Category: Roofing

For our clients up North, winter is the most common time for roofing repairs. As your commercial facility’s roof becomes stressed under snow and autumn debris, you can start to notice leaks, cracks, and drafts from outside due to poor roofing insulation. In order to prevent these minor issues from becoming major repairs, preventative maintenance is key. 

 

Below are three tips to help you prevent the more costly roofing repairs at your facility, and keep your building well-insulated throughout the winter: 

 

Clean fallen leaves and gutters before the first snowfall.

The biggest culprit of winter roofing damage is the accumulation of leaves and gutter debris during the autumn. If you don’t clear away fallen leaves before the first snowfall, they will only continue to weigh down on your roof and cause mold problems when the snow begins to melt. Don’t let this happen. Schedule a roof and gutter cleaning service before the first snowfall to prevent mold and mildew problems at your facility. 

 

Trim your trees. 

During the winter, tree branches will go dormant and snow will begin to pile up on larger branches. While this can be pretty, it can also be dangerous. Older branches can snap and fall on your building. By trimming your trees, you prevent this hazard and help your trees grow back fuller in the spring. 

 

Schedule regular snow removal services. 

Snow removal is essential to maintaining a structurally sound roof. If you live in a northern state, you know how high snow can build up over time. By creating a snow removal schedule, it will be easier to get ahead of the problem and prevent water damage when the snow starts to melt. 

Wintertime can be a beautiful time at your facility if you keep ahead of the snow and watch out for any problems with your roofing. To learn more about winterization for your commercial facility, visit our Resource Center.

Finding the right roofer for your commercial facility renovation can be tricky. The market is often oversaturated with inexperienced contractors, while the few that are exceptional are booked for months on end. At MaintenX, we work with only top-notch roofing professionals and dedicate time and resources to their work. We believe that with the right contractors, your roofing project can be a breeze!

 

One of the reasons we delicate time and training to our roofing team is because of their unique skills and expectations. Below are three things you probably didn’t know about the roofing contractor career, and why we appreciate them so much at MaintenX: 

 

Some roofers go to college, while others work under a licensed roofer to gain their education. 

While a two-year technical degree is not required for most roofing jobs, one must obtain significant experience before getting their roofing contractor’s license. This means that some roofers gain their education in the field through subcontractor work with a licensed professional. This is a great career choice for those who are looking for on-the-job training that is engaging and exciting. 

 

Roofing is one of the most dangerous maintenance jobs. 

Many people assume that electrical work is the most dangerous of the maintenance specializations, but roofing is often considered more dangerous. Not only are falls a rare fatality, but many roofers can develop back injuries from carrying heavy materials on slanted surfaces. Roofing is incredibly physically demanding and accidents happen, which is why it’s important to be focused and in shape if you want to be a roofing contractor. 

 

As a roofer, you may be able to specialize in other maintenance fields. 

Because roofing doesn’t require the extensive education that plumbing and electrical work require, many roofers also specialize in flooring, drywall, and other renovations for homes and businesses. You can leverage these skills to start your own business or to simply keep busy with work no matter what the job demands. Roofing will also teach you easily applicable skills such as estimating, design, and other skills that are useful for all contractor positions. 

For the right individual, roofing can be an excellent career. To learn more about how you can advance your work as a roofer, visit our Careers page.

Businesses on the Florida coast have to consider their roofing material much more carefully than other commercial facilities. Florida businesses are subject to salt spray, hurricanes, scorching sun, and extended summer heat that can all damage the roofing and make the interior more costly to cool. Therefore, it’s important to choose a material that will serve both the practical and aesthetic needs of your business. 

 

Below are the top four roofing options for Florida businesses that we often install at MaintenX. While there are plenty of options, these are the most common and most durable for Florida buildings: 

 

Concrete

Concrete is a popular option for facilities across America. Not only is it an excellent choice for flat roofing (which is advantageous for the installation of solar panels and rooftop HVAC systems), but it will hold up to wind, sea salt, and heavy rain. With correct flashing, you can prevent leaks in your concrete and create a strong boundary between your business and the elements. The only downside to concrete is that it can be more expensive than shingles or other types of roofing common for small commercial facilities. 

 

Cedar shakes

Cedar shakes are common in South Florida, both in the residential districts and for beachside commercial buildings. This is because cedar shakes are stylish, saltwater-resistant, and can withstand high wind speeds in the event of a hurricane. While they are considerably more expensive than asphalt shingles, they have shown to hold up better to Florida’s unpredictable weather and can make an aesthetic statement that impresses guests. 

 

Metal roofing

Metal roofing is becoming more popular for commercial facilities because of its long-term durability and aesthetic appeal. Options like aluminum are resistant to corrosion from water and salt, and will provide protection from strong winds and rain as well as excellent drainage. Metal roofing also comes in a variety of colors and styles to customize your building’s look. Drawbacks to metal include its price and noise level during storms, but overall, it is an excellent choice for Florida businesses. 

 

Rubber 

Rubber is an option that is often overlooked by businesses, but it shouldn’t be. Rubber is durable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly as it is often made from recycled materials. THe only drawback to materials like EPDM rubber is that it comes in a limited color palette. However, with the right paint, there is no reason not to install rubber roofing for a practical and affordable installation.

Rubber roofing is one of the most economical and durable roofing options available to both residential and commercial facilities. While rarely seen on homes, it is becoming more popular for commercial buildings for its many long-term benefits. If you’re interested in rubber roofing, you should understand the advantages and disadvantages first before contacting your MaintenX roofing contractor for installation information:

 

Rubber roofing is highly durable.

Rubber roofs are substantially more durable to weather and falling debris from trees and storms. This is arguably its greatest advantage, as rubber roofing provides the following benefits that most commercial roofing does not: 

 

• Rubber doesn’t chip or break like asphalt shingles or terra cotta
• It’s made to be resistant to drying and cracking in the sun
• Because the rubber is rolled out instead of being installed shingle by shingle, it is less prone to leaks
• It is also fire-resistant
• Rubber roofing will last up to 50 years with proper care 

 

However, limited contractors make installation services difficult to find. 

Because rubber isn’t as common of roofing material as shingles or concrete for commercial buildings, it can be tricky to find an experienced contractor in your area. However, MaintenX works with contractors who are capable of installing high-quality rubber roofing, so you don’t need to worry when you call us!

 

This roofing material is easy to repair.

This roofing material is easier to repair than most. You can use liquid rubber or a rubber tape to repair the roofing. However, it is unlikely that you’ll need to repair your rubber roof except for cases of severe building damage. These roofs are made to withstand leaks and weather damage. 

 

But, you have limited color options. 

Rubber roofing is almost always black, which limits your aesthetic choices initially. A black roof can heat up the building in the summertime, causing interior cooling costs to rise (though not to a significant degree). Luckily, this can be easily remedied with a rubber paint job. If you don’t like the look of a black roof or are worried about increased cooling costs, talk to your MaintenX roofer about paint options for rubber. 

 

Rubber is an eco-friendly option. 

Rubber roofing is often made of recycled materials and can be recycled once more if it is damaged or replaced. This makes rubber roofing more environmentally friendly than other types of manufactured materials. Fitting solar panels on a rubber roof is also simple. With the addition of solar panels, you can significantly reduce your energy costs (and decrease heat absorption), making your roof incredibly environmentally friendly. 

 

Rubber is inexpensive.

One of the main factors driving rubber roof installation is cost. Rubber roofing is light and easy to install, so typically the labor cost is significantly reduced when compared to shingles or terra cotta roofing. And because rubber is made of recycled materials, it’s a more affordable material than other types of commercial roofing. 

 

If you’re looking to replace or build a new commercial roof, contact MaintenX today! We can help you choose the right material for your needs and budget, and deliver superior service every time. 

One of MaintenX’s biggest services in the summertime is roofing repair. Next to HVAC work, this is our most requested service during this time due to the potential for hurricanes on the coast. Any wise facility manager knows that roofing repairs need to take first priority before the fist tropical storm or hurricane hits the shore. However, it’s important to know what to expect before calling your MaintenX team for help.

 

What roofing maintenance should I routinely schedule?

Roofing repairs can be very costly, which is why we recommend scheduling preventative care services. These can include gutter cleaning, routine shingle repair, and inspections for leaks or cracks in the roof that could cause structural damage down the line. If you have a rooftop HVAC system, you can easily schedule preventative care for roofing on the same day you plan for HVAC maintenance service.

 

What should I NOT expect from my MaintenX team?

Roofing repair is mostly preventative, but if issues such as molding or water damage have occurred, we strongly recommend re-roofing. Many clients believe that roofing damage is simple to repair, but this is not always the case. Once a roof has experienced major damage or deterioration in the flashing, we have limited options to preserve your safety and the building functionality. That is why preventative care is at the top of our priorities for all roofing clients. 

 

What should I know about hurricane prep for roofing?

Many clients think about roofing last when it comes to hurricane prep. While your commercial roof is stronger than windows or doors, it is still the first thing that is likely to go when trees fall. If your roofing is experiencing structural problems, you may end up with a collapsed ceiling when a strong hurricane hits. In addition to preventative care, we recommend protecting your roof from the interior and patching any holes or leaks in the summer. Talk to your MaintenX roofing team to learn more about hurricane roofing prep for 2021. 

 

Roofing maintenance can be straightforward, but only if you put the time and effort in to make it work. You can call your local MaintenX team to get started prepping your roof for summer today!

MaintenX is one of Florida’s foremost facility maintenance teams focused on sustainability. In the wake of COVID-19, we have developed a newfound respect for the importance of sustainable design for our clients’ buildings. When things fall apart, you want a structure that is self-reliant. You want a building that can weather the storm for years to come, and that’s precisely what sustainable designs provide. 

 

Re-roofing is a costly and time-intensive project for your facility — you want to do it right the first time. That is why we recommend choosing a sustainable roofing option that will provide your facility with energy-saving benefits and protection from the elements for decades to come. 

 

Back to Basics

Before you opt for a new roof on your facility, it’s important to check your building’s insulation to ensure that’s not the cause of your high heating and cooling bills. Oftentimes, older buildings have improper roofing insulation that allows air to escape. If you’re not careful, this could cost you hundreds of dollars every month. 

 

According to research by the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing, American homes and businesses could reduce their energy usage by 700 trillion Btu if they installed proper roofing insulation. This should be your very first step to creating a sustainable roof design. 

 

Choosing the Right Materials

After improving your insulation, it’s time to start thinking of the right materials for your new roof. Typically concrete or asphalt shingles are used for commercial buildings, but these are not the only options. Metal and wood shake roofing is considered sustainable and can be just as practical for commercial roofing as it is for residential roofs. 

 

Though the materials for metal roofing must be mined, they are considered sustainable because of their recycling capacity and longevity. Metal roofing will last several decades and is often made from mostly recycled materials. If you choose the right manufacturer, there is no reason your metal roofing can’t contribute to your building’s sustainable future.  

 

The Push For Solar

In Florida, where MaintenX is headquartered, state and local governments are making a big push to convert roofing to solar. This is a critical part of the transition into a sustainable future. 

By investing in solar panels, you produce some of the energy you use on your own. This can reduce your energy needs tremendously. Coupled with wind and other sustainable forms of energy, your building can come close to zero emissions in the future.

 

Roofing isn’t the only frontier in sustainable design. If you’d like to learn more about ways your building can reduce its environmental impact, contact MaintenX today!

Have you heard of a built-up roofing (BUR) system for commercial buildings? These innovative roofing designs are becoming the industry standard for many commercial applications. They are durable, affordable, and will outlast most other roofing options within the same price range. If you’re considering re-roofing your commercial building, this may be the solution for you. 

 

A built-up roofing system uses layers of asphalt and sheets of insulation to build a water, heat, and mold-resistant surface on your roof. Most BUR systems are built on top of a layer of polyisocyanurate insulation. Then, a layer of asphalt is poured over the base, and a play sheet (the layer of insulation) molded on top of the asphalt. 

 

The insulation barrier is the most important layer of the BUR system, it prevents moisture from penetrating to the base and is layered over and over again with asphalt to create a thick, impenetrable barrier against corrosion. Once enough layers have been created, the roofing is capped with a flood coat of asphalt or in some cases a reflective coating. .

 

Redundancy – BUR roofing systems are redundant, which makes them exceptionally weather- and damage-resistant. If one layer is penetrated, the layers underneath still provide a barrier to rain, debris, and mold. This is a major benefit for buildings that are at risk to roof damage due to volatile weather or that are exposed to prolonged periods of extreme heat. 

 

Energy-efficient – Many BUR systems include reflective cap sheets to reflect the sun’s rays and reduce heat absorbed into the building. This can help keep your energy costs low in the summertime and prevent roofing damage due to the UV rays. These roofing systems are also ideal for rooftop HVAC systems and solar panels, increasing your building’s energy efficiency. 

 

Longevity – BUR systems have been in use for over 100 years. They are time-tested and typically last longer than shingle or tiled roofing. Because of this, many BUR systems have warranties that last upward of 20 years. Check with your manufacturer to learn about the warranty offers for your BUR roof, as well as your MaintenX specialists for how to maximize its lifespan through preventative care. 

 

At MaintenX, we help our clients maintain their BUR systems to ensure they reach maximum lifespan and hold up to any weather condition. To learn more about our preventative maintenance services for roofing, contact your local MaintenX team today!

Commercial roofing is a complex system that needs more care and maintenance than most facility managers estimate. Your roofing is the second-most important structural element other than your foundation. It protects your facility, provides both functional and aesthetic appeal, and may even be home to an HVAC system or solar panels. Therefore, it is critical that you stay up to date on roofing repairs and maintenance. 

 

At MaintenX, we recommend scheduling a roof inspection annually in the springtime to ensure your roof is ready for hurricane season. Hurricanes and severe storms typically begin around May or June. If you plan your inspection ahead of time, you can complete any necessary repairs before the first major rainfall hits. 

 

The Benefits of a Roofing Inspection

A roof inspection is recommended every year for several reasons. First and foremost, we do not want our clients to have potential roof damage during the summer hurricane season, as this can lead to roof collapses or other severe damage. There are many ancillary benefits to annual roofing inspections for your building including: 

 

• Cost-savings by performing preventative instead of reactive repairs
• Improving ventilation and HVAC performance
• Preventing mold and mildew damage
• Preventing pest issues on roofing
• Increasing service life of roofing
• Aids in insurance claims and protects your roofing warranty

 

What To Expect During Your Roofing Inspection

Depending on the size of your property and the number of buildings onsite, your roofing inspection may take several hours or several days. Your contractors will be looking for signs of damage including leaks, sun damage, and missing shingles or panels. Some of these repairs might be minor, while others will need immediate attention. You should prepare some time and a budget for potential repairs after you go over the results of your inspection with the roofing contractor. 

 

At MaintenX, we make roof maintenance easy. Our team of trusted roofing specialists will talk you through preventative steps to keep your roof in tip-top shape. For more information on our preventative services, contact us today!

Your roofing system is one of the most crucial elements of your building’s exterior. It is home to your rooftop HVAC system, ventilation, and can even be used for energy-efficient solar panels. Choosing the right roofing material is essential for the long-term upkeep of your facility. Below are some of the most common types of commercial roofing systems and the expected service life for each: 

 

TPO 

Typical thermoplastic olefin (TPO) roofing is a synthetic roofing material commonly used for flat roofing systems. They are strong, simplistic in design and can last 15-20 years with regular maintenance. They will, however, last even longer if you implement a preventative maintenance plan with MaintenX.

 

Metal roofing

Metal is used for sloped commercial roofing and comes in a wide variety of options. Galvanized steel, aluminum, zinc, and copper are popular choices, and are usually coated to protect them from rusting and abrasion. These roofing systems can last up to 50 years depending on the quality of the metal, the angle of the slope, and the investment in proper maintenance. 

 

EPDM rubber

EPDM rubber is a sturdy, weather-resistant roofing material also common for flat roofing. It is shock resistant which is ideal when your area experiences hail, or if you have rooftop HVAC systems that need regular service. The rubber absorbs pressure and prevents the roof from taking long-term damage. EPDM is a highly durable roofing material that can last up to 30 years with proper care. 

 

Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing options for commercial buildings. These roofs are layered strategically to reduce uplift from the wind. While they are simple to maintain and affordable to install, asphalt shingles will typically only last 10-25 years with proper maintenance. They are prone to falling off during bad weather and may crack when exposed to extreme heat and UV rays. 

 

No matter what roofing material you choose for your commercial building, MaintenX is here to help! We offer comprehensive roofing maintenance services for commercial facilities across the U.S. Contact us today to learn more!

Asphalt shingles are one of the most common types of roofing for both residential and commercial facilities alike. This affordable roofing material is easy to install and looks nice with most architectural designs. However, it is not the right choice for every commercial facility. If you’re considering asphalt for your roof, keep these # things in mind: 

 

Shingles come in basic and stylized designs

One of the primary benefits of asphalt shingles is the sheer variety of designs and colors available. Basic shingles are affordable and will still look nice, but you can upgrade to architectural shingles that give a 3D effect, or other premium shingles that can be made to look like cedar shake or terra cotta roofing. Not all roofing materials give you this variety of design and color options. 

 

Shingles are affordable but don’t last as long as other roofing materials

On average, asphalt shingles will last between 15-20 years. As opposed to a concrete flat roof or terra cotta, this is not a long service life for a commercial roof. However, an asphalt shingle roof is affordable to replace and easier to repair than a solid roofing material. If a concrete flat roof is damaged, for example, you’ll likely have to replace the entire roof. If your shingles are damaged, you can replace them individually for an affordable price. 

 

Shingles are susceptible to weather damage

Due to their designs, cheaper shingles may lift up during extreme wind and are more susceptible to water damage than other types of roofing. They can also crack from overexposure to sun and heat in the summertime. While this is an issue for buildings that are exposed to severe heat or storms, they are again very easy to replace individually. If your asphalt roofing is damaged, you can replace shingles individually instead of re-roofing your entire facility. 

 

Shingles don’t necessarily add value to your building

Shingles are very common for residential and commercial roofing, and they are not always compatible with advancements in commercial building technology such as solar roofing and rooftop energy-efficient HVAC systems. If you are looking toward the future, you may want to choose a different material to re-roof your building. However, if you are looking for maximum value for your investment, asphalt shingles are a great material to choose. 

 

MaintenX specializes in roofing repair and installations for all types of commercial roofing. If you’re interested in roofing repairs or replacement, contact us today!