Tag: property managers

Why Property Managers Choose Maxwell Monitors

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Juggling the needs of multiple properties is one of the biggest challenges for property managers. Since every building is different with its own maintenance requirements, just keeping up with the status quo can become an all-consuming part of the job. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic appeared, we at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. saw many of our customers struggle to keep up with the changing needs of their businesses and buildings. Thus, we created Maxwell Monitors to help property managers with their routine building needs, so they could focus their attention on the business.

Even with the pandemic winding down, property managers are still choosing Maxwell Monitors to help lessen their loads. Here are just a few of the things Maxwell Monitors can help property managers accomplish:

1. Keep track of unoccupied buildings.

The pandemic shifted building use all over the country, and many office buildings still remain unoccupied. But, even a building without people requires maintenance and monitoring in case of an emergency. With Maxwell Monitors, property managers can get regular status updates on their unoccupied buildings to ensure that they are in great shape for an eventual return to business.

2. Oversee the health of high-use buildings.

For buildings under constant use—like apartments or manufacturing facilities—it can be difficult and time consuming for property managers to coordinate maintenance and repairs. With Maxwell Monitors, we can take over the routine, time-consuming tasks that are needed to keep high-use buildings healthy and in working condition.

3. Easily survey multiple buildings.

Trying to keep up with maintenance on multiple buildings at once can become a full-time job for a property manager. Maxwell Monitors can track each building in a portfolio and deliver easy-to-understand reports on the condition of each one. Maxwell Monitors makes it easy to keep track of every building in a portfolio. 

4. Prevent costly damage.

Early detection of a building problem is crucial for effective and budget-friendly building repairs. The sooner an issue is identified, the less likely it is to become a major, costly repair. Regular surveys by Maxwell Monitors help identify maintenance issues quickly and fix them before they cause expensive damage. 

5. Free up time to manage your core business.

By passing on routine tasks to Maxwell Monitors, property managers are able to put their focus on developing their business and increasing revenue. In the long-term, Maxwell Monitors can help businesses save money and open new revenue streams. 

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

Roof Maintenance vs. Roof Management—What Building Owners Should Know

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Every building owner knows that maintenance is crucial for protecting their investment. Buildings naturally deteriorate over time and need regular care in order to last their expected lifespan. 

Some parts of a building, like a commercial roof, are complex and need a more proactive approach, rather than reactive maintenance, for their care. This is why so many building owners today are turning to roof management programs, like Maxwell Roofing’s MAXCare®, to prolong the life of their roof. Here is a little bit about the difference between roof maintenance and management. 

Roof Maintenance vs. Roof Management

1. Roof management is proactive rather than reactive.

Many building owners assume that properly maintaining their roof amounts to fixing problems as they arise. This reactive approach to maintenance will help protect a roof from the most serious damage, but it isn’t enough to prolong the life of a roof. A roof management program involves a clear schedule for maintenance and inspections to prevent large maintenance work or repairs before it’s even needed.

2. Roof management creates a holistic approach to roofing.

Many roofing companies look at construction, design, repair, and budgeting for commercial roofs separately. While these stages in a roofing project are all different, none of them exist in a vacuum. Every part of roofing and every stage of a roof’s life impacts the entire project. Roof management programs like MAXCare® track everything related to the roof together to create an individualized plan that accounts for the unique attributes of every roof.

3. Roof management provides clear documentation.   

MAXCare® includes industry-leading documentation and reporting in its services. This means that, every time, there is an inspection or a repair that it is clearly documented and properly billed. Documenting sporadic maintenance is not as easy and can raise questions for investors or on taxes. Roof management helps building owners keep everything in one place for easy access when filing financial reports. 

4. Roof management helps with planning for the future.

Occasional and unplanned maintenance creates a lot of room for surprise expenses. With a roof management program, building owners always know the condition of their roof, which allows them to plan and forecast their budget in the long term. This helps building owners save money throughout the life of their roofs and set aside money for upcoming expenses. 

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

5 Commercial Roofing Preventative Maintenance Tips for Property Managers

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

While commercial roofs are often a huge investment, they are an often neglected part of a building. Roofing issues are not always obvious to those who occupy a building, which can result in the roof being overlooked for ongoing maintenance and repairs. 

However, property managers who make preventative roof maintenance a regular part of their schedules will see benefits for their buildings over the long-term. Here are our best tips for easy preventative roof maintenance for property managers:

5 Tips for Preventative Roof Maintenance for Property Managers

1. Get regular professional inspections.

Of all our tips, this one might be the most important. Roof maintenance is a job for a team, not just the property manager. Every property should have a dedicated roofing company to perform regular inspections and uncover hidden problems. Professional roofers have tools like infrared imaging cameras and drones that can detect damage unseen by the naked eye. They also have the experience to know what kind of maintenance a roof needs and when it needs it.

2. Keep an eye out for open points on the roof, where water can infiltrate the system.

Moisture is the single biggest troublemaker for commercial roofs. Water that gets under the roof’s waterproof membrane can cause leaks or even damage the structural integrity of the building. The best way to prevent one of these disasters is for property managers to have the roof regularly checked for moisture. Equipment, such as HVAC units, along with rooftop penetrations, like skylights, can allow for water infiltration if not properly sealed, so these areas should also be inspected regularly to make sure no moisture is gathering and causing issues.

3. Monitor who can access the roof.

Unless they are specially reinforced, commercial roofs are not built to be walked on. Allowing workers, tenants, or employees regular access to the roof can cause unseen damage. While there are times that a property manager or a work crew will need rooftop access, that access should be carefully managed. Property managers should not allow people on the rooftop without permission for each instance.

4. Don’t underestimate the importance of cleaning.

Roofs may not need to look nice for anyone, but allowing them to get too dirty can lead to maintenance problems. Dirt, water, and grime can build up and cause damage to a roof. Build-up on a roof also makes it difficult to spot deficiencies and make proper repairs. Debris from trees or other things following a storm can also block drains or puncture holes in the roof if left alone. 

5. Plan for seasonal shifts.

Roofs are exposed to the elements all day, every day and need to be prepped for shifts in the seasons. Before a possible freeze, property managers need to clear commercial roofs of water to prevent ice from forming and blocking drains or warping the roof membrane. Property managers should also check drainage points before seasonal rainfalls begin.

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

Top Rooftop Preventative Maintenance Questions for Building Owners

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

All building owners know that commercial roof preventative maintenance is important for preventing roof problems, but getting started with roofing maintenance can be confusing for many. There are a few important rooftop preventative maintenance questions for building owners to ask their roofing contractor early on in their relationship. 

These questions are designed to help building owners learn the basics of maintaining their roofs, and the answers will vary based on the building’s roof system.

1. What is the expected service life of my roof?

Each type of commercial roof has an expected lifespan range based on certain building factors and the climate. The goal of any building owner is for their roof to last for its anticipated lifespan. While weather events can sometimes cause roof leaks that need emergency repairs and impact the lifespan of a roof, the best indicator is how well a roof is maintained and cared for over the long-term.

2. How often does my roof need maintenance?

Every type of commercial roof will need to undergo regular inspections and routine repairs. During a roof inspection, a roofing contractor will perform a survey for roof damage. After the inspection, they may need to repair the roof or schedule routine maintenance like refreshing sealants or reinforcing weak parts of the roof. These inspections will prevent damage to the roof over time and help the roof last for its expected service life.

3. What are the specific risks to my roof?

Every building engineer works to reduce weaknesses in a building, but there are always risks with certain types of structures. Roofs are vulnerable to damage from moisture, debris, and weight exerted on the roof. HVAC systems are often put on commercial buildings, and the areas surrounding HVAC units can be at risk of moisture pooling. Rooftop penetrations, like vents or skylights for energy efficiency, can also present risks to a roof’s waterproofing. Knowing where a roof is vulnerable gives building owners a chance to give those areas extra attention.

4. What can my property manager do?

Commercial building owners almost always have someone who handles their facility management, and it can be tempting to simply delegate roof maintenance to this department. But, while many facility managers can handle simple roof inspections and some maintenance, a roofing contractor should always be involved in the long-term maintenance plan.

5. Who can I call in an emergency?

Many roofing contractors have a service department that helps customers during a roofing emergency. Building owners should check with their contractors to see if they offer this service. All building owners need a plan and a company they can trust in the event of a leak or some other type of roofing emergency.

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

Why a Quality Roof is Crucial to a Successful Commercial Investment Property

Posted on by Kathleen Maxwell

Commercial real estate investors are always on the lookout for ways to get the best return on investment. Though any investment property will require a certain amount of improvements or repairs, the most successful investors know where to put their money for the most long-lasting and effective changes.

Maintaining a healthy budget for a quality commercial roof is one of the most important investment strategies that a commercial building owner can make. The best commercial roofs don’t just add value to a building, they also save money over time. 

A High-Quality Roof Makes for a High-Quality Building

A commercial building is only as good as its roof. Commercial roofs house important equipment like vents and HVAC units, they provide critical weather protection, and they also maintain the structural integrity of the entire building. Commercial buildings rely on a good roof to function, and a quality roof is an important investment for the general health of the entire building. 

Save On Costly Repairs

Buildings with poorly-constructed roofs are more likely to have something go wrong over the course of their life. Getting a roof repair may seem expensive in the moment, but when a neglected roof fails, it can be catastrophic for other parts of the building. Putting together a budget for roofing contractors and maintenance early can cut down on costly repairs in the long run. 

Protect Your Investment

Buyers almost always want to inspect a roof when doing their due diligence research on a property. A buyer is going to be much more hesitant to purchase a building with a damaged or poorly-constructed roof. Choosing the right roofing contractor with a good reputation can make or break a real-estate deal on an investment property. See how companies within the real estate industry have benefited from working with us.

Bundle with Maintenance

Commercial real estate investors can save even more money by working with a roofing contractor that offers an ongoing roof management plan. Plans like our very own MAXCare® can help real estate investors keep up with maintenance on multiple properties at once. After investing in the construction of a high-quality roof, maintaining it with MAXCare® is the best way to protect it, especially during a pandemic. 

If you’re ready to plan or implement your new year roofing goals, don’t hesitate to contact Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. today! Our team is equipped and ready to help!