Mary McNamara at the Leadership exChange

Fountain in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas

Mary McNamara at the Leadership exChange

This past week, Owner and President of Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, Mary McNamara, had the opportunity to take part in the Leadership exChange in Bentonville, Arkansas, along with other members of the Independence Economic Development Council. The group spent a total of two days learning from Bentonville city officials on how they have had their own success through a number of varying strategies and efforts to grow the city into what it is today.

This program was put on by the Independence EDC, a group Mary McNamara has been involved with for many years, presently serving as Chair of the Independence EDC. Established as a non-profit in the early 80s, the Independence EDC works to support the economic growth of Independence, Missouri, the home of Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, along with over 130 other private sector investors.

As a dynamic member of the Independence community, Mary takes her involvement in groups like this seriously, continuously working to improve Cornell’s home community.  Which is exactly why she participated in the Leadership exChange program in Bentonville last week. The Leadership exChange itself is a separate program that seeks to empower the next generation of leaders and global citizens. It brings together like-minded communities to learn and share with each other.

And that’s just what happened in Bentonville, a mutual exchange of new and fresh ideas to improve Independence, over 40 local community leaders in attendance! Presentations included:

  • Downtown Redevelopment / Housing
  • Bentonville Parks and Recreation
  • Bentonville / Belle Vista Chamber of Commerce
  • Tourism
  • Downtown Bentonville, Inc.
  • RopeSwing Hospitality Group
  • Bentonville Public Schools Ignite program

There were also plenty of walking and bus tours, where participants could enjoy local culture and redevelopment projects, like the former Kraft plant currently being converted to a contemporary art space as well as downtown housing examples.

Our own Independence area civic leaders got a first-hand look at growing a successful community, and then they brought that new knowledge home. All that’s left now is to wait and see how they utilize it to strategically plan exciting new developments in Independence for a future, bright with opportunity!

Leadership exChange logo     Independence EDC logo

 

Rainscreen Wall Systems and the KCP&L Training Center

kcpl training center

Rainscreen Wall Systems and the KCP&L Training Center

Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal completed one of its largest projects in late 2015, the Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L) Safety and Training Center. Working as the installer of the wall panels for Mays Maune McWard, Inc., Cornell Roofing finalized the 53,000-square-foot implementing LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) principles. The $22-million education center was completed in an impressive 18 months, on budget and ahead of schedule!

Featured at the core of this project was CENTRIA’s Rainscreen Wall Systems. The Rainscreen Wall System consists of an outer element that helps to shed and control the majority of rainwater, working in tandem with the inner element which serves as the final barrier against water, air, vapor and temperature fluctuations. That means this commercial wall system can withstand almost any challenge Mother Nature serves up.

Today, the Rainscreen Wall System has evolved into a leading design choice in construction with numerous components, methods, materials and assemblies available based on aesthetic preferences and environmental/climatic conditions. This was one of the defining characteristics that drew in Project Manager Amy Gilbertson to choose CENTRIA.

CENTRIA provided nearly 80,000 square feet of building products for the exterior of the building. The Rainscreen Systems were chosen due to their clean aesthetic and wide variety of product options for custom design, used to accent wall in areas with industrial applications. There are a multitude of benefits to using the MetalWrap Rainscreen System too! These include:

  • Matchless temperature control
  • No need for batt or board insulation
  • Quick and easy installation with factory pre-punched panels
  • Low cost with a single-source product
  • Steel face and liner creating a drain plane for protection from water issues

And of course, the entire system is back by CENTRIA’s Advanced Thermal and Moisture Protection technology in the MetalWrap™ Insulated Composite Backup Panels that integrates effortlessly with the Rainscreen Wall System. All and all pulling together a massive project using state-of- the-art products and processes. You can learn more about CENTRIA and their Rainscreen Wall System by visiting their website, http://www.centriaperformance.com/.

kcpl-centria-brochure-page-1  kcpl-centria-brochure-page-2

 

 

What to Know When Hiring a Kansas City Commercial Roofing Contractor

commercial roofing contractors

What to Know When Hiring a Kansas City Commercial Roofing Contractor

Commercial business roofs act as your building’s first line of defense against hazardous weather. Your roof is constantly being exposed to the elements, causing decay and deterioration, which can weaken your roofing system over time. All of this leads to the need for periodic repairs and maintenance and eventually, replacement, so having a quality roof installation is a must and a strong investment in your building’s performance over time.

So what do you need to know when it’s time to hire a commercial roofing contractor? You might want to start by asking yourself these questions:

  1. Who do you want to work with? Is the company honest and reputable? Do they have a tradition/past work that shows good craftsmanship completed in a timely manner?
  2. What work needs to be done? Is your roof leaking? Are there clogged waterways or downspouts that are causing water to pool? Or, do you think you might need a whole new commercial roofing system?
  3. What’s your timeline? When is the best time of the year to get your roofing issues solved? Are repairs immediate, or can they wait until the weather won’t be a problem?

Although there are plenty of commercial roofing contractors around, you want to be certain you get the best quality products, services and commercial roofing system for your money. When researching a roofing contractor, do background checks on the company, make sure they use trained professionals. Read reviews and do your homework.

Other things to keep in mind when choosing a commercial roofing contractor include:

  • Certification & Warranty. Check to make sure your prospective commercial roofing contractor is a certified installer of the roofing systems they offer. A team of certified professionals will give you the peace of mind that your commercial roof system meets warranty requirements.
  • Employee Training. Even though a commercial roofing business might be registered or certified, check to see that their team is as well. Safety is important, and you want to know your roof is in good hands with roofers that are trained in proper safety procedures.
  • Insurance. Insurance protects you and commercial roofing companies, so see that your roofing contractor is insured.
  • Referral. Online reviews are very helpful, but you can also ask business associates for recommendations. You want to make sure the roofing contractor you select is reputable and known for good work.
  • Years in Business. This is part of a commercial roofing contractor’s reputation. If they’ve been in business for a long time, that’s a good sign they’re doing things right.

Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal knows the importance of all these questions and concerns when searching for a commercial roofing contractor and makes sure to meet and exceed all expectations. If you’re interested in learning more about what Cornell can do for your roof, give us a call today at: 816-252-8300 or online at: www.cornellroofing.com.

Commercial Sheet Metal: Did You Know?

sheet metal works

Commercial Sheet Metal: Did You Know?

The roofing and sheet metal industry is growing in production rate, revenue and projects. Right now it ranks as the third largest U.S. manufacturing industry when measured by employment rates too!

With things on the rise, we wanted to share a few industry-wide facts that may surprise you about the commercial sheet metal side of Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal:

  • Sheet metal fabrication boomed from the 1990s to the mid 2000s, until a down time during the recession of 2009. After bouncing back, sheet metal drove revenues over $28 billion in 2015.
  • In 2015, there were more than 58,000 locally owned and operated sheet metal fabrication companies across the US.
  • Sheet metal employment is projected to grow by 7 percent by 2024, matching the average rate for all other occupation types.
  • In 2013, California, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin produced more than half of all the output of fabricated sheet metal products in the industry.
  • Also in 2013, 47 percent of shipments were from Alabama, Indiana Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas.
  • In 2015, the highest paid 10 percent of sheet metal workers earned more than $80,000 a year.
  • The primary metals most often purchased in sheet metal are aluminum bar, tube, sheet or plate; hot or cold steel; and stainless steel.
  • The most common uses for sheet metal include:
    • Air conditioning ducts and furnace flues
    • Air cowls
    • Awnings, canopies, cornices, and soffits
    • Coal chutes
    • Culverts, flumes, and irrigation pipes
    • Electronic casings
    • Food vats and bins
    • Guardrails
    • Mailboxes
    • Roofs, roof drainage equipment, and gutters
    • Sheet metal flooring and siding
    • Ship ventilators
    • Stovepipes and hoods

With all this growth, now is a great time to be a part of the roofing and sheet metal industry! And, Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal is proud to be leading the way. If you’re interested in a career in the commercial sheet metal industry, your first stop is Sheet Metal Workers’ Union No. 2:  http://www.sheetmetal2.org/

Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal, celebrating our 90th Anniversary in 2017! Visit us online at: www.cornellroofing.com

Find Us at the NRCA Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas

National Roofing Contractors Association

Find Us at the NRCA Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas

This year, the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) will be hosting its 130th Convention and Trade Show in sunny Las Vegas, Nevada!  The NRCA has been the professional voice of its 3,600+ members in the roofing industry since 1886. NRCA is the leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technical assistance, advocacy, publications, programs and support that help businesses in this industry grow.

Members of the Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal team will also be attendance. During this week-long event there will be workshops and training for top staff; new products, equipment, and processes to review and much more! Cornell takes continuing education and certification seriously. As we celebrate our 90th Anniversary in 2017, we are dedicated to remain at the top as an industry innovator in the greater Kansas City area commercial roofing and sheet metal industry.

NRCA’s 130th Annual Convention will be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas Feb. 27-March 3, 2017, in conjunction with Informa’s 2017 International Roofing Expo® (IRE).

“It is the premier event for roofing professionals and industry leaders to learn new strategies, discover innovative solutions and share best practices. The convention and expo offer cutting-edge educational sessions, inspiring messages from keynote speakers, and an exposition featuring the latest roofing innovations and networking events where attendees have the opportunity to build valuable contacts.”

You can learn more about the NRCA and the perks of membership by visiting their website, http://www.nrca.net/.

Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal Celebrates 90 Years!

90th annivrsary

Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal Celebrates 90 Years!

It’s 2017! New year, new projects, new products, same Cornell tradition and pride in every job being done “The Cornell Way!” This year, Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal celebrates our 90th Anniversary in the Kansas City roofing and sheet metal industry! We’ve come a long way since the Cornell began in 1927, thanks to our team of hard working, trained and skilled professional craftsman, strong and dependable management, and of course, our great Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal customers and suppliers.

Being in business for 90 years isn’t a cakewalk either. We’ve proven ourselves through our work on projects large and small, including new builds and replacements along with maintenance and repairs. Each job completed following our four guiding principles:

  • Integrity;
  • Dependability;
  • Quality;
  • Responsibility.

Our leadership team, headed by President Mary McNamara, continues to build on our momentum, ushering in some of the biggest projects in company history! Proving to our customers time and time again there’s a reason we’ve become one of the top roofing & sheet metal companies in the Kansas City metro area. As we say goodbye to 2016, we look forward to a year with even more exciting projects with new and returning customers alike!
We’ll continue to work hard to deliver on our promise on every commercial roofing project for many years to come! Happy 90th Anniversary to Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, and a big thank you to our team, customers and everyone who helped us become the best in Kansas City!
Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal. Promises Made. Promises Kept.

Derbigum: The Product Behind Cornell’s Largest Project

Logo DBG BaseD-ill8 minitagline

Derbigum: The Product Behind Cornell’s Largest Project

Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal has a history of working on many of the best projects in the greater Kansas City Metropolitan area. The Cornell Promise means every project is completed with Integrity, Dependability, Quality and Responsibility, Cornell’s core values. We are currently working on one of our largest projects in company history.

The project is over 2,100 squares, or 210,000 square feet. And as always, we only use the best products on the market to get the job done. The product featured on this particular project is Derbigum. Cornell is a certified Debigum installer. has a worldwide network, but its USA headquarters is right down road!

With over 40 years of success in the US and over 80 worldwide, Derbigum manufactures a number of industry-leading roofing systems including high quality Modified Bitumen roofing systems. Derbigum works to produce sustainable roofing systems that add value and provide long-term waterproof with a focus on customer satisfaction.

Derbigum’s extensive product line includes:

  • APP Modified Bitumen Membrane Cap Sheets
  • Base Sheets
  • Adhesives
  • Liquid Waterproofing
  • Insulation and Cover Boards
  • Coatings
  • Accessories and Tools
  • Sustainable Roof Add-Ons

Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal is proud to be a certified supplier of Derbigum products. To learn more about Derbigum, visit their website or ask one of our experienced roofers.

https://www.derbigum.com/en/about-us/history

Roofing History and Improvements


Roofing History and Improvements

Most people don’t think about the how their roofing system came about, how it was developed and the history of the roofing industry. The roof is something you always count on but hardly think about, and it literally holds the building together!

Roofs shelter not only the building and those inside, but also protect vital interior utility systems and defines the overall aesthetic. Roofing systems, styles and materials have continued to evolve ranging in performance and physical types. Tiles of wood and slate were popular until the mid-19th century when metal became the market leader. The 20th century also saw the development of roofing materials with several advances in durability and fire resistance, as well as the introduction of roof-related components like gutters, downspouts and flashing.

The evolution of roofing has largely been driven by performance, meaning that sheet metal is at the top of the game when it comes to commercial roofing systems. Cornell is always leading the way in the roofing industry as well. All these improvements have brought the roofing industry a long way, but even the best roofs can’t hold up against everything with out a little help.

That’s where Cornell comes in with our Commercial Roof Assessment. Right now, we’re offering a FREE Commercial Roofing Assessment, up to 20,000 square feet for the FIRST 10 to reply! Roof access is required. This offer good for commercial roofs only within the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan area. Sign up here!

Cornell’s Commercial Roofing System Options

OneLight_007_160131Kansas City's One Light Tower Construction Progress

Cornell’s Commercial Roofing System Options

You know we do commercial roofing systems, but do you know all the different types of commercial roofing options out there? Our team of professionals install only the best roof systems and stay up-to-date on industry best practices. Through continuing education and training, along with the best equipment in the business, we ensure each roofing system we install meets Cornell’s high standards.

Cornell roofing and sheet metal experts handle everything from urban high-rises to large-scale industrial manufacturing plants. Our team is trained and experienced to handle tons of different commercial roofing and sheet metal systems, including:

  • Built-up Roof Systems
  • Daylighting Systems
  • Flat Roof Systems
  • Green Roof Systems
  • Metal Roof Systems
  • Modified Bitumen Roof Systems
  • Single-ply Roof Systems, EPDM, TPO and PVC
  • Skylights
  • Vegetative PVC

And Cornell only works with the best brands in the industry like Carlisle, Derbigum, Firestone, GAF, Johns Manville, Sarnafil, Siplast, Tamko and Tremco. Working with the best to provide the best!

FREE Roof Assessment for First 10 to apply! Don’t Wait for the Damage to be Done!

Clogged Drain due to Weather

FREE Roof Assessment for First 10 to apply! Don’t Wait for the Damage to be Done!

The weather is changing and that can bring plenty of problems for those not prepared. Have you thought about how you will handle your commercial roofing system maintenance this season? Don’t wait till the damage is already done. Signup today to get your free Commercial Roof Assessment from the roofing professionals at Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, up to 20,000 square feet!

Our Service and Maintenance team uses a Winter Checklist, 10 Point Assessment and a tech-based Roof Assessment tool to cover a variety of common issues that the change of seasons brings along. Our Winter Checklist includes, but is not limited to:

  • Identifying problem areas likely to leak as winter weather worsens;
  • Checking the integrity of the roof to withstand snow, ice and pooling water;
  • Identifying roof penetrations that can lead to costly repairs and damage to interior spaces;
  • Checking waterways, such as drains and gutters to ensure water to exits the roof quickly;
  • Checking tuck points.

All handled by our highly trained, professional team of experienced roofers!

The assessment creates a roadmap for you to understand steps necessary to secure your roofing system and avoid costly issues. Exclusions do apply. To complete the assessment, roof access is required! This offer is good for commercial roofs only within the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan area.

If you’re looking to prepare for the cold weather and avoid spending unnecessary cash this winter, be one of the first 10 to sign up here today!