Commercial Roofing: What to Consider When Hiring a Company

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.

A Good Year for Cornell

As reported in an earlier post, 2019 was a good year. The Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal team put a heavy focus on job-site safety, which resulted in ultimate success. This was a year of one of our lowest percentages and a reduction in the rate by which companies’ premiums are based.

With the start of a new year and decade, Cornell is proud to announce ZERO incidents in 2019! President Mary McNamara commented, “Safety is more than a word at Cornell. Keeping our people safe is a mindset.” McNamara added, “ I am very proud of the continued focus on safety and the fact that we attained this great result.”a good year

With Fall Protection the #1 OSHA Standard violated, Cornell’s mantra is: “No one gets hurt today.” Mary added, “At Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, we will continue to invest in the time, training, certification support and latest safety equipment needed to help keep our people safe.”

To all the Customers, Trades and Suppliers, Cornell wishes you all a safe and prosperous 2020!

 

Renovating the First Baptist Church

Renovate, commercial, historic, renovation, Kansas City, First Baptist ChurchLocated on West Truman Road, the First Baptist Church of Independence, which has undergone renovating, traces its roots back over 120 years to 1896. As such, the church has been a part of American history and is listed on the Historic Registry.

Queen City of the Trails

Independence Missouri was the declared the starting point for the Oregon Trail by no less than an act of Congress! The City of Independence is still considered the “Queen City of the Trails” as it was a point of departure for the California, Oregon and Santa Fe Trails.

Decades later, it was into this bustling city that The First Baptist Church of Independence was established.

The Trumans

President Harry S. Truman and his wife, First Lady Bess Truman grew up and are buried in their beloved city, Independence. Their home and The Truman Library are both popular tourist attractions.

A Rebirth

Built well after the Civil War, the church has endured over 120 years of Missouri weather.

Renovating

Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal was hired for renovation of the church roofs and steeple, bringing them back into shape after many years of wear and tear.

As the images show, the finished look of the renovated roofing system and steeple give the church a fresh new look.

The attached short video shows a Cornell team member putting the finishing touches to the steeple and gives a birds-eye view of the beautiful new roofs.

The renovating of the church also includes the restoration from inside and out. These efforts culminated in the recent 1896 Building Restoration Benefit Concert to restore the worship sanctuary.

Cornell Roofing is proud to have played a part to help bring back the First Baptist Church of Independence to its original glory. For more information on the church, you can visit their site at: www.fbcindep.org

 

Re-roofing City Hall – Cornell Roofing

Commercial roofing, commercial roofers, KCC roofing, Kansas City Roofers, KCChambersThe challenge:

Facing the re-roofing of City Hall in Kansas City. The building opened at a cost of around six-million dollars. This was 30% over budget, but hey, these were the Pendergast years. Such spending was not uncommon given the 30 million-dollar bond package that was pushed through with many cries of tampering and fraud. This funded City Hall, Municipal Auditorium and numerous additional projects at the time.

At 30 stories and 443 feet, KC’s City Hall is the third largest building in the city. It is also still one of the tallest city halls in the nation. When it was completed in 1937, it was the tallest building in the state. The sheer height created some special challenges Commercial roofing, commercial roofers, KCC roofing, Kansas City Roofers, KCChambersfor Cornell Roofing. From both safety and equipment standpoints, our team was up to the challenge!

Iconic Architecture:

Neoclassic architecture with incredible interior and exterior art deco details and imported stone from around the world, made the building one of the most beautiful to this day. The story of the development of the city’s third city hall (the first two were in what is now the River Market), is still impressive to this day, leaving many first-time visitors in awe.

In order to accomplish the task of re-roofing City Hall, Cornell brought in one of the largest cranes in the Midwest. And, we’re not talking about any regular crane. Weighing in at 550 tons, The Blue Hat Crane’s impressive reach allowed the Cornell team to reach the 443 foot roof with height to spare. This allowed our team to safely bring materials up and debris down in order for safety during the process of re-roofing City Hall.

When not in operation, it covered almost the entire South side of the building, along with one lane of Locust street.

The Nitty Gritty:

The assembly of the crane was captured in the video below. Taken from the roof and set to fast motion, it is hard to tell what you are looking at. From this vantage point, men appear to scurry back and forth.  In a little over one minute, you can see the day passing while the re-roofing of City Hall was underway. Look close and you can also see a crane we needed just to assemble this beast! A day-long effort just to prepare for the job ahead.

Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal is proud to play a part in maintaining one of Kansas City’s true architectural masterpieces.

 

 

 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Cornell Roofing Continues Its Support

Today marks the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, breast cancer does not stop on the 31st. It is unrelenting. In 2019, an estimated 268,00 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States. In addition, an estimated 62,930 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer will be diagnosed. Men get breast cancer as well, adding another 10%¹.Breast Cancer Awareness in Commercial roofing and commercial Sheet Metalkansas city

Incredibly, one in eight women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and it’s estimated 41,760 women will die, THIS YEAR ALONE¹.

With over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., there is hope. 62% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage for which the 5-year survival rate is 99%¹.

Cornell Roofing Continues Its Support

At Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, we have long been active supporters of Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA). For the month of October, the staff and crews have been wearing our custom BCA shirts out on the job sites to show support, build awareness and help keep breast cancer top of mind in the Greater Metropolitan Kansas City area.

Breast cancer is one of the top types of cancer for women in the United States, all the more reason to get involved and help spread awareness of this terrible cancer. Many of us know or have a loved one who has or had breast cancer, both women and men. We also know early detection is one of the keys to fighting breast cancer, so please be proactive.

Cornell’s Mission

Part of the Mission of Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal is to continue being an active participant in local, regional and national support groups and charities. We urge everyone to consider what they might do to also get involved.

As you can see, the Cornell Roofing team was again, as we are every year, all-in on this important mission.

 

¹National Breast Cancer Foundation:

https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/

Builders’ Association EXPO Winner!

The 2019 KC Builders’ Association EXPO was another winner as was John Florez of Hodnett Photographers. John took home a new, 4K, 55″ Smart TV! According to John, it will be a timely addition for his home on game day, GO CHIEFS!

In addition to the opportunity to mix and mingle with other trades, suppliers and contractors, Cornell continued its long tradition of support as a Sponsor of The Builders’ Association EXPO 2019.

The Builders’ Association EXPO had some great training and continuing education opportunities as well. Cornell’s Assistant Project Manager, Victor Speers, took full advantage, attending; Construction Technology: What’s Next? Led by McCownGordon’s It Director, Justin Burns and The Softer Side of Cybersecurity, led by Robert Hunter, President of The Hunter Group.

Victor added, “The classes I took were informative, timely and dealt with real-life issues we are facing more and more everyday.”

 

 

EXPO EXTRA! Take Home This 55″ 4K Smart TV TOMORROW!

Kansas City Commercial Roofing

 

Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal wants to give YOU a brand-new TV at The Builders’ EXPO.  Just stop by booth #70, drop in a card and you could walk out with the perfect addition to the favorite place in your home. Remodel not included!

WINNER WINNER CHICKEN DINNER! Oh, it was a 55” TV! Nevermind…

Commercial roofing kansas city with commercial sheet metal in kansas cityKirk Walters, JE DUNN LEED® Green Associate and Project Manager WAS feeling Lucky at The Builders Association Industry EXPO. He was all smiles as Mary McNamara, Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal’s Owner, presented him with the  Grand Prize, a 55” Hi-Def TV!kansas city commercial roofing prize from Cornell roofing and sheet metal kansas city

Kirk was not the only winner as Cornell gave a number of our great cooler bags as giveaways during the Builders’Association drawings throughout the EXPO.

”This year’s Industry EXPO was a great opportunity to mix and mingle as well as take advantage of some great training session,” said Mary McNamara, Owner of Cornell Roofing. We continue to be proud sponsors of Builders’ Association industry events,”added Mary. Cornell continues to bring that training to bear with innovative techniques and the latest in productivity enhancing equipment. commercial roofing in kansas city along with Cornell Roofing and Sheet in Kansas city

Supporting the industry has always been part of Cornell’s Mission & Vision as Cornell continues to play important rolls on numerous industry and civic boards.

If you’re looking for an exceptional commercial roofing and sheet metal company, Cornell has the experience (Over 90 years), and the expertise (on-going OSHA and industry training), to handle any commercial  roofing and sheet metal project.

 

The Builders’ Association Welcomes Cornell’s Mary McNamara to The Board

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“Mary McNamara is a commercial construction champion. The Builders’ Association is so proud to have her newly elected to the board of directors. Mary is driven and always looking for how to raise things to the next level. She is a dedicated advocate of quality and greater strength through inclusion. Who could ask for more?” commented, Don Greenwell, President, The Builders’ Association, Kansas City Chapter of AGC.
“I am honored to be among such a dynamic group of people”, said Mary.“ I look forward to working with the Board and the Builders’ Association Officers to get rolling on the many areas we will be addressing during 2018.” Mary added.
Mary is in great company with other new Board Members: Jason Carson of Carson-Mitchell; Alex Gonzalez of Gonzalez Construction; Tim Harmon of Harmon Construction; Darin Heyen of Pearce Construction; Brandy McCombs of International Builders & Consultants; Angie McElhaney of MarksNelson; Jerry Schaefer of the Flynn Group; and, Eddy Whitley of Whitley Construction.
Kansas City continues to be a City on the move with gains in jobs, building and an influx of young people including entrepreneurs drawn by KC’s growing reputation as a hotbed of tech innovation.