Tag: fall

5 Steps to Prepare Your Roof for Fall and Winter

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

The changing of the seasons is a prime time for roofing problems to begin or worsen, but there are a few simple steps you can take to prepare your roof for the temperature and weather change that accompany fall and winter. By taking these precautionary steps, you can winterize your roof and avoid some of the damage that can result during the colder months.   

1. Landscape in early fall.

Overhanging branches and overgrown trees are always something to be aware of when you’re assessing possible damage to your roof. That’s especially the case during the autumn months. Before temperatures drop too much, take the time to trim vegetation and remove any problematic trees before they begin dropping leaves, branches, or other debris. Anything you can avoid hitting your roof will help extend the life of your commercial roof.

2. Clean your roof.

During the fall, leaves, sticks, and even nesting materials can collect on a roof or in gutters and drains. While this might seem like just a minor nuisance, debris can damage a roof if left for too long. Leaves and sticks can block drains and allow moisture to pool on the roof. In the winter, this pooled water can freeze, causing damage. The end of fall is the ideal time for a roof cleaning in order to prepare for winter. When you’re cleaning your commercial roof or having your roof cleaned, check for debris and low-lying areas where water could collect. Both of these issues should be addressed before winter. 

3. Get a roof inspection.

As the weather gets colder, it’s critical that a commercial roof operates at peak performance. Missing a leak and winding up with wet insulation could be a disaster in cold weather. Getting a roof inspection is the best way to identify any small problems that could worsen as the seasons change.  

4. Finish repairs before winter set in.

Winter is not the best time for repairs. Snow and ice can create hazardous conditions for both the building owner and the workers. If your building has tenants living in it, they likely spend more time indoors in the winter and could be inconvenienced by leaks. Following your fall inspection, it’s best to get any repairs done as soon as possible before winter sets in.

5. Plan your winter maintenance. 

If snow is common where your building is located, it’s important to schedule a maintenance visit before your locale experiences snowfall. Choose a company familiar with commercial roofing to assess the condition of your roof before the winter. Ideally, photos of the roof in good condition could be taken to help support any insurance claims that might later result from storm damage. Scheduling a maintenance visit is a good idea to know your roof’s current health before the storms, high winds, hair, or other winter hazards.

If you’re ready to prepare your roof for fall and winter, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal today. Our team is ready to help.

A Seasonal Guide to Commercial Roofing Maintenance

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

If you’re familiar with Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., you’ll know that we make preventative maintenance and repairs a priority for our commercial roofing customers. We support our customers with tools, such as MAXCare® and provide a comprehensive set of solutions that help them to get the maximum lifespan out of their roofing investment. In addition, it’s important to us that we help educate our customers, so that they feel well-equipped and confident to keep their commercial roofs lasting longer. So, no matter the time of year, here’s what you should know about preventative maintenance during every season.

Winter

Your commercial roof will be vulnerable after ice and snow storms during the winter months, with a chance of hail damage at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Though it may seem as though your roof was not damaged during a storm, it is essential that you have it inspected. The roof may have sustained damage that you cannot see at first glance. For instance, with hail damage, although the hail did not penetrate the roof, it can cause spider cracking and lead to further damage down the line. Proactive repairs can prevent this issue.

Resources to check out: 

Spring 

Hail could still present issues in the spring months, but your biggest concerns will be heavy rains and high winds. In Nashville, Tennessee, we saw both a tornado and a derecho in 2020. Though these instances can be rare, it’s always a good idea to have someone do a visual inspection to ensure that no storm damage has occurred. As the rains are typically heavy during these months, you should also consider that your drains should be free of debris so that any water can make its way off the roof easily.

Resources to check out: 

Summer

Though you can expect some thunderstorms that may cause damage, summer is often the time that businesses take advantage of the calm weather to start new projects. It is hot and humid; however, the summer is when you have the most time to make the proper repairs without major interruptions—such as it being too cold in the winter or too rainy in spring. This time is especially important, considering that some roofing products must be a certain temperature before they are effective, eliminating the possibility for some projects in the winter. This is also a great time to make sure that your building is well-insulated and that the reflective quality and roof are clean to optimize energy-savings. 

Resources to check out: 

Fall

In the fall, you’ll want to be vigilant about cleaning your gutters and drains, so that they are free of fallen leaves and other debris. This maintenance step keeps your drainage flowing and can prevent pooling water and leaks. You will also need to be aware of any repairs that need to be made, preparing your roof to be water-tight before you head into winter.

Resources to check out: 

Is Your Commercial Roof on a Maintenance Schedule?

Our team is experienced and ready to help. We offer a comprehensive set of roofing services, as well as MAXCare® to help you stay on top of maintenance and Maxwell Monitors to help you monitor the state of your roof if you don’t have the capacity. The more damage we can prevent, the longer your roof lasts, and you can keep your building and its people safe. If you’re ready to get started, contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! 

Why Keeping Commercial Roof Gutters and Drains Clean in the Fall is a Must

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Homeowners know that gutter cleaning is an essential part of their home maintenance routine. Not only is it crucial to uphold the integrity of the roof, but it prevents you from spending your hard-earned money on a roof years before you were ready. The same idea applies to your commercial roof. 

If you’re a building owner or facility manager, do you ever find yourself pushing roof maintenance to the bottom of your list? After all, you have lists upon lists of tasks that need your attention. You may think, “What’s another day?” But, in reality, another day could be the tipping point between a healthy, stable roofing system and an unsafe building that needs costly roof repairs. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of keeping commercial roof gutters and drains clean this fall. 

A Roof’s Gutters and Drains Keep Water from Ponding

Of course, your gutters and drain system catch the water that flows off of your roof. However, the bigger question is: where does the water flow when your gutters and drains are clogged? When gutters and drains are not cleaned regularly, leaves and other debris can hang around, decompose, and create mold and mildew issues. This debris clogs your gutters and drains in a way that doesn’t allow water to flow through the correct channels, ultimately trapping moisture on your roof and creating serious issues if left unchecked. 

Your commercial roof is very susceptible to standing water, or “ponding” water, which can get heavy quickly. One square foot of water, standing one inch deep, weighs more than five pounds. Ponding water can not only cause buckling issues—or even a collapsed roof in extreme cases—but it can also attract insects and mold. 

Damp Leaves, Debris, and Water Will Freeze When the Temperature Drops

Roof debris may seem like a minor issue, especially in the warmer months. However, anticipating season changes is a crucial element of ongoing roof management. A wet pile of leaves can quickly become a frozen drain blockage during the winter. Not only that, but pooling water can seep into a roof’s crevices and then freeze and expand, causing potential leaks. 

Routine Inspections and Maintenance Extend the Lifespan of Your Roof

Your roof’s lifespan can be extended by years with a routine inspection and maintenance schedule. Your roofing partner can ensure that your gutters and drains are clear, while also inspecting your overall roof’s health and identifying potential issues moving forward. 

When your roofing team is cleaning debris, they can also examine the gutter and drain systems for clogs and wear and tear. In addition, they will also water-test drains and gutters to ensure that water can escape properly. Keep in mind that not just any maintenance worker or facility manager can do this kind of detailed inspection accurately and safely. It’s vital to call in a professional at least a few times a year to ensure everything is working properly.

If you’re ready to extend the lifespan of your commercial roofing system, don’t hesitate to contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today. Our team is equipped and ready to help!

A Fall Checklist for Commercial Roofs

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Fall is often a welcomed season by all, as the summer heat can leave us anxious for cooler weather—not to mention the changing leaves and all things pumpkin. But, no matter the season, preparations must be made—especially when it comes to roofing. For commercial roofs, having a service and maintenance checklist for fall is just as important as it is for winter and summer.

So, as we enter the fall season with its changing temperatures and weather, here’s our team’s list of commercial roofing maintenance must-dos.

If you have a low-slope commercial roof…

1. Inspect areas around HVAC units.

Low-slope commercial roofs are often helpful for keeping HVAC units off the ground and out of sight. However, heavy equipment atop a flat roof can cause breakage in the roofing membrane and lead to leaks or moisture infraction. Thus, inspecting these areas is highly recommended each season.

2. Check for organic debris build-up.

Low-slope commercial roofs can be prone to organic debris build up in gutters, around roof drains, or any other drainage points. If organic debris is not removed from the roof system, it can be the cause of water infiltration into the building. Draining points need to stay clear of debris to promote positive drainage and allow water to clear off the roof, rather than building up and backing into the building. Preventative maintenance calls are great to visually inspect the roof and remove such debris from the system.

3. Monitor roofing around skylights or diffusers.

Many low-slope commercial roofs have rooftop penetrations like skylights and diffusers that allow for more natural light and balanced ventilation in large facilities. If your building has these fixtures, be sure to monitor any flashings or seals around them to ensure there are no leaks or potential damage.

4. Review any high-traffic areas.

As many flat or low-slope commercial roofs are friendly for walking—and some can even have rooftop bars or decks—it’s important to monitor any high-traffic areas to make sure there are no cracks, deterioration, or compromised areas. 

If you have a sloped commercial roof…

1. Carefully assess roofing materials.

Depending on the material used for sloped commercial roofs—including asphalt, metal, shingles, or tiles—it’s important to assess your commercial roofing materials for any erosion or damage. If shingles or tiles are used, look for any that might be missing from heavy winds. You’ll also want to be on the lookout for any damaged or corroded panels on metal roofing.

2. Inspect any seams or flashing.

Sloped commercial roofing will obviously have seams and flashing. As these areas can be a magnet for where water will make its way to gutters, it’s imperative to inspect seams regularly to ensure they’re working properly and are leak-free.

3. Investigate the roof deck.

Almost all sloped commercial roofs will have a roof deck underneath the roofing materials, and this is essential to be inspected on an ongoing basis. Issues with the roof deck can lead to rusty support beams, interior mold and mildew, and even water drips during rainy weather.

4. Examine inside areas close to the roof.

Especially with a sloped roof, it’s essential to carefully examine the interior areas where your roof is sloped to ensure there are no cracks, leaks, or issues that can allow moisture to make its way inside. Pay careful attention to potential water spots, wet insulation, or damaged ventilation.

Don’t Fall Victim to Roofing Woes

Is your commercial roof in need of a fall check-up? Our team of professionals at Maxwell Roofing is here for you! Contact us today to schedule a roofing assessment or inspection.