit a JHA as a matter of course. Additionally, we strive to re-visit and re-submit the JHA on a weekly basis to ensure that supervisors are continuously evaluating the conditions on and around the roof.

2. We Equip Workers with High-Grade Safety Devices for Fall Protection & Injury Prevention

Thankfully, the days of lunch atop a skyscraper with minimal safety equipment are behind us. Today, there are a host of retrofit options that make roofs a safer working environment. Through rooftop safety mechanisms like Roof Davits and Roof Hatch Guard Rails, our team has the skill to control these hazards and maintain a safe environment on your roof.

3. In-depth Documentation & Training

Beyond physical protection measures, we recognize that it’s also important and necessary to have robust policies in place for roof safety. Our team has developed policies that dictate how all installations, routine maintenance checks, and repairs should be conducted to create the safest environment possible. We also train each employee on how to respond in real-world situations that commonly lead to injury.

Roofing contractors are faced with dozens of hazards every time they step foot on a job site—from inclement weather to hazardous substances. This is something that everyone in our organization, from the top to the bottom, is mindful of each day. If you’re looking for a commercial roofing partner in Middle Tennessee, Northern Alabama, and their surrounding areas, we invite you to learn more about our services or view some of our recent projects today.

Fall 2018 Professional Skills Workshop Feature

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Every other month, Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc.’s Service team management, led by our Superintendents, Michael Cox and Barry Lilley, conducts Professional Skills Workshop (PSW) training events. The purpose of these dedicated training days is to further develop specific skills necessary to perform repairs on a wide variety of roofing systems and sheet metal assemblies. Barry Lilley explains, “The Professional Skills Workshops are effective for numerous reasons. One is that it helps new employees learn the ways in which we do things at Maxwell Roofing. Working in the commercial roofing industry for the past 20-plus years, I’ve learned that every roofing company does things differently. We’re proud of our standards of work at Maxwell Roofing, and it’s important that our employees are fully equipped to maintain those quality standards.”

maxwell roofing employees at workshop

In addition to skills development, Maxwell’s leaders focus on a point of safety emphasis that’s relative to the team’s job duties with the goal of ensuring a complete and comprehensive understanding that will help workers daily on the job. Our Service Technicians are subject to a wide array of potential risks through the course of their daily tasks, and it is everyone’s responsibility to make sure that we are prepared to identify and mitigate such threats.

A Look at Our Fall 2018 Professional Skills Workshop

During our Fall 2018 PSW held in September, the topics discussed and practiced were metal roof repairs, field fabrication and installation of sheet metal components, and general ladder safety. Participants present were the entire Service team, including Vice President of Services, David Maxwell, our Account Managers, Estimators, Project Manager, Inspector, and all Service field personnel. “I’ve worked in the commercial roofing business for almost 20 years, but I’ve never stopped learning. With constant changes in materials and methods in the roofing industry, our Professional Skills Workshops help us all to stay informed and up-to-speed on the latest skills, methods, and safety procedures. During this recent PSW, I gained a lot of new knowledge about metal roofing and how to properly make cuts,” affirms Gary Brockway, a lead service technician at Maxwell Roofing.

These PSW days also serve as a great opportunity for Maxwell employees to get together and bond as a team, cementing their mutual respect and support for the contributions of the whole group. “The primary takeaways from PSW days are just as much about positive team-building moments as they are about skills development. We learn so much from each other when we are working toward common goals,” says David Maxwell.

If you’re looking for a commercial roofing partner who values training and continuing education and skills, we invite you to learn more about our services or read how we’ve partnered with businesses like yours.

How to Know When It’s Time for a Roof Replacement

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

It’s a surprise no one likes. It’s more than added stress, noise, and disruption. It’s a five- (or six) figure check for a new roof. Like taxes, roof replacements can’t be avoided. No matter how good you treat your roof, you’ll have to replace it eventually. However, it’s possible to plan for a roof replacement instead of being surprised by it.

A Roof’s Lifecycle

A roof falls into four categories during its lifecycle.

  1. 0-3 years: Honeymoon Phase
  2. 3-5 Years: Preventative Maintenance Phase
  3. 5-15 Years: Ongoing Maintenance Phase
  4. 15-20 Years: Re-Roofing Watch

But, don’t be fooled by those categories. Not all roofs make it to 15 years old. Some fall victim to severe weather, others to faulty installation, and many to poor maintenance practices.

Smart Roof Maintenance

All roofs must be replaced eventually, but there are some easy things you can do to make your roof last longer and save money in the process.

1. Perform Roof Inspections Regularly. Regular roof inspections will help you identify potential problems before they turn into actual problems. We recommend hiring a professional to perform these inspections. Unless you have roofing knowledge or experience, you might not know what you’re looking for. If you miss a small issue, it could turn into a big issue down the road. If you decide to perform a roof inspection yourself, take pictures and notes. You want to have a record of your roof’s condition, so if any major problems arise, you’ll be able to provide your roofer with background information.

2. Put Maintenance at the Forefront. A new roof may need preventative maintenance as early as three years after being installed. Be willing to pay a small price for preventative maintenance to avoid paying a big price for repairs.

3. Fix Problem, Not just Symptoms. Imagine your ceiling has started leaking. The leak is the problem, right? Fix it, and the problem is solved. Not exactly. By this point, the problem could be that the insulation is so saturated with water it can’t absorb anymore—along with the fact there is a hole in the roof. In this case, the leak is the symptom, and there are two problems. The first is the hole causing the leak, and the second is the saturated insulation. When repairing issues, fix the whole problem, not just the symptom. It might be more costly at the time, but it will help extend the life of your roofing system and save money in the long run.

4. Budget for Repairs. Budget about $750 for a simple repair. You can estimate the number of repairs on the amount of foot traffic expected on the roof, as well as the number of repairs needed in previous years.

When to Call a Professional

Sometimes, your roof needs special attention. You should call a roofer if you notice:

  • Cracks, blisters, tears, or other blemishes on the roof’s membrane
  • Failing flashing
  • Soft insulation
  • Water stains on inside walls
  • Leaks

An experienced commercial roofer will be able to identify the severity of these issues and recommend a course-of-action to fix them. An experienced roofer can also estimate how much life your roof has left within these ranges:

  • 1-3 years
  • 3-5 years
  • 5 years or more

So, if your roof has an estimated three years left, you can start budgeting for a roof replacement and eliminate the surprise that too often comes with roof replacements.

When Should You Replace Your Roof?

Only a professional can accurately tell you when your roof should be replaced. However, the four major factors that contribute to the necessity of a roof replacement are:

  1. Roof age (How old is the roof?)
  2. Roof usage (Does it experience a lot of foot traffic?)
  3. Maintenance history (Have you performed maintenance throughout the roof’s lifecycle?)
  4. Roof damage (Has the roof experienced major damage from weather or people?)

Not sure how long your roof has left? Just click here to contact us and learn how we can help!

Your FAQs About Commercial Roofing, Answered

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Building owners and facilities managers often avoid thinking about their roofs unless they have a reason. Typically, that reason ends up being a major leak or failure in the system. When these types of issues arise with a commercial roof, it raises a lot of questions that range from costs to the benefits of regular roofing maintenance. Here are you most common commercial roofing questions, answered.

How long does a commercial roof last?

No roof lasts forever. However, the life of any given roof can be impacted by myriad factors. The ideal lifespan for any roof is 20 years, but not all commercial roofs “live” to see their 20th birthday. During an inspection, experienced roofing professionals can give a fairly accurate assessment, but they cannot provide guarantees and they cannot predict unforeseen events like major storms, freak accidents, neglect from building operators, or an unplanned uptick in activity on the roof. An experienced commercial roofer can provide a relatively accurate estimate of how much life your roof has left, broken down into the following ranges:

  • 1-3 years
  • 3-5 years
  • 5 or more

The best way to keep a handle on the health of a roof is to have an experienced roof inspector conduct regular inspections.

How much will a new roof cost?

Commercial roofing systems are not inexpensive, but cost estimates can range significantly and are based on a number of factors, including:

  • The size of the roof
  • The materials to be used
  • The location of the building
  • The factors contributing to the replacement
  • The amount of time the replacement will take
  • Many other variables

A new roof can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on its size, but the only way to get an accurate estimate is to have a roofing contractor assess the situation first-hand.

A new roof isn’t in the budget. Can a leak be patched?

Yes, you can patch leaks in a roof. However, patches don’t always solve the root cause of a leak, and they won’t correct the damage caused by the leak. If, for example, water has gotten into the insulation layers of the roof, no patch job in the world will save it.

Any time a roof leaks, a professional should be called to locate the leak, diagnose the root cause, assess the damage and recommend a solution. Repairs can often be made, but the only way to determine the effectiveness of a repair is to work with an expert and to invest in regular roofing maintenance.

If you suspect your building needs a new roof, get an inspector there before annual budgets are set, so that money, time and other resources can be allotted for the project.

How can I tell when my roof is in need of repair or replacement?

Leaks are the most obvious sign that a roof is in need of repair or possibly a replacement. However, there are other clues and cues that can indicate that repairs are in order. If the roof changes in appearance in some way from one inspection to the next, a call to a roofer is in order to diagnose the cause.

Regular roofing inspections are the key to staying out in front of repairs. In the same way that people visit the doctor for regular checkups in order to spot potential problems early, commercial roofing inspections and regularly scheduled roofing maintenance will help the roof maintain its integrity for as long as possible.

What documentation should I keep on hand?

Just as you might file away maintenance records for your car or your home, building staff should always file regular roofing maintenance records, starting with the design plans. When there is an issue with the roofing system, documentation will help the contractor find the issue, properly diagnose it and develop an effective solution.

When the facilities team does regular, in-house inspections of the roof, photographs can help keep a record of the way things look. Any potential defects or damage should be photographed and given to the roofing contractor, along with detailed directions on where to find that damage/defect. When taking photographs, always make accompanying notes. For example, “this is a wrinkle in the membrane two feet to the left of the access hatch.” That way, the next time an inspection is done, the wrinkle can be monitored for any changes.

I think I’ve spotted damage on my roof. What should I do?

Any time someone steps on the roof and they think they have spotted damage, defects, weaknesses or potential problems, they should document the location of the issue and the facilities manager should be notified so that he or she can call on a roofing contractor. Time is of the essence when it comes to roofing. Any amount of water that leaks through will accelerate the deterioration process.

Do I really need to call a professional any time my roof leaks?

Yes! Any time water is spotted inside the building, a call to a roofing professional is in order. There are any number of reasons roofs leak, and the only way to stop it from happening again and to understand the extent of the damage is to get an expert on the roof to examine the situation.

When it comes to leaks, damage is almost always the culprit, but workmanship can also be an issue. And when there is one workmanship defect, there are often more. Say, for example, one skylight out of 30 begins to leak and the inspection reveals it is a workmanship defect. That means that the 29 other skylights most likely need the same repair to prevent them from leaking and causing further, major damage to the roof system. When you see a leak or signs of a leak, it’s better to call immediately than to wait for another issue to arise.

No two roofing projects are ever the same. Each roof has unique strengths and weaknesses. The best way to ensure the longest life possible is to partner with an experienced roofing contractor that has a successful track record of working with buildings similar in design and structure, and have them develop a plan for regular roofing maintenance.

How To Ensure On-Site Safety During a Commercial Roofing Project

Posted on by John Maxwell

Property managers and building owners have a responsibility to keep the occupants and visitors in their building safe at all times. That responsibility can be complicated when roofing teams are onsite to conduct repairs or to replace the roof system. Roof repair and re-roofing projects can be dangerous work, with many potential hazards for anyone in and around the property. Before any work begins, it is necessary to have some serious discussions about safety.

Continue reading “How To Ensure On-Site Safety During a Commercial Roofing Project” →