Working with Trusted Suppliers: The Key to Quality and Sustainability

Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, a stalwart in the Kansas City commercial roofing market since 1927, stands as a testament to the enduring importance of using high-quality, durable materials in roofing projects. As the backbone of their services, Cornell Roofing places a premium on sourcing materials from trusted suppliers, a comprehensive list of which can be found on their website at https://cornellroofing.com/products/.

 

In the challenging and dynamic world of commercial roofing, the selection of materials is a critical decision that reverberates throughout the lifespan of a structure. Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal understands that durability is not just a buzzword; it’s a commitment to long-lasting, reliable solutions. Utilizing premium materials ensures that the roofs they install withstand the diverse weather conditions of the Kansas City region, from scorching summers to icy winters.

 

One key benefit of high-quality materials is their ability to resist wear and tear, ultimately reducing the frequency of repairs and replacements. This not only translates to cost savings for clients but also minimizes disruptions to their businesses. Cornell Roofing’s dedication to using top-tier materials is a cornerstone of their customer-centric approach.

 

Moreover, investing in durable materials is an eco-friendly choice. By minimizing the need for frequent replacements, Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal contributes to sustainability efforts and reduces the environmental impact of roofing projects. It aligns with the company’s commitment to responsible business practices, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to commercial roofing.

 

Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal’s nearly 100 year-long legacy of success in the Kansas City market is intricately linked to their unwavering commitment to high-quality, durable materials. Through meticulous material selection and a roster of trusted suppliers, Cornell Roofing continues to shape the skyline of Kansas City with roofs that stand the test of time, embodying the essence of reliability, resilience, and customer satisfaction.

 

To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, visit www.cornellroofing.com or call 816-252-8300. 

 

The Essential Role of High-Quality Sheet Metal Fabrication and Installation in Commercial Roofing

As a seasoned commercial roofing contractor with decades of experience, the team at Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal can attest to the pivotal role that high-quality sheet metal fabrication and installation play in ensuring the longevity and performance of commercial roofing systems. When it comes to protecting your business investment, the importance of getting the details right cannot be overstated.

Sheet metal serves as the backbone of many commercial roofing systems, and its quality is paramount. Here’s why:

Durability and Longevity: Commercial roofs are subjected to harsh environmental conditions year-round. High-quality sheet metal fabrication using materials such as stainless steel or aluminum ensures resistance to corrosion, rust, and other elements that can prematurely degrade your roof. A well-constructed sheet metal roof can last for decades, reducing long-term maintenance costs.

Leak Prevention: The watertight seal provided by expertly fabricated and installed sheet metal flashings and components is critical for preventing leaks. These components, such as flashing around roof penetrations and seams, act as the first line of defense against water infiltration, keeping your interior dry and your assets protected.

Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient roofing systems are a top priority for many businesses. Sheet metal can be used to create reflective or cool roofing surfaces that reduce heat absorption, decreasing energy costs by maintaining a cooler building interior.

Customization and Aesthetics: High-quality sheet metal allows for customization, enabling commercial property owners to choose from a wide range of finishes and designs that complement their architectural aesthetics. Well-designed sheet metal details enhance the overall look and curb appeal of the building.

Weather Resistance: From heavy snow loads to strong winds and hailstorms, commercial roofs must withstand various weather challenges. Quality sheet metal installations can withstand these pressures, ensuring the integrity of your roofing system during extreme weather events.

Maintenance and Repairs: Proper sheet metal installation minimizes the need for ongoing repairs and maintenance, saving you both time and money in the long run.

Using high-quality sheet metal and an award-winning sheet metal contractor like Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal with proven expertise is critical. It’s the difference between a roofing system that provides reliable protection for years and one that requires constant attention and costly repairs. As a commercial roofing contractor, we’ve seen firsthand how investing in quality sheet metal pays off in terms of durability, efficiency, and aesthetics. If you’re planning a commercial roofing project, make sure you partner with experienced professionals who understand the significance of precision in sheet metal fabrication and installation. It’s a choice you won’t regret when your roof continues to perform flawlessly year after year.

To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal and our award-winning sheet metal team, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.

Winter-Ready Roofs: Essential Fall Maintenance Steps for Commercial Property Owners

As the vibrant colors of autumn leaves start to paint the landscape, commercial property owners must shift their focus towards ensuring their roofs are ready to weather the upcoming winter months. As a seasoned expert in the commercial roofing industry, Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal understands the critical role that proactive maintenance plays in extending the life of your roofing system and safeguarding your property’s value. Here are essential fall maintenance steps that every commercial property owner should take to prepare their roofs for winter’s challenges.

1. Thorough Roof Inspection: Begin by conducting a comprehensive roof inspection. Look for signs of damage, such as cracks, punctures, loose flashing, and deteriorating seals. Identifying and addressing these issues now can prevent more extensive damage during harsh winter conditions. The expert eye of an experienced and professional commercial roofing contractor, like Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal is recommended to ensure all issues are identified and addressed properly.

2. Clear Debris: Falling leaves, branches, and debris can accumulate on your roof, clogging drains and causing water to pool. Regularly clear debris to prevent water from seeping into your building and causing leaks.

3. Clean Gutters and Drains: Clogged gutters and drains can lead to ice dams and water backup, resulting in roof leaks and structural damage. Clean them thoroughly to ensure proper water drainage.

4. Address Repairs Promptly: Any identified damage or issues should be addressed promptly. Repairing minor damage now can prevent it from escalating into major problems that are more challenging and expensive to fix during winter.

5. Insulation Check: Adequate insulation is crucial for energy efficiency and preventing ice dams. Ensure that your roof’s insulation is intact and properly installed to keep your building warm and prevent heat loss.

6. Seal Gaps and Cracks: Check for gaps, cracks, and openings in your roof’s structure. Properly seal them to prevent drafts, leaks, and even unwanted pests from infiltrating your building.

7. Trim Overhanging Branches: Overhanging branches not only drop debris onto your roof but can also pose a risk of falling under heavy snow loads. Trim them back to prevent potential damage.

8. HVAC Inspection: Have your HVAC systems inspected before winter to ensure they’re not contributing to moisture buildup, which can damage your roof and promote mold growth.

9. Document Maintenance: Keep a detailed record of all maintenance and repairs performed. This documentation can be valuable for warranty claims and future reference.

By taking these proactive steps, you’ll not only enhance the longevity of your commercial roofing system but also protect your property from the challenges that winter brings. If you’re unsure about any aspect of your fall maintenance routine, consider consulting with a professional commercial roofing company like Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal. Our expertise can help ensure that your roof is in prime condition to face the winter ahead with confidence, safeguarding both your investment and the people within your building.
To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal and our commercial roofing maintenance and inspection programs, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.

Celebrating Skilled Trades Professionals

The third Friday of each September is recognized as National Skilled Tradesmen Day. This year, that lands on Friday, September 16th. Skilled trades professionals deserve much more than one day to be celebrated. At Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal, we value our skilled crews and the dedication they bring to each project, every day.

The contributions these men and women make in our communities is beyond measure. Not only do they work hard to build and maintain the buildings, homes, other facilities and critical infrastructure systems we all use and benefit from, but their skills also keep us safe and drive our national economy.

 

Now, more than ever, there is a demand for skilled trades professionals in our workforce. Construction industry experts predict a shortage of skilled workers by 2050 (if not sooner). Currently, for every three skilled trades professionals retiring, only one joins the workforce. When there are not enough skilled trades workers, construction slows, putting a drag on economic development. 

 

Join us in celebrating the skilled trades professionals in your life. Let them know how much you appreciate their contributions. Encourage young people to consider a career in the trades. It can be a rewarding career path with many benefits, and one where you can see the impact of your work daily.

 

To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.

 

5 Ways to Keep Your Cool

Summer heat is no joke. Working in glaring sun and high humidity is a grind for all construction workers, but working all day on the roof of a commercial building usually means limited to no shade and intensified temperatures. Taking precautions to ensure our crews are safe in all types of weather is a priority for Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal. Here are five tips to keep in mind as the summer heats up this year.


Use Sun Protection

Application – and frequent reapplication – of a high SPF sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and American Academy of Dermatology to reduce your risk of burns, skin cancer and other damage. UPF clothing for construction workers is also available and can help keep you cool while providing protection from harmful UVB and UVA rays.


Hydrate, Hydrate & Hydrate Some More

Be sure to drink plenty of cool, plain water throughout the day. Sports drinks can be good for helping replenishing electrolytes too. Avoid sugary, caffeinated drinks, as they can dehydrate your system and work against you. 


Eat Right

After working in the heat, heavy meals usually don’t sound appealing. They take longer to digest and can make you feel sluggish. Go with lighter meals and plenty of vegetables to give you the energy you need to get through the day.


Take Shade Breaks

Five to 10-minute breaks in the shade can help keep you from dangerously overheating. If you can find a spot with a fan or in an air conditioned space or vehicle, even better! 


Been on the Lookout for Heat-related Illnesses

Heat exhaustion can kick in when the body loses too much water and salt. Even more serious is heat stroke, when the body can no longer thermoregulate. Both conditions are serious. If you or any of your co-workers experience the following symptoms of heat stroke, you should seek immediate medical attention.  

  • Severe headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Muscle cramps
  • Seizures
  • Red, hot, dry skin
  • Lack of sweating
  • Rapid heartbeat 
  • Shallow breathing
  • Confusion
  • Loss of consciousness

Stay safe and keep an eye out for your co-workers as the thermometer rises this summer. For more information on Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal’s safety practices, visit https://cornellroofing.com/safety-policy/.

Priority One: Jobsite Safety

We are serious about safety at Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal. From our sheet metal shop to projects for the tallest commercial buildings in the Kansas City region, we follow stringent safety protocols to protect our crews and customers.

The process starts even before we bring on new hires. All Cornell Roofing employees complete a Safety Training course during pre-employment orientation in compliance with OSHA requirements. Each employee is expected to obey safety rules and to exercise caution in all work activities. Cornell team members must immediately report any unsafe practice or condition to their supervisor and HR Manager. Such reports are necessary to comply with laws and initiate insurance benefits procedures.

Every person seeking a position with Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal must have a minimum of his or her 10-hour OSHA Certification, pass a drug test as part of our continued commitment to a drug-free work environment and also pass a physical administered by a third-party company specializing in workplace safety and employee health to ensure they are able to successfully meet the physical requirements of the job.

In our unwavering commitment to make safety our top priority, Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal engages a third-party safety consultant for independent review of our safety program and all projects. This ensures safety measures and best practices are being followed every step of the way on every project.

To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.

Commercial Roofing Outlook

The commercial roofing industry, like all industries, has doubled-down to weather unprecedented business disruptions over the the past couple of years. Companies across the nation like Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal have been dealing with price increases, project delays, supply chain issues, and worker retention. Yet, the future for our industry looks positive.

Industry analysts predict at least 5% year-over-year growth through 2030 for the roofing industry as a whole. In the commercial roofing industry specifically, sales remain strong. In fact, a recent survey of commercial roofers conducted by Roofing Contractors Media and Clear Seas Research reported that 71% anticipated substantial to moderate revenue growth in 2022.

Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal is one of those companies forecasting continued growth in our Kansas City market in our 95th year. Over the past few years, we have experienced record-breaking sales and organizational growth year over year, with no sign of that slowing down. Cornell is poised to grow with roofing maintenance, roof replacements and new commercial roofing installs across a variety of segments, including healthcare, education, government and general commercial construction.

To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.


The commercial roofing industry, like all industries, has doubled-down to weather unprecedented business disruptions over the the past couple of years. Companies across the nation like Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal have been dealing with price increases, project delays, supply chain issues, and worker retention. Yet, the future for our industry looks positive.

Industry analysts predict at least 5% year-over-year growth through 2030 for the roofing industry as a whole. In the commercial roofing industry specifically, sales remain strong. In fact, a recent survey of commercial roofers conducted by Roofing Contractors Media and Clear Seas Research reported that 71% anticipated substantial to moderate revenue growth in 2022.

Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal is one of those companies forecasting continued growth in our Kansas City market in our 95th year. Over the past few years, we have experienced record-breaking sales and organizational growth year over year, with no sign of that slowing down. Cornell is poised to grow with roofing maintenance, roof replacements and new commercial roofing installs across a variety of segments, including healthcare, education, government and general commercial construction.

To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.

Women in Construction

In March, we not only celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (March 8), we also take time to recognize Women in Construction Week (March 6-12). This is a week sponsored by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women in our industry, as well as the enormous opportunities for growth.

Being a certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise, Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal understands the important role women have in our industry. Our Owner and President, Mary McNamara has paved the way for many – women and men – in our rapidly growing industry. Under Mary’s leadership, Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal has broken records for revenue growth year over year – a huge accomplishment for a company that is nearly 100 years old.

While women make up 47% of the entire employed population, they represent just 10.9% of the workforce in the construction industry. However, we see that tide changing, not only in commercial roofing, but across the construction industry in general. Industry analysts are predicting an additional 2 million jobs will be added in construction in 2022 alone. This is a prime opportunity for women seeking positions in the skilled trades, management, and executive leadership. Women are encouraged to consider construction as a rewarding career path with an abundance of opportunities.

To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal and our team, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.

Getting “Schooled” in Commercial Roofing

Since Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal was founded in 1927, we’ve completed thousands of commercial roofing and building projects for diverse purposes and industries. In addition to a wide range of various general commercial, healthcare and government buildings, Cornell has developed strong expertise in projects within the educational and academic institution building space.


Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal has partnered with multiple school districts, colleges and university systems across the Kansas City region. Our crews are skilled in new construction, re-roofing and specialized projects for educational facilities from elementary, middle and high schools to housing, learning, recreational and research buildings on university campuses.


We are extremely proud of our work with these institutions of learning. To learn more about Cornell’s portfolio of work, check out our gallery of some recent projects here, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.

National Safety Month

June 2021 marks the 25th year for National Safety Month, sponsored by the National Safety Council. Safety is paramount in our line of work at Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal. Whether installing new roofing 10 stories high in Kansas City’s skyline or fabricating in our sheet metal shop, Cornell crews take safety seriously.

A lot has changed when it comes to safety since our company started in 1927. While there are many more protections in place, you can never take safety for granted. We continuously look for ways to maximize and enhance safety protocols for our crews. National Safety Month is a reminder for us – and all construction companies – about the importance of working toward our common goals of reducing workplace injuries and accidents, and improving safety on our job sites.

This year, the National Safety Council recommends a focus on the following safety topics to bolster Safety in the workplace:

  • Prevent Incidents Before They Start: Identifying risks and taking proactive safety measures to reduce hazard exposure on everything from ergonomics to chemical management is important in creating a safe workplace.

 

  • Address Ongoing COVID-19 Safety Concerns: While we are making strides against COVID-19, the pandemic remains. Employers play an important role in the return to physical workspaces, building trust around vaccines, mental health and much more.

 

  • Ensuring Individual Security on the Job: Being able to work without fear is necessary for an inclusive safety culture. Leading organizations focus not only on physical safety but psychological safety as well.

 

  • Ongoing Advancements to Your Safety Journey: Safety is all about continuous improvement. Whether organizationally or individually, the National Safety Council has resources to lend a hand. Visit NSC.org for more information.

 

To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.