Commercial kitchen hood cleaning is essential for reducing grease-related fire risks and keeping commercial kitchens operating safely. Every day, cooking equipment produces grease, smoke, and vapor that can collect inside the kitchen’s exhaust system. Over time, this buildup can become a serious hazard, especially when cleaning is delayed or only covers the surfaces employees can easily reach.

For restaurants, hotels, schools, healthcare facilities, and other commercial kitchens, keeping up with hood cleaning involves more than maintaining a clean workspace. Grease can collect inside exhaust ducts and around fans, where it may go unnoticed during routine kitchen cleaning. If a cooking fire reaches these deposits, the grease can fuel the fire and allow it to spread through the exhaust system.

The challenge for facility managers is knowing how often cleaning is needed, which parts of the system require attention, and how to confirm that service has been completed. A hood that looks clean from below does not necessarily mean the entire exhaust system is free of grease buildup.

Delaying service can increase safety risks, lead to more involved cleaning, and create uncertainty about whether maintenance requirements are being met. A consistent schedule helps facilities address grease accumulation before it becomes a larger problem.

Schwickert’s provides professional hood and exhaust cleaning services to help commercial facilities manage this responsibility. This article explains the risks of falling behind, the areas that can be overlooked, and the steps facility managers can take to keep their kitchen exhaust systems on schedule.

Commercial cooking produces grease that can enter the exhaust system. Filters capture some of this material, while exhaust fans move air through the ductwork and out of the building.

Over time, grease can collect on the hood, inside ducts, and around the exhaust fan. Because grease is combustible, these deposits can become fuel if a cooking fire reaches the exhaust system. A fire may then spread beyond the cooking surface and into the ductwork.

Cleaning visible hood surfaces and nearby equipment does not address hidden buildup. The appropriate parts of the exhaust system need to be cleaned based on the system’s design, condition, cooking activity, and applicable requirements.

Regular professional cleaning helps remove accumulated grease before it becomes a more serious hazard. Schwickert’s hood and exhaust cleaning services help commercial facilities address grease buildup and maintain their exhaust systems.

Not every commercial kitchen needs the same cleaning schedule. A restaurant that operates around the clock and regularly uses fryers, grills, or woks can accumulate grease faster than a facility that prepares fewer meals.

NFPA 96 provides guidance for inspecting commercial cooking exhaust systems for grease buildup. General inspection intervals vary by cooking type and volume:

Monthly: Solid-fuel cooking operations

Quarterly: High-volume operations, including many 24-hour kitchens, charbroiling operations, and wok cooking

Semiannually: Moderate-volume cooking operations

Annually: Certain low-volume or limited-use cooking operations

These are general inspection intervals, not automatic cleaning schedules. Cleaning needs depend on grease buildup, the system’s condition, and applicable requirements. If an inspection identifies grease deposits that need to be removed, the system should be cleaned accordingly.

Facility managers should review their maintenance schedules when operating hours increase, menus change, or new cooking equipment is added. These changes can affect how quickly grease builds up and whether the current schedule is still appropriate. Schwickert’s can help facilities assess their hood and exhaust cleaning needs based on their kitchen’s operating conditions.

Some of the most important areas of a commercial kitchen exhaust system are difficult to see during everyday operations. Employees may wipe down the hood and clean removable filters, but those tasks do not replace cleaning the full exhaust system.

Hidden buildup can be a concern in other building systems, too. Schwickert’s explains what facilities miss when they put off commercial air duct cleaning and why overlooked areas deserve attention during routine maintenance.

Depending on the system, grease may collect in:

– Exhaust ductwork above the cooking area.

– Duct elbows and other hard-to-access sections.

– Exhaust fan blades and housings.

– Grease collection areas and related components.

When maintenance focuses only on visible surfaces, these areas can be missed.

Schwickert’s provides hood and exhaust cleaning services to help commercial facilities address grease buildup throughout their exhaust systems. Its listed service deliverables include before-and-after photos, a cleaning record, and a compliance sticker.

These records help facility managers track completed work and plan future maintenance. When scheduling service, confirm which components are included and whether any areas need additional access or follow-up.

Even facilities with regular cleaning routines can leave gaps in their maintenance plans.

Cleaning only visible surfaces: Wiping down the hood and cleaning filters do not address grease throughout the exhaust system. Professional service should cover the appropriate components within the agreed scope.

Using the same schedule for every kitchen: A schedule that works for a low-volume kitchen may not suit a busy restaurant. Cleaning frequency should reflect cooking methods, operating hours, grease accumulation, and applicable requirements.

Waiting until grease is obvious: Not all buildup is easy to see. Waiting for visible deposits can allow grease to collect in areas that are rarely inspected.

Failing to keep service records: Without documentation, facility managers may have trouble confirming when the system was last cleaned or whether issues need follow-up. Organized records make recurring maintenance easier to manage.

Treating cleaning as a substitute for other fire safety measures: Exhaust cleaning removes combustible grease, while kitchen fire-suppression systems provide a separate layer of protection. Each requires appropriate maintenance.

Professional cleaning addresses grease in areas routine kitchen cleaning cannot reach. The exact process depends on the system’s layout, condition, access requirements, and agreed scope of service.

A typical service process includes:

1. Reviewing the system: The service provider considers the exhaust layout, cooking operation, condition, and access needs.
2. Preparing the work area: The kitchen and nearby equipment are protected, and exhaust equipment is shut down or isolated as required for safe service.
3. Removing grease buildup: Technicians clean the applicable hood, ductwork, exhaust fan, and other components included in the service.
4. Documenting the work: Schwickert’s lists before-and-after photos, a cleaning record, and a compliance sticker among its service deliverables. Facility managers should retain records and review any findings or recommendations.
5. Planning future maintenance: Service records and system condition help inform the next inspection and cleaning schedule.

The cost of commercial kitchen hood cleaning depends on factors such as system size, layout, grease accumulation, accessibility, and the work required.

Heavy buildup or difficult access may increase the labor needed to clean a system. Additional work may also be necessary if an inspection identifies areas that need attention beyond routine cleaning. A facility-specific estimate is more useful than relying on one price for every kitchen.

However, service cost is only part of the decision. A grease-related fire can damage equipment and building components, interrupt operations, and create serious safety risks. Delayed maintenance can also make future cleaning more involved.

Regular cleaning cannot eliminate every fire risk, but it helps address an important and preventable hazard. For businesses operating multiple kitchens, a documented schedule can also make budgeting and service planning easier.

If your facility does not have a clear hood cleaning schedule, start by reviewing service records. Confirm when the exhaust system was last inspected and cleaned, what work was completed, and whether any issues remain unresolved.

Next, consider cooking volume, equipment, and operating hours. If these have changed, your current schedule may need to be reassessed.

If you are unsure whether the full exhaust system has been cleaned recently, arrange an inspection with a qualified provider. Do not rely only on the appearance of the hood or filters to decide whether service is needed.

Schwickert’s offers commercial hood and exhaust cleaning services to help facilities address grease buildup and maintain service documentation. Discuss your kitchen’s operating conditions and cleaning history with the service team to determine appropriate next steps.

Commercial kitchen hood cleaning helps facilities manage grease-related fire risks. When cleaning falls behind, combustible deposits can accumulate in areas that are easy to overlook during daily kitchen maintenance.

The right schedule depends on cooking volume, system condition, and applicable requirements. Professional service, clear records, and consistent scheduling help facility managers keep this responsibility under control.

Ready to review your kitchen’s cleaning schedule? Explore Schwickert’s commercial services or contact the team to discuss your hood and exhaust cleaning needs.

Rooftops and work areas around a commercial facility carry hazards that are easy to overlook. Open roof edges, skylights, roof hatches and worn access ladders can all lead to serious injuries or property damage. Custom safety fabrication addresses these hazards with equipment built for the exact layout of your building. This guide covers the main types of rooftop safety equipment, how a safety assessment works and how Schwickert’s dedicated safety team helps you stay ahead of OSHA requirements.

A commercial roof sees plenty of foot traffic over the course of a year. Maintenance staff check equipment after storms. Service technicians work on rooftop units. Crews from our commercial plumbing team clear roof drains and inspect vent stacks. Each visit puts someone near an edge, an opening or a slick surface.

Falls are one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries, and OSHA sets clear rules for protecting workers from fall hazards. As a building owner or manager, you are responsible for keeping these areas safe for employees, building visitors and the contractors you bring on site. A safety plan built around your specific roof makes that responsibility much easier to manage.

A safety assessment is the best first step. The audit identifies hazards on your rooftop that could result in personal injury or property damage.

During an assessment, our team looks at how people reach the roof, where they travel once they are up there and which areas put them at risk. Common findings include:

• Unprotected roof edges along regular walking paths

• Skylights and roof hatches without guards

• Ladders that are damaged, unsecured or poorly placed

• Missing tie-off points for workers who need fall protection

• Rooftop equipment that sits close to an edge

The results give you a clear picture of what needs attention first. From there, Schwickert’s can design and build solutions that bring your roof in line with current safety standards.

Getting onto the roof is often the riskiest part of the trip. A ladder without a secure handhold at the top forces workers into awkward movements at height. Roof hatches create a similar problem when there is nothing to hold onto during the climb out.

Schwickert’s builds custom ladders and access systems sized for your building. Depending on the layout, options can include fixed ladders, stair-style access with handrails and guardrails around hatch openings. Each piece is built to fit the structure it serves. That fit helps workers climb up, step off and return safely.

Safe access matters for every trade that works on your roof. Technicians from our commercial HVAC services team, for example, rely on secure access to reach rooftop units while carrying tools and parts.

Guardrails create a physical barrier between people and the hazards around them. They are one of the most dependable forms of fall protection since they work without any action from the worker.

Guardrail systems are commonly used in these areas:

• Along roof edges where workers travel or perform regular maintenance

• Around skylights, which can break under a person’s weight

• Around roof hatches and other openings

• Near rooftop equipment that sits close to an edge

Custom fabrication allows each guardrail to match the layout of the roof. Schwickert’s offers both freestanding and attached guardrail systems. Freestanding systems sit on the roof surface without penetrating the membrane. Attached systems connect directly to the structure. The right choice depends on the roof type and how the area is used.

Timing can also make a difference. If you are planning a roof replacement, our commercial roofing team can coordinate the project so the new roof system and safety equipment are planned together.

Some tasks require workers to move beyond the protection of a guardrail. Edge work, facade maintenance and certain repairs often fall into this category. In these situations, workers wear a personal fall arrest system that connects to an anchor point.

An anchor point has to hold the force of a fall, so it needs to be designed for the structure it attaches to. Schwickert’s provides engineered anchor points that give workers a secure place to tie off. Placement matters as much as strength. Anchors should be located where workers actually need them, which makes tying off a natural part of the job.

OSHA regulations change over time. Tracking those updates is a lot to ask of facility managers who already juggle maintenance, budgets and tenant needs. Working with a partner who follows these changes closely takes that burden off your plate.

Schwickert’s has its own dedicated safety team. They know OSHA regulations well and stay current as rules are updated. When a change affects your facility, we will let you know and help you plan the next step. That ongoing support means your rooftop safety equipment keeps pace with current standards long after it is installed.

Safety is also built into how our own crews work every day. Our safety program includes:

• Daily site safety visits and job hazard analysis

• Weekly safety and quality toolbox talks

• Mandatory pre-job planning meetings

• Monthly safety training and safety committee meetings

We also partner with the MN Safety Council, Associated Builders and Contractors and South Central College for training and resources. When you work with Schwickert’s, you get recommendations shaped by that same commitment.

Our team also helps with the financial side of safety upgrades. Ask us how your company may qualify for an OSHA grant.

Rooftop safety works best when one team handles it from start to finish. Schwickert’s identifies the hazards, designs the solution and fabricates the ladders, guardrails, guards and anchor points your building needs. Our safety team stays with you after the work is done and keeps you informed as regulations change. That gives you a partner who protects your people and helps you stay compliant year after year.

Contact our safety services team to schedule your rooftop safety audit.

Metal plays a role on nearly every commercial building, from the roof perimeter to the exterior walls to the small trim pieces that finish a façade. The right product depends on how the building is used, how much weather exposure it faces, and the appearance you want. This guide explains the most common architectural metal options and the types of buildings where each one performs best.

Schwickert’s fabricates, installs, and services architectural metal for commercial buildings across Minnesota. Our crews handle everything from a single trim piece to a full metal roof or panel wall.

Architectural metals are the components that protect and finish a building’s exterior. Some are highly visible, while others are small details that direct water away from the seams and openings where leaks tend to start.

Most commercial projects use a combination of these categories:

• Metal roofing for low-slope and steep-slope roofs

• Metal wall panels for building envelopes and accent areas

• Coping, flashing, and edge metal for roof perimeters and transitions

• Trim and drainage accessories that complete corners and openings

• Custom-fabricated pieces for details that standard profiles can’t address

Metal roofing is a durable option for owners who want a long service life with relatively little maintenance. Its smooth surface sheds snow and rain efficiently, and it holds up well through the repeated freeze and thaw cycles that wear down other materials.

Metal roofing is a practical fit for warehouses and manufacturing plants where large roof areas need dependable protection. Retail and office buildings also choose metal when they want a clean profile that complements a modern exterior, and agricultural buildings benefit from its strength and simple upkeep.

A metal roof performs only as well as the details around it, so it should be planned together with the rest of the roof system. If you are comparing metal with other materials, our commercial roofing team can help you evaluate which system suits your building.

Metal wall panels give a building a finished exterior while adding a protective layer against wind and moisture. They appear frequently on new construction and on renovation projects that update an older façade.

Panels work especially well on multi-family and mixed-use buildings that need a durable, attractive exterior, and schools and medical offices use them for similar reasons. On retail and office properties, panels are a popular way to highlight an entrance or create an accent wall.

Most panel systems are installed over support components such as hat channels or Z furring channels. Selecting the panels and the support pieces at the same time helps the entire wall assembly fit together as intended.

Flashing and edge metal are some of the most important components on a commercial building, even though they are rarely noticed. Coping caps protect the tops of parapet walls. Drip edge and gutter aprons guide water off the roof edge, while counterflashing and roof-to-wall flashing seal the joint where a roof meets a vertical surface.

These components matter most on flat and low-slope roofs with parapet walls. Brick and masonry buildings also need careful detailing, and brick ledge flashing helps keep water out of the wall cavity.

Rooftop equipment creates another common weak point. Whenever a unit is installed or replaced, the flashing around its curb needs attention as well. Coordinating that work with our commercial HVAC services team helps keep the roof watertight once the mechanical work is complete.

Every flat roofing project we complete includes metal edge work. Our crews fabricate and install the coping, flashing, and edge metal that finish the roof and keep water out.

Trim pieces give an exterior its finished appearance. J-channels and corner trim create clean edges where panels end or change direction. Chimney covers protect masonry openings from water and debris.

Drainage components deserve careful planning on any building with a large roof area. Scuppers and downspouts move water off the roof and away from the foundation. When they are undersized or poorly placed, water can pool on the roof or run down exterior walls. Roof drainage frequently ties into interior drain lines and storm piping, so it helps to plan exterior metal alongside our commercial plumbing services when a project involves both.

Some buildings have conditions that standard parts simply don’t fit. Older structures with unusual parapet shapes, curved walls, or one-off transitions often call for metal made to exact dimensions.

Custom fabrication is a good choice when:

• Existing pieces need to be matched during a repair

• A design calls for nonstandard lengths, angles, or profiles

• An architect or engineer has provided detailed drawings

• Standard trim would leave gaps or require extensive field modification

Schwickert’s fabricates custom pieces, and our crews can install them as part of your project. You can also place custom orders through our online metals store and upload drawings or specifications with your request.

Churches, schools, and senior living communities frequently use pitched roofs for their appearance and their ability to shed snow.

Metal remains essential on these projects wherever water concentrates, particularly in valleys and at wall transitions. W-valley flashing channels water where two roof planes meet, one of the most leak-prone spots on any pitched roof.

A few practical questions can narrow down the best option for your project:

• What does the building need to protect? Roof edges and transitions usually need flashing and coping first.

• How visible is the area? Prominent walls and roofs may justify premium panels and finishes.

• What is the roof slope? Low-slope and steep-slope roofs rely on different systems and details.

• Is this a repair or new construction? Repairs often require matching existing profiles, which may mean custom work.

• What does the schedule allow? Stock components keep simple jobs moving, while custom pieces require more planning time.

Answering these questions early helps prevent costly changes later.

Whether you need a few stock trim pieces or a complete metal roof or wall system, Schwickert’s can fabricate, install, and service it. See our Architectural Metal projects for examples of panel walls, metal roofs, and edge metal we’ve installed. You can also browse our online metals store or contact our team with questions about your building.

A commercial plumbing problem can affect building operations within minutes. Water can quickly reach occupied spaces, equipment, inventory, and other parts of the facility.

For facility managers, the first priority is controlling the immediate risk. The next is giving the responding plumbing team the information they need to locate the problem and determine the right course of action.

Here is what to do when a commercial plumbing emergency occurs, what to expect when help arrives, and when the issue may require more extensive work.

Start by determining whether the area is safe to enter. Water near electrical panels, outlets, machinery, or other electrical equipment can create a serious hazard. Keep employees, tenants, and visitors away until conditions are safe.

Once immediate safety concerns are addressed:

• Shut off the water. Use the closest fixture or zone valve if the problem can be isolated. If it cannot, the building’s main water supply may need to be shut off.

• Turn off power when necessary and safe. Electrical service to the affected area may need to be disconnected if water has reached outlets, wiring, or equipment.

• Call a commercial plumbing professional. Schwickert’s plumbing technicians are available 24/7 for emergency service response.

• Restrict access to the area. Use barriers or signage to keep people away from standing water and damaged spaces.

• Stop using affected plumbing fixtures. Continued use of sinks, toilets, or drains can make a sewer or drain backup worse.

If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, evacuate the building and contact the appropriate utility provider or emergency services from a safe location.

Facility managers should also know where the main water shut-off and important zone valves are located before an emergency occurs. Clearly labeling these valves can make it easier for staff to respond quickly.

Providing the right information can help the plumbing team better understand the situation before arriving.

Be prepared to explain where the problem is located, when it started, and what you can currently see or hear. Let the team know whether you are dealing with a leak, burst pipe, drain backup, loss of water pressure, or another issue.

You should also mention whether water has reached electrical equipment or other parts of the building and which valves have already been shut off. Information about past plumbing problems, recent work, and building access can also be helpful.

If available, keep building plans, plumbing drawings, or valve maps accessible for the responding technician.

Once the water is controlled and conditions are safe, focus on preventing the damage from spreading.

Move electronics, documents, inventory, and other vulnerable items away from the problem area. Standing water can be contained with appropriate cleanup equipment when it is safe to do so. Tarps or protective coverings may also help shield nearby property from an overhead leak.

Take photographs or video before major cleanup begins in case documentation is needed later.

Avoid using chemical drain cleaners during a serious blockage. These products may create additional hazards and can complicate the work required to clear the line.

The first priority is confirming that the space is safe and the active water flow is under control. From there, the technician works to determine where the failure began and how much of the system is involved.

The assessment may include checking shut-off valves, water pressure, nearby piping, fittings, and connections. Drain or sewer problems may require additional inspection to identify a blockage or damaged line.

Related equipment may also need to be evaluated depending on the emergency. This could include water heaters, pumps, or backflow prevention devices.

The technician may also check whether water has traveled beyond the visible problem into walls, ceilings, flooring, or nearby spaces. Once the cause is identified, the next step is determining the appropriate fix and whether additional work should be considered.

Learn more about Schwickert’s commercial plumbing services.

Commercial plumbing systems can fail for many reasons, especially in buildings with heavy daily use or aging infrastructure.

Frozen or Burst Pipes

Cold temperatures can place exposed or poorly insulated piping at greater risk of freezing. Pipes located near exterior walls, loading areas, mechanical spaces, and other colder parts of a facility may be especially vulnerable.

Drain and Sewer Backups

Grease, debris, buildup, foreign objects, or damage within a drain line can restrict flow. As the blockage becomes more severe, wastewater may back up through floor drains, sinks, or other fixtures.

Failed Valves and Fittings

Valves, seals, connections, and fittings experience wear over time. A small issue can quickly become a significant leak once a component fails under normal system pressure.

Aging or Corroded Piping

Older piping may develop corrosion, weakened sections, or repeated leaks. One burst or leaking section can sometimes indicate deterioration elsewhere in the system.

Water Heater Problems

A leaking connection, tank failure, or another water heater issue can release a significant amount of water into a mechanical room or nearby occupied space.

Backflow Prevention Issues

Backflow prevention devices play an important role in protecting a building’s potable water supply. A leak or equipment failure may require prompt attention to restore proper operation.

Some emergencies can be resolved with a focused fix. Others reveal a problem that extends beyond the initial point of failure.

A larger repair may need to be considered when:

• The same area has failed repeatedly

• Corrosion or deterioration extends beyond the damaged section

• Multiple leaks are developing in the same system

• A drain or sewer line shows signs of significant damage

• Plumbing equipment is reaching the end of its useful service life

• Existing piping needs to be replaced as part of a permanent solution

Restoring service may be the immediate priority, but recurring failures should not be ignored. Evaluating the larger system can help facility managers determine whether additional repairs or improvements could reduce future disruptions.

Facility managers can make future emergencies easier to manage by knowing where main and zone shut-off valves are located. Keep those locations clearly labeled and make sure the appropriate staff understand basic emergency procedures.

Routine plumbing inspections and maintenance can also help identify leaks, drainage problems, or worn components before they lead to a larger failure.

When a commercial plumbing problem cannot wait, Schwickert’s can help. With 100 years of combined service, our plumbing team is available 24/7 for emergency services to help facility managers respond to urgent building issues and providing you with peace of mind.

Our team can identify the source of the problem, address the immediate plumbing concern, and help determine whether additional repairs should be considered.

Schwickert’s also supports commercial facilities with commercial roofing and commercial HVAC services.

Learn more about our commercial plumbing services or contact Schwickert’s for 24/7 emergency service.

Commercial facilities have a lot of moving parts. Roofing, plumbing, HVAC, and other building systems can all need attention at different times, and managing those needs often means coordinating several people, schedules, and priorities.

Working with Schwickert’s gives facility teams another option. One established relationship can provide access to multiple trades, making it easier to address different building needs without starting over with a new contractor each time.

That relationship can also support better coordination, familiarity, visibility, and planning over time. As our teams become more familiar with your facility, we can communicate across trades, coordinate overlapping work, and help you look at building needs more broadly.

Every new contractor relationship takes time to establish. You need to explain the facility, communicate expectations, coordinate access, and learn how the contractor works.

When you already work with Schwickert’s, that foundation is in place.

If another need comes up, you can turn to a company you already know rather than beginning the process again with someone new. That can make it easier to address needs across different building systems while keeping communication within one established relationship.

For facility managers responsible for many priorities at once, that familiarity can make day-to-day maintenance much simpler.

When a contractor has already worked on your facility, you have a better idea of what to expect.

You know how the company communicates, how work is handled, and what the overall process looks like. If you later need help with another service, you are not starting from zero with an unfamiliar company.

That continuity can be especially helpful for facility teams that need dependable support across several areas of a building.

It also gives Schwickert’s a growing understanding of your facility, which becomes more valuable over time.

Building systems do not always operate independently.

A project may involve needs that overlap between trades, particularly on larger or more involved facilities. When that happens, Schwickert’s teams can communicate internally, complete site walks together when needed, and coordinate work across the services involved.

Instead of leaving the facility manager to connect several separate contractors, communication can happen within the same organization.

That coordination can help everyone better understand the scope of the work and how different needs may affect one another.

The longer we work with a facility, the more context our teams can gain about the building.

That broader understanding can make it easier to recognize connections between different systems and understand how one maintenance need may relate to another.

Rather than looking at each service request as a completely separate issue, an established contractor relationship can provide a more complete view of what has been happening throughout the facility.

That knowledge can help facility teams make more informed decisions about what needs attention and where priorities may overlap.

Facility maintenance is rarely about addressing only one issue at a time. Building owners and facility managers often need to balance current repairs, future maintenance, larger projects, and available budgets.

Working across multiple trades gives Schwickert’s the ability to help customers look at several needs together.

That can make planning conversations around priorities, timing, and budgets more productive. Instead of viewing each project in isolation, facility teams can consider what needs attention first, what may be planned for later, and how different projects may fit together.

The goal is to give customers better visibility as they decide what makes the most sense for their building.

Keeping track of several contractors can mean separate conversations, schedules, contacts, and follow-ups.

An established relationship with Schwickert’s can simplify that process by giving customers one company to turn to for multiple facility needs.

That does not mean every project is exactly the same or that every trade follows one identical process. It means you already have a relationship in place and a team that can help connect the right people when another need comes up.

For busy facility managers, that can mean less time spent figuring out who to call and more time focused on the building itself.

Working with one contractor across multiple trades can be especially useful when:

• Your facility has ongoing needs across several building systems.

• You want to reduce the number of new contractor relationships you need to manage.

• Projects involve more than one trade or overlapping scopes of work.

• You want contractors who are already familiar with your facility.

• You need help looking at maintenance needs, priorities, and budgets more broadly.

Every facility is different, but the more moving pieces you manage, the more valuable coordination and familiarity can become.

Managing a commercial facility takes coordination, planning, and the right people in place.

Working with Schwickert’s gives you access to multiple trades through one established relationship, with teams that can communicate, coordinate, and build knowledge of your facility over time.

That means fewer moving parts to manage, better coordination across services, and a partner you can rely on as your facility’s needs change.

If your facility could benefit from a more streamlined approach, contact Schwickert’s today.

Storms don’t always leave obvious signs. A shingle out of place or a small dent in a rooftop unit can look minor from the ground, but those small signs often point to bigger problems underneath. Waiting to address storm damage, even when it looks manageable, tends to cost building owners more in the long run.

A damaged roof doesn’t just sit there unchanged until you get around to fixing it. Water finds its way into gaps that seemed harmless at first, and that moisture spreads. What starts as a cracked seam or lifted edge metal can turn into:

• Water intrusion that damages insulation and interior ceilings

• Mold growth that spreads faster than most owners expect

• Structural weakening that makes future repairs more invasive and expensive

• Compromised mechanical equipment sitting exposed on the roof

The longer these issues go unaddressed, the more systems they touch. A roof problem rarely stays a roof problem, and repair costs tend to climb the longer water has access to the building.

Every storm puts stress on the materials holding your roof together, and edge metal is often the first casualty. It’s designed to seal the roof’s perimeter and direct water away from the building, so when it’s damaged, water has a direct path into the structure below.

Roof material reacts differently depending on what you have installed. A single membrane puncture might seem contained, but wind-driven rain can push water well past the entry point before anyone notices. This is why a full material assessment, including a close look at your architectural metal and edge details, matters more than a quick visual check from the parking lot. Loose or bent edge metal in particular tends to worsen with every additional storm, since wind can catch an already-lifted edge and peel it back further.

Rooftop HVAC units, condensers, and other mechanical equipment are directly exposed to whatever a storm brings. Hail dents can compromise a unit’s housing. Debris can clog intake vents. Wind can shift equipment just enough to strain electrical connections or refrigerant lines.

None of this is always visible from a quick walk-through, and running compromised equipment can shorten its lifespan or trigger a bigger failure down the line, often during a season when you need that system running the most. A unit that’s been quietly struggling since the last storm is far more likely to fail completely during the next heat wave or cold snap, usually at the least convenient time.

It’s tempting to hold off on an inspection if the building looks fine on the surface, especially when budgets are tight. But storm damage doesn’t pause while you wait for a more convenient time to address it. A small roof leak left unchecked for a few months can lead to replacing damaged insulation, repairing interior ceiling tiles, and dealing with mold remediation, on top of the original roof repair. What could have been a single line-item repair becomes three or four.

When storm damage hits, the priority is stopping any issues before they get worse. Schwickert’s 24/7 emergency team can get there and secure any vulnerable areas and help prevent further damage.

Once the immediate damage is addressed, Schwickert’s approach starts with a full inspection covering roof material condition, edge metal integrity, and mechanical equipment function. That assessment gives you a clear picture of what actually needs attention instead of guessing based on what’s visible

From there, emergency services and leak inspections address anything urgent right away, while preventative maintenance plans help keep smaller issues from becoming major repairs after the next storm rolls through.

Storm damage repairs rarely fit neatly into an annual budget, which is why planning matters as much as the repair itself. Working with Tecta America and using the HVAC-R Tracker system, Schwickert’s helps building owners forecast equipment lifespan, plan for replacements before they become emergencies, and budget for maintenance with real data instead of estimates.

That kind of visibility makes it easier to decide what needs attention now versus what can be scheduled for later, without the guesswork that usually comes with storm-related repairs. Instead of reacting to each storm individually, building owners get a longer-term view of what their roof and mechanical systems will need over the next several years.

Storm damage rarely announces itself clearly. A full roof and mechanical equipment assessment is the only way to know what you’re actually dealing with, and catching it early is almost always less expensive than waiting.

Schedule a storm damage assessment with Schwickert’s today to get a clear picture of your roof, edge metal, and mechanical equipment before small issues turn into costly repairs.

A job can turn into a real career path with room to grow, if you know what to look for. Whether you’re just starting out after high school, switching careers, or already working in the trades and wondering what’s next, understanding how growth actually works in the construction industry can help you make a more informed decision about your future.

Here’s what building a career in the trades can look like, from your first day on the job to a future leadership role.

One of the biggest misconceptions about trade careers is that there’s a single path you must follow. In reality, there are several directions to grow, depending on your interests and strengths. Schwickert’s, for example, hires across a wide range of trades:

• Roofing

• HVAC-R

• Architectural sheet metal

• Electrical

• Mechanical

• Plumbing

• Duct cleaning services

There are also career paths in the office for people who want to stay close to construction without working in the field, including accounting, administration, project management, service management, sales, business development, human resources, and marketing.

No single path is the “right” one. What matters is finding the direction that fits how you like to work.

Growth in the trades depends heavily on training, and the best companies treat that as an ongoing investment, not a one-time onboarding checklist. Schwickert’s runs a state-certified apprenticeship program held over three weeks every January, combining classroom instruction with on-the-job experience across three training levels. It’s built for employees ranging from entry level to foremen-in-training, giving apprentices a structured way to progress into journeymen and eventually into leadership roles.

A company that invests in training early is usually the same company that promotes from within later. Those two things tend to go together.

In some industries, moving up requires moving around to other companies. The trades work differently at Schwickert’s. Because skilled labor is in high demand and experienced workers are hard to replace, companies that value their people tend to promote from within rather than hire leadership from outside.

Schwickert’s states this directly as a company commitment: growth opportunities for every employee, competitive pay within the industry, and active encouragement of internal promotions across the company. That means the apprentice who joins today could be a journeyman in a few years, and a foreman or department lead after that.

Nate Klossner is a real example of what that path can look like. He started entry-level at Schwickert’s in the Roofing Service department, where he spent 14 years, including running major roofing production jobs across the country. He moved into the role of Architectural Sheet Metal Superintendent in 2014, and became Senior Superintendent in 2025, now overseeing all Roofing and Architectural Sheet Metal projects for the company.

“It’s not just training that builds your career, it’s what you decide to dedicate yourself to and do with that training,” Klossner says.

It’s worth asking about directly when you’re evaluating where to work: how often do people get promoted, and what does that path typically look like at that company?

Trade work is physical, and it’s often team-based in a way that office jobs aren’t. That makes culture a bigger factor in day-to-day satisfaction than people sometimes realize going in. Schwickert’s describes its culture around four core values:

• Our People – valuing employees, promoting personal integrity, and prioritizing well-being in a family-friendly workplace

• Our Customers – building loyalty through partnerships, education, and 24/7 support

• Excellence – a commitment to safety and quality, backed by cross-department teamwork

• Communities – active participation in local events and charitable causes

A strong culture doesn’t mean an easy job. It means a workplace where hard work is respected and people are set up to succeed.

Growth in the trades isn’t always linear. A few things worth expecting as you build a career:

• The first year or two is often the steepest learning curve, especially during an apprenticeship

• Pay tends to increase with certifications, experience, and expanded skill sets, not just time on the job

• Physical demands are real, but so is the support that comes with steady, skilled work. That support typically includes Benefits like:
  1. Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage
  2. An Employee Assistance Program
  3. Life and accident insurance
  4. A 401(k) with company match
  5. Paid time off and holidays
  6. Tuition Reimbursement

• Opportunities to specialize or move into leadership often open up once you’ve built a solid foundation in your trade

It’s a career that rewards consistency. Showing up, working hard, building skills, and staying curious about the next thing to learn tends to pay off over time.

There’s no single formula for building a career in the trades, but there is a common thread: people who grow the most tend to work somewhere that gives them room to do it. That means real training, real opportunities to move up, and a culture that backs its people.

If you’re exploring what a career in the trades could look like for you, Schwickert’s careers page  is a good place to start. You can also get a closer look at how careers grow here, including the apprenticeship program, or see the full list of benefits and what the company values day to day.

Ready to see where a trade career could take you? Explore open positions today.

Some facility managers view air duct cleaning as a luxury. They think its an optional part of their maintenance plan. But when dust and debris build up in a commercial duct system, they can affect air quality, equipment efficiency and overall building comfort. Here’s why routine duct cleaning is an important part of maintaining a building and looking out for those who work or live inside it.

Routine air duct cleaning services address the extensive networks of supply and return ductwork. These areas easily build up dust and debris when they go unnoticed. Some of the main areas we see issues include:

• Branch lines and takeoffs because they get less attention than main trunk lines

• Return air plenums which often get skipped entirely

• Other hard-to-reach areas

Over time, this buildup can restrict airflow, recirculate dust and place additional strain on HVAC equipment. Routine commercial duct cleaning helps keep the entire air distribution system cleaner and operating more efficiently.

Buildup in ductwork doesn’t sit there quietly. It changes how your HVAC system performs, and that shows up on your utility bill and maintenance schedule before it becomes an obvious problem.

• Reduced airflow makes your system work harder to hit the same temperature, raising energy costs

• Dust on coils reduces heat transfer efficiency, forcing longer run cycles

• Debris buildup accelerates wear on fans, motors, and belts, shortening equipment life

• Uneven airflow creates hot and cold spots, which drives more service calls and complaints

Routine cleaning helps support efficient airflow, reduce unncessary strain on equipment and maintain consisten comfort throughout the facility.

Recurring complaints about stuffiness, uneven temperatures, or a stale feeling in certain rooms often signal that your air duct system isn’t distributing air the way it was designed to. These complaints tend to cluster in specific zones, which gives you a useful clue for locating buildup or blockage. This often signals that it is time for a professional to come take a look at the inside of the ductwork.

Air quality in a commercial building affects how a space feels to the people spending eight or more hours a day in it. Dust and debris circulating through a poorly maintained duct system get pulled back into the air supply every time the HVAC system runs.

A full air duct cleaning interrupts that cycle by removing accumulated dust before it recirculates, reducing the particulate load your filters have to manage, clearing blockages that lead to inconsistent air distribution, and supporting steadier airflow that cuts down on staleness in less-ventilated rooms. This isn’t about health claims, it’s basic air movement: a system clear of buildup circulates air the way it was designed to, and a system full of debris doesn’t.

Most commercial systems benefit from air duct cleaning every three to five years, though the right interval depends on your building’s use. High-occupancy spaces, buildings near construction or heavy dust sources, and facilities with older equipment often need more frequent attention.

Working with a team that evaluates your specific system, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all schedule, protects your equipment, your energy costs, and your building’s air quality over the long run. Contact Schwickert’s to schedule a full system evaluation.

A commercial roof rarely fails without warning. Small issues show up first: a lifted seam, a cracked pipe boot, ponding water in one corner. These signs tend to appear long before a leak actually reaches the inside of the building. The problem is that most of them are invisible from the ground. Without regular inspections, a manageable repair can turn into a much larger, more expensive problem before anyone notices something is wrong.

Most commercial roofs benefit from a full inspection at least once a year, either in spring or fall, with additional inspections after any major storm event. Spring inspections catch damage from winter freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snow loads. Fall inspections make sure the roof is prepared for the season ahead.

A few factors tend to push a building toward more frequent inspections:

• An older roofing system nearing the end of its expected lifespan

• A flat or low-slope design, which is more prone to ponding and drainage issues

• A history of past repairs or patchwork

• Rooftop mechanical equipment that requires regular maintenance access

Scheduled inspections catch gradual wear. Storm damage doesn’t wait for a calendar date. Hail, high winds, and heavy rain can compromise a roofing system in ways that aren’t obvious from a quick visual check. Wind can lift or loosen membrane seams without tearing them completely. Hail impact can bruise a membrane in a way that only shows up as a leak months later, once the material has had time to fail.

Waiting until a leak actually appears means the damage has already had time to spread into insulation, decking, or the building’s interior. A prompt post-storm inspection catches this kind of hidden damage while it’s still a surface-level issue rather than a structural one.

A thorough inspection covers more than a walk across the surface looking for obvious problems. A typical inspection includes:

• The roofing membrane, checked for blistering, cracking, or seam separation

• Flashing and edge metal, common points of failure where the membrane meets walls, vents, and equipment

• Drainage systems, since ponding water that doesn’t clear within 48 hours puts ongoing stress on the membrane

• Rooftop mechanical equipment, including HVAC units and exhaust fans, since improper flashing around this equipment is a common source of leaks

HVAC units and other rooftop equipment are worth a closer look during an inspection. They’re often installed after the original roof goes in, and the flashing work around them isn’t always done to the same standard as the rest of the roof.

A roof that goes without regular inspection doesn’t fail all at once. It fails gradually, in ways that are easy to miss until the damage becomes visible from inside the building. By the time a leak shows up on a ceiling tile or a wall, the underlying problem has often existed for months. Moisture has already had time to spread into insulation and decking, both of which now need to be replaced along with the original issue.

The cost difference is significant. A small membrane repair caught early might cost a few hundred dollars. The same issue left unaddressed for a year can turn into a full section replacement, plus repairs to whatever the water damaged on its way through the building. Delayed inspections don’t just risk a bigger repair bill. They also risk disrupting business operations if the damage reaches areas being used day to day.

Keeping track of inspection dates, repair history, and roof condition across multiple buildings is its own kind of challenge, especially for facility managers overseeing more than one property. Schwickert’s Tecta Tracker gives building owners a clear, centralized view of roof condition and inspection history. That makes it easier to stay ahead of scheduling rather than relying on memory or scattered paperwork.

Tecta Tracker also helps facility managers plan and budget for roofing maintenance over time, rather than being caught off guard by a large, unexpected repair. A documented inspection history matters for insurance claims and warranty coverage too, since clear records make it easier to demonstrate that a roof has been properly maintained.

A commercial roof inspected on a consistent schedule, and promptly after storm events, tends to last longer and cost less to maintain over its lifetime. Skipping inspections might not cause a problem right away. It just removes the early warning system that catches small issues while they’re still small.

If it’s been a while since your roof was last inspected, or a recent storm has you wondering whether it needs a closer look, Schwickert’s Tecta America can help. Our team conducts thorough roof inspections and uses Tecta Tracker to help you stay ahead of maintenance and budgeting for the long term. Call 507-387-3101 or reach out online to schedule an inspection and get a clear picture of where your roof stands today.

A rooftop unit can fail without warning, but most replacements should not come as a complete surprise. Tracking equipment age, condition, repair history and performance can help building owners plan ahead instead of waiting for a failure. For commercial building owners in Mankato, understanding what drives RTU replacement costs, and when repair stops making financial sense, can save thousands of dollars and eliminate some of the guesswork.

Every RTU replacement is different, but a few factors consistently determine the final price.

Unit size and tonnage. Larger buildings need larger units, and cooling capacity has a direct impact on cost. The price of a unit for a small office looks very different on the invoice than one sized for a warehouse or large retail space.

Efficiency rating. Higher-efficiency units cost more upfront but lower monthly operating costs over the life of the equipment. For many Mankato businesses, the higher initial investment pays for itself within a few years through reduced energy bills.

Curb and ductwork compatibility. If a new unit doesn’t match the existing roof curb or ductwork configuration, additional structural work is often required. This is one of the most overlooked cost factors in a replacement project.

Refrigerant type. Older units running on outdated refrigerant, which has been phased out of production, often cost more to service and eventually require a full system replacement rather than a simple refrigerant top-off.

Labor and disposal. Rooftop access and crane rental both add real cost to a replacement project, especially on buildings without easy equipment access. Proper disposal of the old unit is factored in as well, and larger commercial buildings tend to see higher costs across all of these categories simply due to scale.

Every commercial HVAC system eventually reaches a point where continued repairs cost more than they’re worth. A few signs point toward replacement rather than another repair call.

• The unit is approaching or has passed its intended lifespan, or estimated years of service

• Repair costs are approaching 30 to 50 percent of the cost of a new unit

• Energy bills have climbed noticeably as the unit has aged

• The system runs on outdated refrigerant

• Repair calls are becoming more frequent

A single repair on an aging unit rarely tells the whole story. The better question is whether the overall pattern points toward replacement being the more cost-effective choice over the next few years, factoring in the unit’s age and how much efficiency it has already lost. Looking at any one of these factors alone can lead to a decision that looks reasonable in the moment but turns out to be the wrong call a year or two later.

Most building owners make the repair-or-replace decision with incomplete information. They know the current repair estimate, but they don’t have a clear picture of the unit’s full service history or how much longer it’s realistically expected to last.

Schwickert’s HVAC-R Tracker changes that. This online platform tracks the full life of each unit in your building, starting at installation and continuing through every service call after that. Instead of reacting to whatever breaks next, building owners can see a clear, data-backed breakdown of when a repair makes sense and when the numbers point toward planning for replacement instead.

That kind of visibility is difficult to get anywhere else. Most commercial HVAC providers can tell you what’s wrong with a unit today. The HVAC-R Tracker helps you see where that unit is headed, which turns a stressful, reactive decision into a planned one. Building owners managing multiple properties or several rooftop units on one building benefit the most, since the platform makes it possible to compare units side by side instead of evaluating each one in isolation. This kind of tool comes from decades of hands-on industry experience.

Minnesota’s seasonal swings put real strain on rooftop units. Mankato commercial buildings deal with brutal summer heat and equally demanding winters, and that constant temperature swing accelerates wear on HVAC systems faster than in milder climates. A unit that might last longer in a more temperate region often reaches the end of its useful life sooner here, which makes proactive tracking and planning even more valuable for local building owners.

Local building owners also deal with tighter windows for major HVAC work. Scheduling a replacement during a Minnesota winter is far more disruptive than planning ahead during a milder stretch of the year. Knowing where a unit stands well before it fails gives building owners the flexibility to schedule replacement work on their own terms instead of during an emergency call in the middle of January.

While you’re evaluating your HVAC system, it’s also a good time to check on related equipment that affects indoor air quality. Many Mankato businesses pair HVAC service with duct and hood cleaning, since both systems work together to keep air moving cleanly through a building.

If your rooftop unit is showing its age or you want a clearer picture of where it stands, our team is ready to help. Visit our Mankato HVAC page to learn more, contact us online, or call 507-387-3101 to schedule a consultation.