Tag: budgeting/financing

Spending Your Budget Wisely: How to Prepare for Roofing Maintenance, Repairs, and Replacement

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

As custodians of public funds, it’s important that government agencies prioritize spending their budgets wisely. This is true whether it’s for funding public programs or maintaining public buildings. For many government workers, building maintenance can often become an afterthought, but putting off repairs can cause costly problems down the line.

We’ve pulled together a few basic guidelines for government agencies to use when planning their roofing budgets. 

Be proactive, not reactive.

Many agencies only get their roofs inspected when something is obviously wrong. This out-of-sight-out-of-mind approach can seem appealing. After all, why set aside money every month for building maintenance when you can take care of it later? Well, the problem with reactive management is that it can lead a roof to deteriorate faster or result in more expensive repairs over time. Being proactive with regular inspections and maintenance can help save money over time and prolong the life of a roof.

Track warranties.

Following roof construction, it’s important to keep track of warranties for all the different products that make up the roofing system. If the roof fails early, it is likely covered by one of the manufacturer’s warranties. A reliable roofing partner will be equipped to help handle refunds from manufacturer warranties. 

Don’t put off inspections.

Regular inspections are the first step towards creating a maintenance plan. It’s critical that roofs are inspected throughout the course of their lifetime to ensure that they are functioning properly. Between inspections, it’s also essential that facility managers remain proactive and inspect their roofs for problems. At the first sign of trouble, call in a professional.

Prioritize roof management.

Many government agencies are responsible for multiple buildings. Roof management programs, like Maxwell’s MAXCare®, can help facility managers track multiple buildings at once. These programs provide an easy way to monitor a roof’s condition, plan budgeting, and report on maintenance spending. 

Choose a reputable roofing partner.

The most critical budgeting tool for any government agency is a reliable roofing partner. Reputable roofers can help assist in the management of every step of the roofing process, from construction to maintenance to an eventual re-roof. Choosing a local roofing company with a reputation of quality and respect is the best way to ensure wise budgeting. 

If you’re ready to get started with roof budgeting, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is ready to help with all of your roofing needs.

A Lack of Maintenance Could Be Draining Your Budget: Here’s How to Fix It

Posted on by David Maxwell

Paying for commercial roof maintenance may seem like an unnecessary expense for some businesses, but it actually saves companies money over the life of the roof. Businesses that fail to maintain their roofs will experience more emergency repairs and sustain damage over time that can shorten the lifespan of their roof. By investing in routine, preventative maintenance, property managers can stave off major, costly repairs. 

For commercial building owners who have not kept up with maintenance, it can seem overwhelming to get started. Fortunately, starting a maintenance routine is simpler than it sounds. Here are a few steps to get started:

1. Get an inspection.

A commercial roof inspection is the first step in any maintenance routine. Inspections give qualified roofers a chance to look over the entire roof. They check for weak spots, moisture build up, cracks, and leaks. The inspection will help identify any problems that need immediate attention, and it will give the building owner an idea of what may need to be fixed down the line. With this information on hand, a roofer can then advise the facility manager on what needs to be done to keep the roof in good shape for the rest of its life. 

2. Fix the little things.

The main idea behind preventative maintenance is that building owners should make small repairs often in order to avoid major repairs down the line. Fixing a crack, for example, is a simple, cheap repair, but failing to make the repair could lead to moisture build-up that could damage the insulation or the roof deck, which would be a much more expensive endeavor. Following an inspection, building managers should get in order any small things that the roofer picked up on to prevent a major repair down the line.

3. Make a maintenance schedule.

Once all of the small repairs are taken care of, building owners should make a plan to continue maintenance. The schedule will depend on the type of roof, its age, and its condition. The schedule will serve as the basic outline for continued building maintenance and help building owners save money over time.

4. Get on a management plan.

For companies that own multiple buildings, it may make sense to get on a full-service roof management plan. These plans allow building managers to monitor the status of their roofs all in one online portal. It also helps schedule inspections, provides budgeting tools, and gives clients priority access for routine repair scheduling.

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

A Commercial Roof Budgeting Checklist for Business Owners

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Few business owners start their company with a deep knowledge about commercial buildings. This can leave them full of questions, like “How do business owners budget for a commercial roof?”

Since commercial roof budgeting can be an overwhelming process—not only for construction but also for ongoing maintenance—we put together this brief checklist for how business owners can plan ahead to pay for their roofing maintenance costs.

1. Get regular roofing inspections from a reputable company.

The first step in maintaining and budgeting for commercial roof maintenance is to find a roofing company to evaluate the roof’s condition. While facility managers are capable of performing a basic survey of a roof, it takes a real professional to identify a problem that may require a roof repair or a roof recovery. Getting regular inspections several times a year can help building owners plan for upcoming repairs and set aside money in the budget.

2. Prioritize commercial roof maintenance.

Commercial roof maintenance, over time, is significantly cheaper than a commercial roof replacement. Maintenance prevents small repairs from becoming major, expensive problems. Regular maintenance also ensures that a roof installation lasts its entire expected life. This helps building owners better plan their budgets and gives them years to save for the eventual replacement costs of the roof.

3. Choose a durable material for the roof.

Certain types of roofing materials last longer and require less maintenance than others. Choosing materials like built-up roofing or a PVC roof typically last longer with fewer repairs. Consult with your roofing contractor to discuss the best materials for your project and budget.

4. Subscribe to a roof management plan.

Some companies within the roofing industry offer long-term roof management plans, like Maxwell’s MAXCare®. MAXCare® offers a customized maintenance plan for each building within a company’s portfolio. The plan also has budget planning tools for business owners to prepare for major expenses.

5. Hang on to your warranties.

Most roofing products come with a manufacturer’s warranty. If there is a defect in the product, a manufacturer is required to replace it, unless it was installed incorrectly or not properly maintained. A reputable roofing contractor will install everything correctly, maintain it, and assist in fulfilling the warranty in the event that something goes wrong. If your roofer cannot do any of these things, it could cost your business in the long run. 

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

How Facility Managers Can Best Utilize the Commercial Roofing Budget

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

One of the biggest questions for building owners and management companies is how facility managers can best utilize a commercial roofing budget. Though it may seem counterintuitive, the goal for facility managers should not always be to spend the least amount of money but to get the best value through smart investments. 

Here are our best tips for facility managers and commercial roofing budgets:

Prevent Costly Maintenance with Proactive Inspections

In facilities management, the goal is always to prevent costly repairs and prolong the life of a commercial building. For a commercial roof, the best way to extend its life is through regular inspections by a qualified roofing contractor. Inspections help uncover small problems with a roof, so that they can be repaired inexpensively preventing more expensive maintenance down the road.

Invest in Energy Efficiency

Saving money on energy costs is a great way to create more room in the facilities budget. Simple, inexpensive roofing investments can go a long way in improving energy efficiency. Commercial building owners can convert their existing roof to a cool roof by installing a white thermoplastic membrane roof. Contractors can also build efficiency into new roofing projects with extra insulation or even solar panels. 

Choose Value Over Cost

Roof cost is just one element that facility managers should consider when choosing a roofing contractor. Facility managers should also consider the average cost of maintenance and repairs for the life of the roof. Certain types of roofs may be inexpensive up front, but they will cost more to take care of and may not last as long. The same is true with investing in a quality roofing contractor rather than a budget contractor. It may cost more up front to hire a reputable roofer, but the roof will likely last longer, saving money in the budget over time.

Beef Up Your Roofing Analysis

Oncoming roofing problems are now easier to predict than in the past. Roofing inspectors can use tools like drones and infrared cameras to detect building roofing leaks or other problems. Using targeted roofing analysis is generally inexpensive and can give facility managers the ability to plan their budgets and prevent repairs down the line. 

Bundle Costs to Save

One of the best ways to save money over time in a roofing budget is to bundle roof management together through a management program. These programs, like MAXCare® by Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., give facility managers detailed maintenance schedules for all their buildings and automatically track inspections and maintenance. The programs help companies save money by tracking problems and generating reports, saving facility managers time and money.

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

Quality vs. Price: How General Contractors Can Choose the Best Commercial Roof Value

Posted on by David Maxwell

A commercial roof is often one of the largest investments in any construction project. The high cost of a roof can make cutting corners seem tempting, but any good general contractor knows just how important a leak-free roof will be going forward. 

The bottom line with commercial roofs is that you get what you pay for. This makes selecting a company to construct a commercial roof a balancing act, weighing price versus quality. The starting point for any general contractor looking for a good commercial roof value is to get roof estimates from local companies. Any reputable roof company can provide an accurate roof estimate that will include costs, crew size, and the amount of time it will take to complete the project. 

When comparing the roof estimates there are a few things to consider about pricing. There are also a couple things to think about when trying to assess the value of a proposal.

Things that you don’t want to skimp on:

1. Experience and Reputation

Always choose a reputable company for your commercial roof. These companies may cost a bit more, but they will ensure that you don’t wind up with a defective roof later on. Experienced roofers pay more attention to detail, can better troubleshoot problems, and work more quickly and efficiently. It’s worth it to pay for a company that will do the work right in order to prevent other costly problems later on.

2. Insurance

Liability insurance is expensive for roofing companies, but the money saved by using an uninsured company is not worth the risk that it poses. Roofing accidents happen to even the most experienced of roofers, and without insurance, those incidents can cost your company big time. Not only does liability insurance prevent costly lawsuits, it also makes sure employees are treated well in case of an accident. Choosing an insured company is simply the right thing to do.

3. Materials

Subpar materials will lead to a subpar roof. No matter what type of roof you choose for your commercial building, make sure it is built with long-lasting materials. Choosing quality materials will help your roof last longer and prevent costly damage down the line.

4. Future Maintenance

When budgeting for a new commercial roof, it’s important to look beyond the immediate construction costs. Maintaining a roof is just important to its longevity as good construction. Set aside some money for future maintenance and be aware of the costs of maintaining whatever type of roof you choose.

Where you can save money:

1. Roof Type

Roof costs can vary quite a bit per square foot, depending on the type of roof you choose. There are plenty of practical considerations for what type of roof is best for your building, but you can save some money by choosing something that may be less aesthetically pleasing. Even if you choose a type of roof that’s easier on your budget, the roofers can still use quality materials to build it.

2. Long-Term Budgeting and Bundling

A commercial roof is a long-term investment. Instead of thinking about roof value in terms of the up-front construction costs, companies should consider the long-term costs. Many companies offer plans for roof management that allow companies to save money over the life of their roof. These plans, like Maxwell’s MAXCare®, offer discounts on repairs and allow for long-term budgeting on maintenance and inspections.

If you’re ready to choose a commercial roofing company that will offer you the best value and a commitment to quality and timely work, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is experienced and ready to help.

5 Tips for Commercial Roof Budgeting During COVID-19

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

As companies evaluate their budgets amid the COVID-19 pandemic, one thing is clear: priorities have changed. You’re focused on changing business operations, health and safety regulations, and your employees’ and customers’ immediate needs. Throughout these constant changes, it may not feel like the year to invest in your commercial roof. However, continuing to invest in quality materials and consistent roof maintenance can prevent costly repairs down the road and improve the integrity of your building. 

To help you make room in your commercial roofing budget during COVID-19, here are a few things to consider. 

5 Commercial Roof Budgeting Tips 

1. Opt for a modified service.

If your current roofing services no longer fit your needs or are outside of your budget, consult with your commercial roofing partner to discuss new options. At Maxwell Roofing, for example, we saw a need for a new monitoring service that was flexible enough to mold to changing business operations.

Through Maxwell Monitors, we monitor your building so that you aren’t left to deal with surprise damages or repairs. Whether your building is currently unoccupied or it’s business as usual, there is a service plan to ensure that you have the help you need to maintain your facilities.

2. Talk with your roofing contractor about your budget.

The best commercial roofing contractors have your best interests in mind. If your budget is changing, your contractor can talk you through other possible options based on what your roof needs and how much your business can afford. Your roofing contractor is your partner, and as such, they succeed when you are satisfied with your service and your budget.

3. Focus heavily on inspections and maintenance.

Frequent roof inspections and maintenance are two areas that can reduce your budget significantly. By identifying potential issues and maintaining your roof, you are extending the lifespan of your roofing investment, saving you time and money. Your roofing contractor can help you set a maintenance schedule that works for your business.

4. Invest in quality materials and craftsmanship.

Quality materials and craftsmanship will both go a long way toward building a roof that will withstand the test of time. Investing in these things upfront will prevent untimely repairs and premature roof replacement, improving your budget for the long-term.

5. Work with a contractor that can streamline your project without sacrificing quality.

Contractors who have been in the commercial roofing industry for decades have fine-tuned their processes. Their teams are trained and prepared, they’ve seen every project and material type, and some even craft their materials in house. Partner with a roofing contractor with years of experience who can thoughtfully design your project and timeline, saving you money by not cutting corners and streamlining their processes. 

Contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today to learn how we can help you adjust your commercial roofing services amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

5 Money-Saving Tips for Commercial Roofing

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Constructing a new commercial roof or replacing an old one can be a huge expense for a business. While there’s no way to avoid the necessity of some roof-related costs, there are some ways to save money throughout the roofing process.

Here are a few ways to save money on your commercial building’s next roofing project:

Recover Instead of Replace

When a roof has reached the end of its life, it may not need a total replacement. If a roof’s deck and insulation are still in good shape, then you may be able to install a new roof over the top. This is known as a roof recover system, and it saves material costs and a significant amount of labor.

Investment in Good Materials and Craftsmanship

It may seem tempting to just contract the cheapest roofer to install the most inexpensive roof, but this can end up costing more money in the long run when the roof doesn’t last. Commercial roofing systems are designed to last decades if they are installed properly. However, a shoddy roofing job will likely need to be replaced long before that. Investing some upfront money in a job well done will save costs in the long run.

Don’t Neglect Maintenance

Even a perfectly constructed roof will need maintenance over its lifetime. Getting regular inspections and incremental repairs can prevent costly catastrophic damage. The best way to save money on roofing is to make a commercial roof last as long as possible without a major repair.

Track Warranties

Nearly every product on a roof comes with a manufacturer’s warranty, but these can be tricky to keep track of. Good roofing companies are familiar with possible defects in roof materials and know how to help their customers get their money back when something goes wrong.

Get a Budget Plan

Long-term budget planning can prevent companies from being forced to take out a loan for emergency repairs or replacement. Many roof maintenance plans offer budget planning and forecasting so companies can adequately prepare.

Your Cost-Savings Roofing Partner

Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. is always looking for ways to help our customers save money. Contact us today for a consultation. Our team is highly experienced and equipped to provide you with a variety of solutions.

Commercial Roofing Financing Tips

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Buying a new commercial roof or repairing an existing one can bring daunting expenses for any company. However, facility managers in need of a new roof or costly repairs can’t always wait around for money to appear in the budget. Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. understands how challenging it can be to pay for a commercial roof, so we developed a few tips for preparing your company’s budget for different types of roofing needs.

Before we get into the best ways to pay for a new commercial roof or roof repair, it’s important to note that the best way to avoid costly repairs is through regular roof maintenance. Also, for tips on how to plan for routine repairs, check out our blog on how to budget with your commercial roof in mind.

If it’s too late to save your roof, or if you’re constructing a new building, there are many low-cost financing options to help pay for a new commercial roof or fund an unexpected repair. Here’s how financing can help support the big expense.

How Financing Your Roof Can Help Your Business

Financing is usually more of a necessity than a choice, but there are a number of ways financing a roof can benefit a business.

  1. Maintain Cash Flow—Instead of dedicating a huge chunk of an operational budget to a roof, financing can defray many of those initial costs and give facility managers more flexibility in the budget.
  2. Facilitate Budget Planning—Financing breaks down the entire cost of a commercial roof into simple monthly payments. These payments are predictable, enabling facility managers to factor them in well into the future.
  3. Upgrade Your Roof—Financing a commercial roofing project or repair gives companies the option of buying something better than they could otherwise afford. Upgrading to a higher quality roof could save money down the line in repairs and maintenance.
  4. Get What You Need Now—Financing helps companies get the roof or repair they need immediately rather than waiting for funds to become available. With financing, businesses get an immediate return on investment even before the roof is paid off.
  5. Get a Tax Deduction—In many cases, interest on loans can be written off as a business expense, lowering your taxes.

While financing a commercial roofing project can provide many benefits to a business, there are some cons. Here are the negatives to taking out a loan to pay for a roof:

  1. Down Payment—Many commercial roof loans require that the company come up with some sort of down payment. While this money will only be a fraction of the total cost of the roof or repair, it can still be a significant expense.
  2. Interest Payments—Like any business loan, financing a commercial roof will require the company to pay interest on the loan, making the project more expensive overall.
  3. Eliminates Early Payment Discounts—Financing may make a roof project ineligible for an early payment discount with some roofing companies.

How to Finance a Commercial Roof

Once you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided to finance your roof project, it’s time to consider different types of financing. Here are just a few of the options:

  1. Financing through PACE—Some roofing projects may be eligible for financing through a property-assessed clean energy program, or PACE. PACE loans give commercial and residential building owners low monthly payments and options to defer payments on projects that improve building efficiency or add storm damage protection. These programs vary from state to state and may not be available to every customer.
  2. Bank Financing—The most common form of roof financing is through a bank or qualified lender. This type of financing is credit-based, and interest rates will differ from customer to customer.

Once you have financing secured, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. to get started on your commercial roof.

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.

Building a Capital Budget: How to Plan for Today and Tomorrow

Posted on by John Maxwell

When a roof fails, most building owners and property managers find themselves scrambling to scrape together tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars that were not allocated in the capital budget. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a way to proactively plan for this? The good news: You can. Building owners can build a better capital budget that eliminates roof failure anxiety.

The Key To A Better Capital Budget For Roofing

Regular roof inspections are critical when trying to predict future expenditures. However, many people prefer not to think about their roof until a problem arises. The fact is, even a brand new roof is subject to damages or defects. The best and most effective way to keep a handle on the lifespan of a roof and to manage minor problems before they become major (and expensive) issues is to conduct regular inspections of your roof.

These regular inspections alleviate the budgeting process by keeping an eye on the horizon. If the roof is given a life expectancy of three years, for example, the planning team can begin to move money around early so that the budget is in order and the funds are available by the time a replacement is needed.

Building A Roofing Safety Net

Most roofs fail prematurely due to damage. That damage may be caused by weather events, but in actuality, it is most often caused by people. This is especially true of buildings that allow tenants to use the roof as recreation space and buildings with a great deal of heavy equipment on the roof. The more activity that happens on the roof surface, the higher risk there is for damage.

When building out a capital budget, teams should include line items for repairs and incidentals on the roof, especially if the roof experiences high traffic. A good rule of thumb is to budget around $750 for a simple repair. Some repairs will cost a little less, others will cost far more. $750 is a round number that the budget committee can work with, as long as the estimated number of repairs can be justified. This may require digging into data and past records and estimating the amount of traffic expected on the roof in a given year.

The Bad Budgeting Ripple Effect

Failing to budget for roofing expenses can have even bigger consequences on the bottom line for building owners than just the cost of a new roof. Building owners and property managers are not the only ones affected by leaks. Tenants in residential, office and mixed-used buildings often pay a premium for top-floor space, and when the roof leaks, they expect it to be fixed, and fixed properly. Patches and repairs can alleviate water leaks in one section of the roof but does not prevent them from popping up elsewhere. If the space is no longer deemed adequate, tenants may decide to relocate elsewhere.

Mold and mildew accumulation from leaks can also leave employers and building owners open to lawsuits from tenants who can show that exposure has caused or exacerbated medical issues. The health and safety of those who use the building are of extreme importance, and neglecting roof maintenance and repair can have a significant impact on a building owner’s finances and public image.

Planning For The Future

A few commercial roofs are designed to be run-to-fail, but not most. Knowledge is power when it comes to building a better capital budget—and a trusted partner can help. Their experience working with a variety of roofing materials and on buildings of comparable size and structure allows them to provide accurate information and keen insight into the longevity of your roof.

The information uncovered in regular inspections helps mitigate any small issues in the present and proactively plan for events in the future, ultimately allowing building owners to predict when they will require a full roof replacement.