Having been in business since 1927, Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal Company has seen competitors in the commercial roofing industry come and go through the years. Hiring the right commercial roofing contractor for your commercial building and construction project is critical. Roofing is not an area to compromise quality if you want your property to be stable, efficient, durable, properly functioning, aesthetically pleasing and to maintain optimal value for the long haul. Consider the following when hiring a commercial roofing contractor:
Can the crew handle the project?
It’s no overstatement to say Cornell Roofing’s professional teams can install any commercial roof, whatever the size or scale. We can make this bold statement because we actively ensure our crews receive continuing education and constant training to follow the most up-to-date best practices in the industry. Just as important, we make sure they’re equipped with state-of-the-art tools and equipment necessary to get the job done. From Kansas City’s urban high-rises to large-scale industrial manufacturing plants, Cornell’s professionals understand the latest roofing services, commercial roof systems, roof replacement options and commercial roof maintenance.
What safety and environmental standards are in place?
When working at the heights we do every day, safety is obviously a concern. Cornell adheres to a strict safety policy to ensure our teams are properly trained per all OSHA compliance standards and industry best practices. It begins with pre-employment training and health screenings and continues with regular safety protocol training, inspections and updates.
At Cornell, we are also mindful of the impact commercial roofing has on our environment. There are many variables when considering commercial roofing contractors and roof systems. Through a better understanding of commercial roofing products, their life cycles and ability to be recycled, and varying energy consumption of the many different commercial roofing materials, we are able to give our customers a roof system that meets their needs while minimizing the effects on the environment.
What roofing systems are offered?
Cornell uses the most advanced supplies and products from the best brands in the industry, including Carlisle, Derbigum, Firestone, GAF, Johns Manville, Sarnafil, Siplast, Tamko and Tremco. An educated, experienced team plus the best brands in the business ensure a top-quality result.
Cornell’s commercial roofing experts have the training and experience to handle the most popular and highest quality installs 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
In addition, Cornell also offers complete commercial metal roofing systems. From design, construction and installation to metal roof repair and maintenance, our full-service commercial sheet metal shop routinely produces excellent results. Our foremen, staff and field superintendents personally focus on each detail, no matter how small. You may not even notice some of these touches until after our installation team is long gone – but we believe this type of workmanship, especially when it’s a detail others might overlook, represents integrity you can count on. Every day and on every job.
How long have they been in business and what is their track record?
Cornell has been in this business a long time – nearly 100 years. A company does not make it this long in business without doing things right and setting the standard for success. We let that record speak for itself. When it comes to Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal’s track record, our long-standing relationships with the region’s top general commercial contractors, architecture firms and construction companies says it all. Here’s a testimonial from our friends at J.E. Dunn on a recent project:
“Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal has been a collaborative, trusted partner for our project in many aspects and we sincerely appreciate the positive relationships their team has developed with ours. It has been a pleasure to work with them.”
When it comes time to hire a commercial roofing contractor, there are many things to consider, but asking these questions will help you determine who is the best fit for your project. To learn more about Cornell Roofing, visit www.CornellRoofing.com and follow @cornellroofingandsheetmetal on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal Co. has been a leader in Kansas City’s commercial construction industry since 1927. What’s the secret to staying in business for over 90 years? The answer lies within Cornell’s four key operating principles of integrity, dependability, quality, and responsibility. The company was founded on these values and the commitment to continually invest in innovation and equipment, and their most valuable asset – their employees. 
inspection and a twice-annual check for minor repairs. All of our inspections include a checklist, records and photos of each inspection for the building owner to have and review. If necessary, we can also create an individual plan of action for any repairs that might need to take place.
Between each inspection, building owners can use preventative maintenance to ward off expensive problem areas. Cornell offers a Roof Maintenance Program to help in early detection of potential problems. This helps by extending the life of your commercial roofing system. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do to help avoid costly repairs to your commercial roof.
”We are always appreciative of recognition,” said Mary McNamara, President of Cornell. Mary added, “That is especially true when it comes from those companies in the trade such as Sika Corporation.” Mary added.
My Dad would come home with stories about work and he would study at home in the evenings learning all about roofing. He was so very happy. Over time, he would talk more and more about the projects he worked on, equipment that broke down and, of course, the people he worked with and met. Over the years the business thrived, and my Dad just loved it. 
Looking at pictures, I remember my Dad talked a lot about McCormick Place around 1985. It was always McCormick, McCormick, McCormick. By then, I was married and living in Kansas City. As it turned out, McCormick Place was a pretty big job and that was putting it mildly. Actually, it was one of the largest jobs in the country. Back then it was a $3.7 million-dollar job. In today’s world, it would be close to $10 million! After finishing that job, Dad spent time speaking to other groups of roofers about the logistics of a job that size. 
In 2017, Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal celebrated its 90th Anniversary and we will continue that celebration into 2018! We have much to be thankful for and sometimes, in our busy lives, we forget to stop and take time to reflect on all that has been good and joyful during the past year.
We especially want to thank all our wonderful customers, for without your support and confidence in our ability to deliver on our promises, there would be no 90th Anniversary! We have a great family of team members who work hard, sometimes in sweltering heat or darn right cold conditions, always focused on our Mission to “Consistently deliver the highest quality commercial roofing and sheet metal products and services in the Kansas City region.” Our vendors, subs and the cooperation of other trades also plays an important role in our success and for that we thank you all. We also have celebrated new little ones entering this world, new team members and of course, the lives of friends and family we lost this year.