A Season of Thanks

We work really hard here at StructureTec Group. Most of the time, we’re the nose-to-the-grindstone type of people. This time of year is a great time to take a moment away from the noise of life and reflect on all of the blessings in our lives.  

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, We’ve compiled statements from employees responding to the question: What are you thankful for this year? Their responses are below. I hope you enjoy reading, and more importantly reflecting on what you’re thankful for this year.

“I am grateful for the team that I have worked with day-in and day-out at StructureTec this year. We managed to work on many challenging projects this year and each project brought us closer together for the betterment of our overall services. I am looking forward to capitalizing on the many learning experiences for our projects next year.” – Sergio Pages, Vice President

“I am thankful for a warm home, my close family, an amazing group of friends and a great job that has created so many wonderful relationships.” – Megan Button, Human Resource Manager

“I am thankful for the love and support of my family. I’m thankful for their health and my own. I’m truly grateful to share each day with them. I’m also thankful for the many blessings in my life.” – Matt Meyer, Manager, Roofing – Construction Services Group

“I am thankful for the team at StructureTec that allows us the serve our clients, we have a team that goes over and above, works nights and weekends in order to meet our deadlines and commitments to the clients.” – Nick O’Hare, Director of Marketing

“I am thankful for the health of my family.  This is especially meaningful this particular year as my dad has been working through a serious heart condition.  I’m very grateful that he’s still here and can spend Thanksgiving at my home this year.  I am also thankful for God’s provision through the career opportunities he has provided my husband and me during 2014.  There have been some changes, and it has been an incredible blessing to see how the opportunities have all worked out according to God’s perfect plan.” – Stacey Woods, Manager, Sales & Business Development

“I am grateful for being given the opportunity to join the StructureTec team and for time with my family over the holiday break.” – Megan Schwark, Executive Assistant

“I am thankful for my family, the man in my life who makes me smile and laugh every day - Paul Mitchell, for my friends who we love hanging out with on the weekends and my coworkers who make coming to work a joy every day!” – Dawn Dahlinger, Corporate Administrative Manager

“I am thankful for the great team we have at StructureTec, I am thankful for everyone's strong commitment to the company. I am grateful that all of our employees work hard to provide the best customer care...to truly provide the best solutions.” – Jeffrey Brittan, CEO

2015 Pent-up Demand

Annually in the 4^th quarter StructureTec Group gathers for a company wide planning session to discuss strategy for the future. In addition to our company wide meeting, we have divisional meetings to discuss the specifics on how each division within StructureTec Group can prepare for the year ahead.

During our discussions this quarter, a resounding theme has come up. Pent-up demand in the marketplace is creating full backlogs for 2015 projects and contractors are being very selective with the work they bid. Our clients have shared with us their struggle to secure reliable contractors to perform the work they have slated for 2015.

With budgets finally being approved, remedial construction projects are on the rise. This is happening all across the country as America begins to feel the relief of an improving economy. The problem we are faced with now is that many of the construction companies that once could perform this work did not survive the recession; leaving fewer contractors to tackle the increased demand for high-quality work.

Due to the pent-up demand in the marketplace we highly recommend bidding/securing a contractor for 2015 projects yet this year or early 1^st quarter 2014. Bidding early returns the most competitive pricing and will also help you to avoid the pent-up-demand for high quality contractors. Don’t risk being left to choose whoever is available.

If you’re interested in learning more about how StructureTec Group helps clients schedule work ahead of time, give us a call (1-800-745-7832) or email. We’d be happy to discuss your strategy for getting 2015 projects booked and ready to go.

Project Spotlight: Marianjoy Roof Restoration

Even though the roof on Marianjoy Hospital in Wheaton Illinois was only 8 years old, it was leaking. The roof was expected to have a 25 year life. This early problem prompted the Facility Manager to contact StructureTec Group for an evaluation and infrared scan.

Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital

After the scan and evaluation, it was clear that the leaks were occurring due to material deficiencies; deficiencies that are typically covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. In this particular case, it was discovered that not only did the installer fail to finalize the warranty paperwork, but that the installing contractor was not an authorized installer of the roof system. Unfortunately, these oversights voided any warranty that could have been applied to the roof system.

The roof needed an estimated one million dollar total replacement. Because the roof was quite new, there was no existing budget for a project of that magnitude. The hospital management wanted a way to fix the problems and maximize the life of the existing roof without exceeding the available funds for the project.

Construction Services Group (CSG), a StructureTec Group subsidiary, was contracted for the project. Given the parameters of the situation at hand, the team was able to come up with an innovative solution that saved the building owner the cost of full roof replacement.

Technician applying aluminum coating.

Rather than replace the roof, the team developed a plan to remove the wet insulation, repair the blisters and seam failures and cover the entire roof surface with an aluminum coating. This protects the building and prevents further material deterioration.  This solution gives the building owner another 10 years with their existing roof for less than $100,000.00, a fraction of the cost of replacement.

The building owner now has a roof that will last 10 more years, postponing the expensive roof replacement. In addition, the roof is fully weatherproofed complete with new insulation. StructureTec Group was able to provide the best solution for the unique parameters of the project allowing the hospital to continue to provide the best possible care to their patients and staff.

Weatherproofed roof with aluminum coating.

The 3 R's of Winter Preparation

Halloween is over and the pumpkins on our front porches have rotted (or frozen) away…whether we like it or not winter is just around the corner.

Before the first flurries start to accumulate, there are a few checks you should perform on your buildings to be sure they’re ready to bear the burden of snow, ice, rain and freeze/ thaw conditions. 

We've broken them down into the 3 R's of Winter Preparation:

1. Review the condition of your roofs. Roofs bear most of the burden of winter weather. Checking your roof system for any deficiencies before they’re covered in snow and ice will save you time and money in the long run.  You should be looking for things like punctures, open laps and blisters as well as obvious signs of existing water damage. What is now a small leak will only get worse this season.

2. Record the deficiencies you find on your roof and the level of severity. This will help you develop a plan to address these issues. Whether you decide to perform the work yourself, or hire a professional, knowing what and where the problems are will save you time as you race against the changing weather.

3. Repair the issues you've discovered. Give yourself some peace of mind this holiday season by ensuring all problems have been addressed. Repair any penetrations, flashings, curbs and skylights and repair voids or any open seams. Ensure that drains and scuppers are clear of any debris. Taking care of these minor maintenance issues will prevent them from becoming major projects to address this spring.

Remembering to check these few things before winter will go a long way in protecting your assets.  If you need advice on how to prepare your building for winter, you can schedule a walk over with us to make sure your building is ready. Click here for more information.