Category: Service and Repairs

5 Reasons Comprehensive Roof Assessments Are a Must

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Plenty of things can go wrong with a commercial roof system, but it takes a trained eye to find the small problems. Only a trained roofer can tell what parts of a roof need maintenance and repair, which is what makes regular comprehensive roof assessments a must for any facility manager. Here are just a few of the reasons that roof assessments are so important:

1. Stop a small problem before it becomes a big problem.

What’s an almost undetectable maintenance problem today, could become a leak or major repair down the road. Comprehensive roof assessments give roofers a chance to fix the little things before they become big, expensive problems.

2. Proactively plan your budget.

It’s a lot easier to come up with the money for a repair when you know that it’s coming. A regular roof assessment is the only way to know your roof condition, which allows you to plan for whatever maintenance is in the future.

3. Prepare for the changing seasons.

A small puddle in the summer can become an ice blockage during a winter freeze. An assessment gives a roofer a chance to clear the roof of anything that might become an issue when the season’s change, preventing a major problem later on.

4. Ensure you get the most out of your warranties.

Many roof parts and equipment come with good warranties. To take full advantage of these warranties, the roof needs to be well-maintained and the equipment with the warranty needs to be monitored carefully. Regular roof assessments are a chance to make sure everything is functioning as it should be and to cash in on those warranties if it’s not.

5. Extend the life of your roof.

When paired with maintenance, roof assessments are the best way to extend the life of a commercial roof. If left alone, a roof can develop problems that will eventually threaten its structural integrity. With a regular roof assessment, small repairs are completed before they can become a major leak.

6. Save money.

Roof inspections prevent roofs from developing costly problems, saving your business time and money. While there is an upfront cost for an inspection, it’s nothing compared to the cost of a major repair or re-roof.

To learn more about how Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. can help make your roof last longer with regular assessments, contact us today.

How Infrared Moisture Surveys Can Save Your Roof

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Infrared devices detect a different wavelength than a normal camera or the naked eye, viewing the world through heat rather than light. The image from an infrared camera can show warm objects in a lighter color where cold objects will appear darker. So, how can infrared devices be beneficial for commercial roofing? Here are some thoughts to consider. 

Using Infrared for Roof Surveys

Infrared cameras have been used in roofing since the 1970s as an inexpensive and nondestructive way to detect moisture within the underlying insulation. Wet areas reflect and retain heat differently than dry parts of a roof. By using an infrared camera, roofers can “see” where wet patches are, without penetrating the roof system.

4 Types of Infrared Roof Surveys

There are four different ways to use infrared cameras to detect roof moisture:

  1. Rooftop moisture survey: Usually roofers will conduct an infrared moisture survey by walking on top of the roof. Aside from obvious tears and sealing problems, a qualified roofer will know how to examine for hidden sources of moisture.
  2. Under-roof moisture survey: Sometimes, roofers will want to use infrared to examine a roof from the inside. This method can help find moisture that has penetrated the roof surface and is trapped inside the building envelope. Certain metal roofs won’t retain moisture on the surface and will require an under-roof moisture survey.
  3. Elevated roof moisture survey: By moving above the roof to capture infrared images, roofers can get a look at a larger portion of the roof’s surface. This gives a better picture of the scope of the water damage and can also help find wet areas that would be hard to see close up.
  4. Aerial roof moisture survey: This is the most accurate and efficient type of roof survey. Using an aircraft or a drone, roofers can get an image the entire roof to detect slight differences in temperatures that indicate moisture build up.

Generally, Infrared surveys are followed by test cores to confirm actual moisture infiltration and gather further details of the effects.  With the large investment in roof insulation on modern roofs, non-destructive moisture detection surveys, like Infrared, are more important than ever.

To hear more about how an infrared moisture survey can save your roof from long-term damage, contact us today.

Why Nashville Companies Choose Maxwell Roofing for Commercial Roof Replacement

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Deciding when to replace a roof is a difficult decision. Facility managers must consider their budget, their long-term plans for the building, and how the roof will be used. But, the most important decision to make before determining how to replace a roof is deciding which company to use.

There are plenty of options for commercial roof replacement but, in Nashville, Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. stands above the rest. Here are just a few of the reasons why customers return to Maxwell again and again.

  • Maxwell’s stellar reputation: With nearly 70 years of experience in Nashville, Maxwell has proven to be the area’s most trusted roofing partner. Maxwell built this reputation through years of over-delivering on their customer’s roofing needs by making themselves available and always producing a quality product.

“When you’re a property manager, and a roofing issue appears, accessibility matters,” said Maxwell customer Steve Horrell, the president of the Horrell Company. “That’s the kind of difference in Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc.’s level of care that has helped them maintain their high-ranking reputation throughout Middle Tennessee.” 

  • Expert personnel: Maxwell treats its employees better than the competition, so it expects its employees to live up to higher expectations. Maxwell’s team is always professional, courteous, and knowledgeable. In the Nashville area, there is no better team for assessing and carrying out a roof replacement.
  • Excellent customer service: Maxwell prides itself on a high level of customer service. While other companies work just to get the job done, Maxwell’s employees strive to ensure that every customer feels as though they are a part of the process. Maxwell employees are willing to walk customers through every step of the roofing process from answering simple questions like, “How much does it cost to replace a roof?,” all the way through technical issues.

“There’s never been a time when Maxwell Roofing has not been on site within 24 hours,” says Terry LeTourneau, the facilities manager of Maxwell customer JLL-Mars. “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.”

  • MAXCare®: How often should a roof be replaced? With MAXCare®, Maxwell’s roof management program, customers get regular roof forecast assessments to answer these important questions. MAXCare® helps customers proactively care for their roof, preventing disasters down the line.

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

  • Full-service roofing services: Most roofing companies put all their focus on roof construction, but Maxwell offers customers a full-service approach with maintenance and fabrication services. Not only can Maxwell replace a roof, but they can produce custom sheet metal pieces to cut down on costs and deliver exactly what each customer needs.

If you’re ready to learn more about how Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. can help with your commercial roof replacement, contact us today.

The Importance of Commercial Roofing 24/7 Emergency Response

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

No one gets to choose the best time for a life emergency, and the same is true for a commercial roof. A roofing emergency can occur in any season, at any time of day, on holidays or on weekends. There are plenty of ways to prepare for a roofing emergency, but having access to a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week emergency response team is the most important thing to have in your emergency tool box.

What Qualifies as an Emergency

A roofing emergency is any type of sudden damage that threatens the integrity of a roof or building. Fallen trees and storm damage are the most frequent and obvious sources of emergency roof damage, but even small events can cause an unpredictable disaster. 

How to Prevent a Roof Emergency

It’s important to develop a regular maintenance plan to catch small problems that could become larger ones later, but some emergencies are inevitable realities for commercial roofs. Roofs are exposed to the elements all day and all night, and there’s no way to completely protect them from harmful debris or weather. The best way to prepare for an emergency is to plan for one with a budget and an emergency response team that’s available at all hours.

What 24/7 Emergency Response Does

Most roofing companies operate during regular weekly business hours, which can leave a gap of hours or days between emergency roof damage and a necessary repair. With 24/7 emergency response, customers can report the damage when it happens and receive a quick response from a qualified roof technician. In cases of serious or dangerous roof damage, companies with 24/7 emergency response will have roofers on-call and ready to respond.

Why 24/7 Emergency Response Is Important

While some roof repairs can wait a few days or weeks, very serious roof damage can cause additional deterioration to the building or harm to the people who use it. Exposed roofs, holes, storm damage, and other issues can create a fire hazard or further destruction to a building’s structure if left alone. Quick repairs are the only way to ensure that roof damage stays isolated to the roof, and that’s where 24/7 emergency response comes in.

When an accident happens outside of normal business hours, a 24/7 emergency response team will be able to make an urgent repair and prevent further damage. Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. prides ourselves on our great customer service and ability to respond anytime to your roofing needs. 

To learn more about Maxwell’s preventative maintenance plans and our 24/7 emergency response services, contact us today.

Sheet Metal Installation Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Sheet metal is one of the most durable materials that can be used for commercial roofs. Metal is long-lasting, weather-resistant, and can help save on energy bills by reflecting the sun’s rays away from the building. But, while metal can be a great choice for many commercial buildings, it takes a highly specialized sheet metal installer to get the job done properly.

If you’re considering metal for your commercial building’s roof, here are a few of the do’s and don’ts for how to install sheet metal:

Do

  • Know what you’re paying for. Yes, metal roofs have a lot going for them, but adding on customized roof parts can quickly add on to the project’s cost. Before purchasing a metal roof, it’s important to know what will raise the cost of the roof system. Certain types of metal, complicated engineering, or high levels of customization will raise the price of your roof system, but they may make the roof last longer.
  • Make proper measurements and estimates for the roof pitch. This may seem like a no-brainer, but improper measurements are one of the most common things that can mess up roof installation and deplete a budget. It’s important to hire a properly trained engineer or sheet metal installer to estimate a roof’s pitch accurately and make correct measurements.
  • Get the right fasteners. Sheet metal fasteners are not one-size-fits-all. If installing yourself, it’s important to get the proper fasteners for your roof’s substrate material. If a sheet metal installer is doing the work, be sure to ask about the fastener’s corrosion minimization capabilities. Low-quality roofers may try to skimp on fasteners that corrode easily, diminishing your roof’s value.
  • Research extensively. The best way to prepare for roof installation is to do your research and know what your expectations are. Be sure that your roof will suit the needs of your area’s weather and your business before making the big purchase.

Don’t

  • Paint with a sprayer. When it comes time to paint your roof, don’t use a sprayer. Wind can easily cause paint to drift and spread unevenly. It may be more work, but using a paint roller is the best way to ensure that a roof’s color is properly distributed.
  • Rely too much on the warranty. Metal roof warranties can be a big selling point. Having a good warranty is important, but warranties will only cover manufacturer defects. Regardless of the quality of your roof’s warranty, it’s essential to set up a proper maintenance schedule from the get-go to ensure that your metal roof will last.
  • Assume all roofers know how to install sheet metal. Not every roofer can do everything. Finding a qualified sheet metal installer means you’ll have to find a full-service roofing company. Using a company with a sheet metal fabrication unit will be best because it lowers costs and allows for additional roof customization.
  • Try to install your roof on your own. Even if you know how to install sheet metal, you’ll likely need some help along the way. Using a qualified roofer is the best way to ensure that your metal roof gets installed properly and lasts as long as possible.

To learn more about Maxwell’s in-house fabrication unit and metal roof installation, contact us today.

What to Expect During a Commercial Roof Inspection

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Commercial roofs can be complicated structures, and even when they are well constructed, they can develop hidden problems over time. Regular inspections are critical for extending the life of a roof and preventing roofing disasters, which is why it’s important to find a roofing partner that makes inspections and reporting a key part of the maintenance routine. But, not all inspections are created equal. Quality roof inspectors will go above and beyond, checking things that may be causing hidden damage to your roof. 

A good roofing inspection starts before anyone even looks at the roof. Qualified professional roofers will start with these two steps: 

  • Identifying Active Warranties and Guarantees

    Certain types of roof work can invalidate the warranty of some products. Before performing any work, a good roofer will check this information, as it may influence what types of repairs can be done and can save customers money, especially if parts of the roof are failing earlier than expected.

  • Examine Records and Talk to Occupants

    By examining a building’s records and plans, roofers can figure out what issues they may need to pay close attention to during the inspection. Talking to people who spend their time in the building—residents or employees—might also help identify leaks or other problems.

Once the roofer has a better idea of what to expect, they’ll begin the roofing inspection. A comprehensive roofing evaluation will include: 

  • An Interior Inspection

    Before climbing atop the roof, roofers should walk the inside of the building, looking for water stains, signs of rust, or potential weaknesses. The source of a leak may be from inside a building.

  • Building Envelope Inspection

    The building envelope is the membrane and structure that seals a facility’s interior from the outside. A roofing inspection should include an examination of the building’s structure to ensure there are no defects.

  • Flashings, Edges, and Joint Inspections

    Roof inspectors will pay careful attention to the edges of roofs and where different segments come together. These are vulnerable spots in any roof and can easily crack or collect moisture.

  • Gutters, Drains, and Scuppers Inspection

    It’s critical that water can escape the roof surface. Roofers must make sure that the roof is draining properly and isn’t blocked.

  • Rooftop Equipment and Penetration Inspection

    If your facility has an HVAC unit or any other type of roof penetration, inspectors will need to make sure that the seams are watertight and that the penetrations haven’t damaged the roof surface.

Every building is different, and roofers may need to rely on other tools to properly examine certain types of roofs. These additional services may include: 

  • Infrared Moisture Inspections

    Not all leaks are easily apparent to the naked eye. Using infrared scanners, roofers can identify moisture leaks and cracks that they have missed during other parts of the inspection.

  • Drone Inspections

    Some buildings have roof areas that are difficult or dangerous to reach. Many roofing companies have licensed drone pilots that can take images of the roof while safely planted on the ground.

The most important part of any roofing inspection comes after the roofing inspection is done, with a detailed report about the roof’s condition and suggestions for repairs and future maintenance. This isn’t a report that a roofer should complete quickly in their service truck. Instead, it should be a detailed and well-thought plan. 

Finding the Right Roofing Partner 

Because roofing inspections should be a regular part of any maintenance routine, it’s important to find a contractor who will work as a long-term partner. Find a company that schedules bi-annual inspections, and be sure they aren’t recommending unnecessary repairs. A roofing contractor’s goal should be to provide the client with a detailed report to assist with planning for the future. The inspection isn’t meant just to point out emergency defects, but rather to provide long-term solutions to issues that may be underlying or on-going for the client. By providing budgetary costs for maintenance, repairs, and replacement, we allow the client to decide when to “pull the trigger”. 

Our team at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. prides ourselves on professionalism and our industry-leading reporting. If you’re ready to start a maintenance relationship with a company you can trust, contact us today, or see what some of our current customers are saying.

Rooftop Safety Compliance 101

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Each year, around 50 roofers will suffer a fatal fall. In the construction industry, falls are responsible for about 40 percent of all work-related deaths. But, despite these sobering statistics, fall protection is the most violated health and safety standard according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

In 90 percent of the fatal falls that occur, there was not a proper fall-protection plan in place. To stop these preventable accidents and protect from injury and liability lawsuits, it’s important that roofing companies stay up to date on OSHA regulations and that facilities take precautions to protect employees who will be working atop a roof.

Fall Protection Basics

Fall Exposure Risks—The first thing an employer should ask at a work site is if their workers are exposed to the risk of falling. OSHA defines fall exposure in the construction industry as any potential fall of more than 6 feet. Generally, fall exposure on rooftops occurs in five different ways:

  • Roof Access—Many falls occur before anyone even reaches the roof on a ladder or on scaffolding.
  • Roof Edge—A roof’s edge provides the most obvious danger for a fall and can send people down multiple stories to the ground.
  • Obstacles and Openings—Many commercial roofs have skylights or vents that workers can mistakenly fall into.
  • Roof Systems—Many commercial roofs will house important equipment like HVAC systems. Because workers often need access to this equipment, the area surrounding rooftop systems presents a high risk of fall exposure.
  • Navigation—Rooftops with tricky obstacles or low visibility can pose a safety risk to workers.

Preventing Falls—OSHA requires that employers provide fall protection systems for their employees. This includes:

  • Covering holes like skylights or other penetrations using a cover or railing
  • Building guardrails and toe-boards near certain ledges and on lifts
  • Creating warning systems for areas with a fall risk
  • Providing fall restraint systems (like harnesses) when workers will be near edges
  • Securing ladders and other equipment used to access a building’s roof

In some cases, OSHA also recommends the use of fall arrest systems, such as safety nets. In commercial roofing, personal fall arrest systems are also common. These systems use harnesses and some sort of shock-absorbing line to prevent workers from falling quickly to the ground.

Innovation In Fall Safety

Roofing is a constantly evolving industry, and new technology is finding its way into fall safety. While physical barriers, fall restraint, and arrest systems are critical for protecting people on a building’s roof, there is new emerging technology that helps make roofing even safer. 

  • Drone Inspections—The best way to prevent a fall is to keep people off the roof entirely. The use of imaging drones for inspections allows roofers to identify problems or create maintenance plans without ever putting themselves near a dangerous ledge.

    • Finding a Roofing Partner that Values Safety

    No matter how safety-conscious a general contractor or facility manager may be, employees will be at risk if roofers don’t also value safety. It’s important that roofing companies work to protect their own workers while on the job and to install safety equipment on the roof to protect other workers in the future. Here are a few things to check for when vetting a roofing company’s safety regulations.

    1. Does the roofer conduct a Job Hazard Analysis?

      The first step in preventing a workplace accident is to conduct a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). This includes a specific protocol for evaluating fall risks and creating a rooftop safety plan.

    2. Does the roofer follow OSHA standards by providing railing systems, roof anchors, and penetrations?

      OSHA lays out specific building requirements for roofs with skylights to prevent people from falling through them. The agency also requires railing systems for ladders and has specific requirements for roof anchors that can support workers in harnesses. A safety-conscious roofing company should be able to provide engineering and installation for each of these safety requirements.

    3. Does the roofer consider HVAC worker safety?

      Once a roof is built, HVAC workers will likely be the most frequent visitors to a building’s rooftop. Roofers who prioritize safety will recommend a guardrail to protect HVAC workers that will be near a roof’s edge.

    4. Does the roofing company provide safety training to its employees?

      All employees who are going to be working on a roof should receive some sort of safety training. Roofing companies that value safety will often participate in certification classes through OSHA. Another company safety program is the Certified Roofing Torch Applicator (CERTA) program, which teaches workers how to use roofing torches. Though not specifically designed to prevent falls, CERTA and other certifications show that a company cares about safety.

    Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. prioritizes safety as our highest concern. To learn more about how we help protect our employees and the importance of maintaining commercial rooftop safety compliance and fall protection, contact us today.

How Drones are Revolutionizing the Commercial Roofing Industry

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

For a commercial building owner, leaks and other roof damage can be an absolute nightmare to locate and repair. To access hard-to-reach parts of a building, roofers often have to use expensive lifts or cranes, and it can take days to fully analyze a large commercial roof.

However, roofing has come a long way through the years with new technology and equipment. Drones are the latest tool to land in the roofer’s equipment arsenal, and they’re revolutionizing the way commercial roofs get repaired.

Drones Work Fast

With a traditional roof assessment, roofers must climb atop the roof and manually search for damage. This process is time-consuming and requires hours of planning to secure the appropriate equipment to keep roofers safe. If the roof has multiple points of damage, roofers must examine each problem area individually.

While traditional roof assessments can take several days, an aerial drone can easily fly over any type of roof and take photos within hours or minutes. In just that short amount of time, drones can conduct an entire building envelope survey without the disruption caused by having a crew on the roof.

Drones Work Cheap

High-end drones are expensive pieces of equipment and learning to pilot one is a specialized skill. But, even a well-trained pilot and a nice drone cost less money than a roofing team and the equipment needed to get them safely atop a roof. Using drones frees up qualified roofers to focus on other parts of their job, making assessments cheaper for the company and the customer.

Drones Are Accurate

Using a drone for roofing measurements and other simple tasks eliminates human error. When paired with special imaging equipment, like infrared cameras, drones can also detect damage that would be difficult for the human eye to spot. Roofing companies can even use machine-learning software to analyze drone images and identify the types of damage, eliminating the guesswork in traditional inspections.

Drones Don’t Get Hurt on the Job

To get their jobs done, roofers often have to climb, balance, or dangle in precarious positions. While good roofing companies always have the best safety equipment to keep their employees safe, falls and other injuries are always a risk with traditional roof surveys. While drones are not immune to damage, a broken propeller is certainly preferable to a broken arm.

Drones Open Up New Possibilities

While drones are becoming more prevalent in the roofing industry, their use hasn’t yet spread into the mainstream. More widespread use of drones could allow roofers to offer cheaper and more frequent inspections. In the future, drones will be equipped with better cameras, opening up even more opportunities for drone roofing.

Having the best technology can give roofers a cutting edge, but expertise and experience still matter. Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. has been around for nearly 70 years and has maintained its reputation and quality of service through many shifts in technology.

Learn more about Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc.’s drone services and contact us today.

Professional Development: CERTA Train-the-Trainer Certification

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Commercial roofing can be a hazardous business. In addition to working from dangerous heights while installing complicated equipment, many of the tools used during a project should be handled carefully. Torch-down systems are one of the most potentially-hazardous aspects of the job. For this reason, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) developed the Certified Roofing Torch Applicator (CERTA) program to train installers on the safe use of roofing torches. As the need for CERTA training increased, the NRCA was looking for a way to scale their training program.

Investing in Our Employees Through CERTA Train-the-Trainer Certification

Earlier this year, Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. was selected by the NRCA to host its regional Train-the-Trainer Authorization program, which allows roofing contractors (and others) to lead the CERTA class without NRCA’s assistance.

The training was held in advance of NRCA’s International Roofing Expo. More than 40 attendees, including Maxwell Roofing employees and other roofing professionals, spent an entire Sunday learning the ins-and-outs of CERTA Training. As the host, Maxwell was honored to partner with the NRCA, as they provided the knowledge and training for proper roof torching.

“I was fortunate enough to be a part of this event and earned my CERTA Train-the-Trainer certificate,” said David Daniel, Project Manager for Maxwell Roofing. “I got to meet others in the industry and trade best practices,” he adds.

Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc.’s Commitment to Employee Development

For the Maxwell Roofing leadership team, employees are family. Whether it’s hosting an employee appreciation event or offering specific professional development opportunities for commercial roofers, we believe that investing in our employees is an important priority.

“Safety and training are key to the future of the industry. Being able to participate in something like this makes me proud to be a part of the team here at Maxwell Roofing,” Daniel affirms.

If you’re looking for a commercial roofing partner in Nashville or Huntsville 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.

A Brief History of Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal’s Huntsville Service Hub

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Since Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. was founded, the company’s goal has been to provide customers with the kind of high-quality service and experience that you’d expect from a local family-owned commercial roofing company. That desire is the primary reason Maxwell Roofing has continued to grow and expand our reach to serving clients across Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama—eventually opening up a commercial roofing service hub in Huntsville in 2010.

A Brief History of Maxwell Roofing in Huntsville

While Maxwell’s Huntsville service hub opened in 2010, the team had been servicing the Northern Alabama region for many years. As most commercial roofing companies in the area focused solely on new roof construction, Maxwell Roofing wanted to serve building owners and facility managers by becoming a full-service partner for the entire lives of their buildings.

“Maxwell Roofing is a family-run business that trades on its reputation. We never want to be seen as a “storm-chaser” roofing company that’s here today and gone tomorrow,” says John Maxwell, President of Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. Opening a Huntsville service hub was a no-brainer because of the company’s history in the northern Alabama region.

Maxwell’s Commercial Roofing Projects in Huntsville

Maxwell’s Huntsville division has developed a strong relationship with numerous property managers, building owners, and facilities managers in Northern Alabama. Over the past decade, we’ve been proud to partner with companies such as:

  • SVN | AVAT Realty—as a full-service roofing partner, providing service repairs and diagnosis of EPDM roofing. Maxwell Roofing has been proud to partner with the SVN | AVAT team for the past two years, addressing any issues their tenants might have.
  • John Blue Realty—as a full-service roofing partner for their facilities. Maxwell is also proud to serve John Blue Realty with numerous projects, including everything from total roof replacements to leak repairs.

The Future of Maxwell Roofing’s Huntsville Service Hub

So, what’s next for Maxwell’s Huntsville service hub? As maintenance and repair issues and opportunities arise, the company will continue to focus on deploying full-time quality field workers and field management to the area. However, Maxwell’s team has also spent the last several years developing partnerships to expand its construction department in the area. Like Maxwell’s Nashville market, the company’s number one goal is to provide long-term roofing solutions to its clients.

Whether you’re looking for a commercial roofing partner in Huntsville or have specific questions, such as “How do I prepare my roof for a northern Alabama winter?,” Maxwell’s Huntsville service hub is here to help. Contact the team today to learn more about the various ways your specific roofing needs can be met.

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.

New Roof vs. Roof Repair: Which Should You Choose?

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Should you repair your current roof or have a new one installed altogether? It’s a decision many facility managers face, and it’s not an easy one. But, there are a few factors that can help you decide which option makes more sense for your facility. Consider these eight questions when making your decision:

1. How old is the roof?

In most cases, if your roof is approaching 20 years old, it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. That doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to fail around that age, but it does mean that, if you’re faced with a costly repair to an aging roof, you should consider complete replacement as a viable option.

However, if your roof is still relatively young and has only suffered minor damage, repair may be the most cost-effective solution. As a general note, the type of material used for your roof’s construction affects its maximum age, which, in turn, affects whether you should lean toward repair or replacement.

2. How much of the roof is damaged?

As a general guideline, if over 25% of the roof is damaged, your money will be better spent on a complete replacement. Although it may cost more, if the roof is not already brand-new, you’ll benefit from newer (and higher-quality) materials that are less likely to cause headaches in the near future. However, if less than roughly 25% of the roof is damaged, and the roof is not nearing the end of its lifespan, a repair can make perfect sense.

3. How long do you plan to stay in the building?

If you intend to stay in the facility for years to come, a completely new roof could be a wise investment that helps you avoid future repair costs. But, if your intended stay is short-term, it might make more sense to pass the roof replacement cost to the next tenant.

4. What is the roof’s history?

In addition to the age of the roof, pay attention to the number of repairs the roof has needed to this point. If the roof is relatively young but has needed several repairs, it could be an indication that the roofing material is low-quality or that it was installed improperly.

On the other hand, if the roof has been in use for over 10 years and has needed relatively few repairs to this point, it can be an indication of quality materials and installation. If that’s the case, it may be worth it to stretch the life of the roof with repairs instead of tearing it off and installing a completely new roof.

5. How healthy is the roof’s membrane?

The membrane is the roof’s most important defense against the elements. If the roof’s membrane is healthy, it has a healthy foundation. The more damaged the membrane, the higher the possibility of damage to the materials underneath. Extensive damage to the roof’s membrane may be a sign to consider replacement over repair.

6. How healthy is the insulation?

Wet insulation can lead to structural damage, a decrease in air quality (due to mold and bacteria), and can even decrease energy efficiency. If the insulation is wet, it’s an indication the damage has surpassed the roof’s membrane—and that’s bad news. As previously mentioned, if damage to the insulation and/or membrane is significant, a replacement may make more sense than a repair.

7. Where is the building located? And, how urgent is the repair?

If your building is located in a climate that experiences significant precipitation or extreme weather for certain parts of the year, this can have a huge effect on your decision to repair or replace. If the repair is urgent and the forecast predicts rain, snow, or extreme weather for the foreseeable future, a complete replacement would unnecessarily expose your building to the elements. You may have no choice but to go with the repair until the weather allows further evaluation.

8. What is the promise of the repair?

How much mileage can you expect from the repair? What are the odds you’ll need to perform another repair within the next few years? These things are affected by the extent of the damage as well as the history and age of the roof. If you’re just placing a metaphorical band-aid on a problem that will continue to occur, a complete roof replacement might make more sense.

Ultimately, the decision to repair or replace a roof can be a difficult one, based on many factors with a wide degree of variance. The smartest choice, when facing such a large decision, is to consult a roofing professional for an inspection.

If you want to learn more about how Maxwell can help guide you through the big decision of whether to repair or replace your roof, just click here to contact us.

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.

3 Ways Our Huntsville Team Prioritizes Service

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

For nearly 70 years, Maxwell Roofing has based our business on five core values: quality, teamwork, integrity, professionalism, and service. While many businesses create values only to set them aside to collect dust on the proverbial shelf, our team is constantly striving to find new ways to integrate them into our work every day.

3 Ways Our Huntsville Team Prioritizes Service in Every Project

For our team, service means facilitating relationships to understand client needs and provide an exceptional customer experience. We recently reached out to our Huntsville Service Account Manager, Brian Mecomber, to get his take on what it means for his team to prioritize service for our clients in Northern Alabama daily.

Here are a few specific ways Maxwell Roofing’s Huntsville team works to understand the needs of our clients and provide an exceptional experience through extraordinary service:

  • Rapid response time. Our team recognizes the importance of working quickly to install, repair, or conduct maintenance on all our roofing projects. We’re also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergency repairs. In addition to providing priority service through our MAXCare program, our Huntsville team has developed a triage system that allows us to rush to the most serious repairs first.
  • Industry-leading professionalism. The Maxwell Roofing team has more experience and expertise than many others in the commercial roofing industry. Each of our trained roof technicians is a full-time employee, which is something that you don’t often find within the industry.
  • Proactive and open communication about issues and repairs. 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. Our team provides detailed photo reports with our recommended solutions and quotes. We work to ensure you and your tenants know when an issue is fixed. We also work to proactively keep roof warranties intact and address any potential issues before a client’s warranty expires.

Having a local presence in Huntsville has given Maxwell Roofing the ability to build a proven track record of quality service. If you’re looking for a commercial roofing partner in the Northern Alabama area, we invite you to learn more about our services or read how we’ve partnered with businesses like yours.

How to Choose the Right Commercial Roofing Partner in Huntsville

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

No matter the location, when commercial roofing needs arise, customers want a commercial roofing partner that can provide cost-effective and full-service roofing solutions with a level of depth found in reporting, accessibility in the case of emergencies and leaks, as well as quality and reliable roof-management service. From construction to fabrication to service, Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. has a trusted reputation of being more than just a commercial roofing contractor. Additionally, with nearly 70 years of history and experience, the Maxell team takes responsibility seriously.

From a local business that originally served Middle Tennessee, Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. officially expanded to Northern Alabama in 2010. With the opening of a satellite office in Huntsville, Alabama, Maxwell’s team serves the commercial roofing demands of the Northern Alabama region and has a highly-regarded reputation in the region as an honest and capable commercial roofing and sheet metal contractor.

For those on the search for the best commercial roofing partner in and around Huntsville, Alabama, here’s a look at some of the unique factors within the North Alabama market, as well as key reasons to choose Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. over the competitors.

A Look at the Huntsville Commercial Roofing Market

What’s unique about the Huntsville commercial roofing market? Maxwell Roofing’s Service Account Manager for its Huntsville office says, “There are not a lot of commercial roofing companies in the Northern Alabama area that focus efforts on roof repair nor have service departments. Most of the companies that exist in the region just want to roof or re-roof.” This opens the door of opportunity, allowing Maxwell Roofing to shine, as the company is a full-service partner for the entire lives of their customers’ buildings. As opposed to being a “storm-chaser” roofing company that’s here today and gone tomorrow, Maxwell is a family-run business that trades on its reputation. As a market leader in quality, documentation, and customer service, the acclaimed Maxwell Roofing legacy remains strong in Huntsville and throughout the Mid-South.

Why Choose Maxwell Roofing?

When making the call on which commercial roofing company to partner with in and around Huntsville, Alabama, Mecomber says, “Maxwell’s attention to detail, competitive urgency, professionalism, and detailed reporting process are just a few of the differentiators that make the company stand apart in the Huntsville commercial roofing industry.” Additionally, every Maxwell Roofing team member is a full-time employee, which is something that you don’t often find within the industry. “Even more, Maxwell’s local presence and accessibility is something that means a lot to our customers,” affirms Mecomber. In other words, when you call Maxwell, you get a quick response, which is not always the standard in the commercial roofing business.

Perhaps atop the list of Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc.’s unique differentiators is MAXCare, coined as the most comprehensive roof management program in the industry. Maxwell customers across the Mid-South have affirmed that no other program provides property managers, maintenance supervisors, facility managers, and building owners with more value or a higher level of service, offering cost savings, education, and preventing future unexpected roofing surprises.

Curious to know more about how Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. stands out in the Huntsville and North Alabama commercial roofing market? Contact us today to connect with one of our Huntsville team members!

Beyond the Quote – How To Properly Vet A Professional Roofer

Posted on by John Maxwell

Unless you’ve spent significant time in the roofing business, it’s hard to tell if you’re talking to an honest, professional roofer that knows their stuff and is giving you objective recommendations. If you want to choose a roofer you’ll be satisfied with, you should know the signs that you’re working with a true pro.

Communication Breeds Trust

Trusting a roofer is difficult. Roof work can be costly, and most building management teams don’t call a roofer until they’ve got a significant problem on their hands. It’s easy to see how someone could take advantage of the situation, so it’s important to feel you’re spending your money wisely.

Trust begins with communication. Roofers that don’t have a professional website with contact information that’s easy to spot, that are slow to respond to calls and questions, or who do not provide detailed assessments of their findings both verbally and in writing should not make the final cut when choosing a partner. Prompt responses, detailed written assessments and proposals, and honest discussion are usually a good sign that you’ll feel confident working with that roofing team.

Professional Quote, Professional Roofer

Contractors that pop up on the roof then give you a verbal estimate and move on, or worse, demand instant payment up front are red flags. Any roofing company worth its salt will spend a lot of time on the roof to get a full picture of what’s going on with the system. They will likely meet with you right afterward to explain what they found, but they should always follow up with a written assessment and proposal.

That proposal should be professionally prepared and should be extremely detailed, including pictures of the damage and deterioration they found. The project manager or point person should then walk through the proposal line by line with building management so everyone understands the problems and the suggested remedies.

Repairs Deserve Detailed Reporting

Total roof replacements require detailed proposals, but so do many repairs. Anyone can tell you 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.

Expert roofers believe wholeheartedly in detail and are committed to helping building managers make informed choices. When called to inspect a roof, they will provide a leak investigation report that provides important details including the location of the damage/deterioration, the size, the proper way to fix it, and the price. Furthermore, expert roofers will also document the finished work with photographs for record keeping purposes.

No Service Standards? No Thanks

Great roofers care about customer service. They know that roof repairs and replacement are a hassle for building owners, and they take steps to make the process as smooth and as pleasant as possible. Their proposals should include service standards that ensure the project moves quickly and efficiently.

Roofers should be upfront about noise, construction vehicles, the need for and timing of HVAC system shut downs, and any potential fume issues that will arise during repairs or installation. They should also work closely with building managers to minimize these potential intrusions.

Unfortunately, the industry has some participants who are “here today and gone tomorrow”. In contrast, professional roofers who are committed to service and who have dedicated, knowledgeable staff rarely disappoint. They will be willing to share manufacturer authorizations, history of performance, and references from satisfied customers.

In Roofing, There Should Be Some Guarantees

You can never predict how foot traffic, construction or Mother Nature will impact a commercial roof, but great roofers will guarantee their permanent repair work for one year. Any roofer that does not provide a guarantee or warranty on their work should be avoided.

No business wants to have to fix something for free – especially something they already did – so companies that stand by their work put several levels of quality controls in place to ensure the job gets done right, the first time.

Choosing a commercial roofer can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with major leaks or damage that require immediate attention. Take the time to vet potential roofers, and pay close attention to the way they communicate with you and your team before you ever sign on the dotted line. When you know how to choose a roofer, you’ll be much happier with the end result.

Five Signs It’s Time To Call A Professional Roofer For Help

Posted on by John Maxwell

Commercial roofs are designed to last for decades, but there is no guarantee that any roof will live up to its full expectations. Anything can happen at any time, but most roofs will show signs of “wear and tear” long before they reach critical failure. Here are five signs that your roof is telling you to call in an expert commercial roofer for help.

Tears, Cracks, Blisters or Other Blemishes On The Membrane

 

Tears and holes in the roof membrane are obvious signs that the roof is in need of repair, however, blistering and other blemishes can be a sign that moisture is trapped within or beneath the membrane. That trapped water will eventually cause bigger problems if it is not dealt with quickly.

 

The Flashing Is Failing

 

Flashings are the materials that connect the roof membrane to adjacent walls, curbs, penetrations and other building components. Damage or tears in the flashing should be identified, repaired or replaced immediately, because water will enter the system through these defects. Sheet metal components that are embedded in the roof often have joints that can be sources of water entry into the roof system. These should be checked regularly.

 

The Insulation Has Gone Soft

 

When walking on the roof, it should feel sturdy and that feeling should be consistent at every step. If any portion of the roof feels “mushy”, it is a signal that the insulation has gotten wet. Waterlogged insulation indicates serious trouble and it leads to major issues in a roofing system. This situation can ultimately compromise the integrity of the roof deck if it is detected too late. Soft spots should be examined by a professional as soon as they are identified. Note that wet insulation might indicate problems with things other than the roof itself. For example, interior moisture can migrate into the roof insulation if a vapor retarder is not used when needed, or is damaged.

 

Water Stains On Inside Walls

 

Not all roof leaks lead to water dripping through a ceiling and splashing on the floor. Water can also seep through the building and make its way into internal walls and ceilings. If you notice water stains on ceilings or around doors, or if you see rust on metal in an exposed deck, it’s a good indication that there is a problem on the roof that needs attention.

 

It’s Raining Indoors

 

The most obvious sign that you need to call a commercial roofer is leaks. When water is dripping onto internal floors of the building, you’ve got a serious problem somewhere in the system, Leaks do not get better on their own – they only get worse.

Nobody likes thinking about repairing or replacing a roof, but your system will tell you when it needs a little bit of TLC. If you see any of these obvious and not-so-obvious signs of damage and decay, it’s time to call an expert for help.

The 6 Things A General Contractor Must Look For In A Commercial Roofing Contractor

Posted on by John Maxwell

During any job, general contractors (GCs) have made a commitment to the building owner or developer to complete the work according to specifications, on time and within budget. One of the challenges they may face in delivering on that commitment would be a failure-to-perform issue with one or more of the subcontractors hired to complete specific aspects of the job. If a subcontractor stops work for any reason, the project is threatened and the GC may face serious repercussions. A general contractor, therefore, should work with a proven, reliable commercial roofing contractor who has a history of doing quality work quickly and correctly the first time. Here are six criteria GCs should look for when hiring subcontractors.

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A Designer’s Essential Guide To Choosing A Reliable Commercial Roofing Contractor

Posted on by John Maxwell

Working with a new contractor on a roofing project can be a headache if you don’t choose your partners wisely. Designers have a lot to consider when trusting someone to turn their plans into a reality within their desired timeline and budget. Choosing the wrong roofer can lead to a drawn-out process that takes longer than you hoped and has you spending more than you agreed to. Or worse, choosing the wrong contractor often means ending up with a roofer that cannot execute your plans, resulting in a shoddy finished product. Here are 9 signs to look for to help you identify a reliable roofing contractor who will live up to your expectations.

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