Greenwood’s Corporate Safety Director Rob Lilley has been appointed Committee Chair for the Department of Labor’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH). The nine-member committee advises the DoL and OSHA on standards that shape safety across the construction industry.

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Building code compliance is constantly evolving as safety, materials, and construction practices improve. A recent update affecting commercial and industrial facilities is OSHA’s walking-working surfaces rule, which changes how fixed ladders over 24 feet must be designed and maintained.

For years, ladder cages were considered standard protection. Now, that approach is being phased out in favor of ladder safety systems and personal fall arrest systems, which provide more reliable protection in the event of a fall.

For facility managers, this is more than a regulatory update. It directly impacts how buildings are accessed, maintained, and upgraded over time.

What are the OSHA Ladder Rule Requirements? 

Under OSHA’s updated ladder safety standards, which reflect recent regulatory changes:

• Fixed ladders over 24 feet must be equipped with a ladder safety system or personal fall arrest system 
• Ladder cages are no longer considered compliant fall protection for new ladders installed after November 19, 2018 
• Existing ladders with cages must be upgraded by November 18, 2036 

There is an important detail that often gets overlooked. If any portion of an existing ladder is replaced, that section must meet current code requirements.

This means compliance is not just tied to a future deadline. It can be triggered during routine repairs, renovations, or adjacent work such as roofing or façade projects.

How This Impacts Existing Buildings

Many facilities still rely on ladder systems installed years or decades ago. While these systems may appear functional, they may not meet current standards.

A common scenario involves a ladder with a cage that was compliant when installed. Over time, sections may need repair due to wear, corrosion, or changes to surrounding systems. Once those repairs begin, updated requirements can apply.

What starts as a maintenance item can quickly become a larger upgrade.

Without proper planning, this can lead to:

• Project delays due to code compliance issues 
• Unexpected scope increases 
• Safety risks if systems are not properly evaluated 

Understanding when and how these requirements apply is critical to avoiding disruption.

Coordinating Compliance with Building Envelope Work

Ladder systems are rarely isolated from other building components. They are often tied directly to roof access, mechanical equipment, and façade maintenance.

For this reason, ladder compliance is best evaluated as part of a broader building envelope strategy.

At Greenwood Industries, this means looking at:

• How access systems integrate with roofing assemblies 
• Whether planned repairs or replacements will trigger compliance updates 
• How to coordinate fall protection systems with existing conditions 
• The sequencing of work across trades to avoid conflicts or rework 

This approach allows facility teams to address compliance proactively, rather than reacting to it mid-project.

When to Evaluate Your Ladder Systems

If you are responsible for building maintenance or capital planning, it may be time to take a closer look at your ladder systems if:

• Fixed ladders exceed 24 feet in height 
• Existing systems rely on cages for fall protection 
• Repairs or modifications are being planned 
• Roofing, façade, or mechanical work is scheduled 
• Access or safety concerns have been raised by staff or contractors 

In many cases, these conditions indicate that a more detailed evaluation is needed to determine current compliance requirements.

Planning Ahead for Ladder Rule Compliance

OSHA’s ladder rule reflects a broader shift toward safety systems that are not only compliant, but effective in real-world conditions.

For facility teams, staying aligned with these changes requires forward planning. Addressing ladder systems as part of larger projects, rather than in isolation, can help reduce costs, improve safety, and avoid last-minute scope changes.

By understanding how regulatory updates apply to your building and coordinating them with ongoing work, you can maintain compliance while supporting long-term performance across the entire building envelope.

Need help navigating OSHA compliance updates? Our team can evaluate your facility and recommend the right path forward. Reach out today. 

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When’s the best time for a full roof inspection? Before you need one.

Preventative maintenance remains the best practice for protecting a facility and extending the life of a roof system. But in reality, many facility managers are not starting with a new building or a roof in ideal condition. Most are managing systems that have aged over time, experienced repairs, or carry deferred maintenance, making it difficult to begin from a preventative maintenance baseline.

From experience, Greenwood Industries’ Account Managers know that full inspections are often scheduled only after an obvious problem appears. The goal is to recognize earlier warning signs, the “yellow flags,” that indicate a roof and building envelope would benefit from a comprehensive evaluation before conditions escalate into emergencies.

As Account Manager Nick Andreozzi explains, “From the customer’s point of view, the risk of waiting always seems small at first. But moisture spreads very easily, and what starts as a minor issue can turn into a much larger structural situation if it’s ignored.”

At Greenwood Industries, our Account Managers serve as building envelope advisors, helping clients understand risk, plan maintenance, and protect their facilities long term. Nick works with facility managers and property owners throughout the Northeast, helping them evaluate roofing conditions, plan maintenance strategies, and prevent costly emergency repairs. Here, Nick outlines several key conditions to look for that may indicate your facility would benefit from a full roof inspection.

When to Schedule a Commercial Roof Inspection

1. Visible Membrane and Attachment Issues

One of the first indicators that a roof needs more than a quick check is visible movement or separation within the roofing system. Delamination, loose membrane edges, or areas where the scrim becomes visible can signal improper attachment or aging materials.

“When you’re walking a commercial roof and you can actually see the scrim, or the EPDM membrane looks loose or lifting, that’s a red flag,” Nick says. “It usually means the membrane wasn’t properly adhered, seamed, or mechanically attached during installation.”

When membranes are not properly secured, wind and weather can worsen the condition quickly. What begins as a localized issue can expand into larger areas of failure, increasing the likelihood of leaks and system damage. A full inspection allows professionals to evaluate attachment integrity and identify areas where repairs can stabilize the system before further deterioration occurs.

2. Ponding Water and Drainage Concerns

Standing water is one of the most consistent warning signs seen during inspections. Ponding water often indicates drainage problems, structural deflection, or saturated insulation beneath the membrane.

“From a contractor’s standpoint, ponding water is a big one,” Nick notes. “It usually points to a larger issue, whether that’s poor drainage design, saturated insulation, or a leak that hasn’t shown up inside the building yet.”

Over time, trapped moisture accelerates material breakdown and increases the risk of leaks. Addressing drainage and moisture concerns early helps prevent long-term damage and extends the overall life of the roof system.

3. Flashing Failures and Roof Penetrations

Flashing around pipes, pitch pockets, and rooftop penetrations is another common source of developing problems. Loose pitch pockets, deteriorated sealants, or small tears around penetrations allow water to enter the system gradually.

“If you look at a pipe penetration, it has to be wrapped and sealed correctly,” Nick explains. “A lot of times we see loose pitch pockets, deteriorated sealants, or small tears around penetrations that allow water to enter over time.”

These areas are especially vulnerable because they experience frequent movement and exposure. A comprehensive inspection evaluates both the exterior condition and potential pathways for water intrusion before leaks become active.

4. Interior Warning Signs Often Appear First

While inspections begin on the roof, complaints usually originate inside the building. Stained ceiling tiles, recurring drips, or areas that must be closed due to leaks are often the first signs building occupants notice.

“Active leaks inside the building are usually the number one thing customers notice first,” Nick says. “By the time you’re seeing stains, rotted ceiling tiles, or constant drips, water has already been getting in for a while.”

Moisture follows gravity and can travel far from the original source, making repairs more complex and disruptive if not addressed early. Coordinating exterior inspections with interior observations helps identify root causes rather than treating symptoms.

When Roof Age Alone Warrants an Inspection

Even without active leaks, roof age is an important factor. Many commercial roofing systems begin moving beyond warranty coverage around the 15 to 20 year mark. At that stage, materials may still appear functional while becoming more vulnerable to failure.

Scheduling inspections as roofs approach this age allows building owners to plan repairs proactively rather than reacting to emergencies that must be funded immediately.

The Risk of Waiting

From a building owner’s perspective, early issues often seem minor. In practice, moisture spreads quickly through insulation and structural components, turning small problems into larger repair scopes over time.

Waiting can lead to operational disruptions, air quality concerns, and in severe cases, the temporary loss of usable building space. Costs also increase as repair areas expand and emergency work becomes necessary.

Most of these situations begin with conditions that were visible and correctable earlier.

Practical Advice from Commercial Roof Experts

“A common mistake we see year after year is delaying known repairs or relying on temporary fixes,” Nick emphasized. “Roofing systems rarely improve on their own, and water intrusion tends to grow quietly before becoming visible.

Consistent inspections and timely repairs help extend the service life of a roof, often by several years, while reducing the likelihood of emergency service calls.”

If you are noticing any of these conditions or want to better understand the current state of your roof system, connect with our team at:
https://greenwoodindustries.com/contact/

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Over the past several years, Greenwood has played a key role in major projects at Gillette Stadium, delivering complex roofing solutions at one of the country’s most visible sports venues.

As part of Gillette Stadium’s North End renovation project, completed in 2023 in partnership with Suffolk Construction, Greenwood installed roofing systems on both the North End addition and the stadium’s signature Lighthouse. The project required detailed coordination, technical precision and adherence to an aggressive schedule, all while operating in a live, high-profile sports and entertainment environment.

More recently, Greenwood completed the roofing installation at the new Patriots Training Center, again in collaboration with Suffolk Construction. Opening this spring, the state-of-the-art facility will support year-round team operations and player development and performance with Greenwood’s work ensuring that the building envelope meets the highest commercial standards.

In addition to these large-scale capital projects, Greenwood’s Service Division manages ongoing roofing services at Gillette Stadium, including small roof replacements, preventive maintenance and routine inspections. This work reinforces Greenwood’s commitment to not only build at the highest level, but to also protect and maintain critical facilities over the long term.

“We set the same standard for ourselves as the Patriots do for their organization by preparing thoroughly, executing at the highest level and delivering results that stand up over time,” said David Klein, CEO of Greenwood Industries. “From highly visible renovations to day-to-day service work, our team takes pride in delivering quality, safety and reliability every time we take the field.”

Greenwood Industries is a leading commercial roofing and building envelope contractor throughout the Northeast, serving clients in education, healthcare, corporate, manufacturing and professional sports facilities. This official partnership brings together a world-class franchise and a top-performing contractor, underscoring Greenwood’s ability to perform on the biggest stage while maintaining the responsiveness and service excellence that define the company’s approach.

For more information about Greenwood Industries and its commercial roofing services, visit www.greenwoodindustries.com.

About Greenwood Industries
Greenwood Industries is the Northeast’s leading commercial roofing and custom building envelope provider, with offices in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. For more than 30 years, Greenwood has delivered commercial roofing, architectural metal fabrication, waterproofing, and maintenance services for all exterior building systems. Recognized by Roofing Contractor Magazine as one of the largest commercial roofing companies in the nation, Greenwood has earned numerous awards for craftsmanship. Visit www.greenwoodindustries.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Threads for more information.

Greenwood Industries, Inc.
Contact: Ginny Pitcher
Phone: (508) 612-3645
Email: [email protected]

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For facilities managers and building owners evaluating aging roof systems, spring is often the ideal time to assess restoration options. Next‑generation liquid‑applied coating technologies have evolved to be better than ever before, offering significantly improved durability, flexibility, and measurable performance benefits. After winter stress and before peak summer heat, it’s the best time to determine whether a modern coating system can stabilize roof performance for the year ahead.

From Basic Protection to Engineered Systems

Modern coating systems are built as reinforced, multi-layer assemblies rather than simple surface treatments. Full-fabric reinforced acrylic systems create a seamless layer that integrates with roof details instead of relying on separate flashing pieces. Hybrid systems combine acrylic base layers with high-solids silicone top coats, adding flexibility while improving resistance to ponding water.

These improvements help coatings perform on complex roof layouts, heavy penetrations, and worn surfaces. For buildings with structurally sound roofs, that can mean restoration rather than full replacement.

Improved Durability and UV Performance

One of the most significant advancements in coatings technology is enhanced UV resistance and long-term reflectivity. High-solids silicone formulations and advanced acrylic chemistries maintain color stability and solar reflectance longer, helping reduce heat absorption and surface degradation, as outlined in both GAF’s roof coating systems and Sika’s liquid-applied membrane technologies.

Cold-applied, moisture-cured technologies improve consistency across varying environmental conditions while eliminating open flame from the job site. For facilities operating year-round, this reduces risk while preserving interior conditions and equipment performance.

Designed for Movement and Complex Substrates

Today’s coating systems are compatible with modified bitumen, built-up roofing, EPDM, PVC, TPO, concrete, and metal. When properly evaluated and prepared, they reinforce seams, penetrations, and transitions while sealing surface imperfections.

For campuses and portfolios managing multiple roof types, coatings offer a controlled way to stabilize performance without immediately defaulting to a full tear-off.

Sustainability and Capital Planning Advantages

Coatings technology is also advancing in ways that support sustainability and financial strategy. By restoring rather than removing existing systems, coatings significantly reduce landfill waste and disruption. Reflective surfaces can lower cooling loads, contributing to improved energy performance.

In some cases, coating expenses may qualify as repair or maintenance rather than capital improvements, allowing potential tax advantages compared to full roof replacement. Additionally, energy-efficient upgrades that contribute to measurable reductions in energy use intensity may support eligibility under Section 179D. Each building is different, and financial advisors should always be consulted, but the strategic implications are worth evaluating.

For many facilities, coatings create breathing room. They stabilize performance today while aligning future replacement with long-term budgeting.

Where the Industry Is Heading

The liquid roofing sector continues to expand, driven by innovation in hybrid and elastomeric systems, UV-resistant technologies, and improved waterproofing performance. Demand for reflective cool-roof coatings and water-resistant silicone systems is increasing as owners look for measurable energy impact alongside durability.

Research is pushing even further. An article in Roofing Contractor “Scientists Create Cool Roof Coating That Harvests Water from the Air,” highlights nano-engineered coatings capable of reflecting up to 97% of solar radiation while also capturing atmospheric moisture. That research is now moving toward commercial application, pointing to a future where coatings may contribute to both passive cooling and water efficiency.

As materials advance, execution still matters. Surface preparation, reinforcement detailing, and proper thickness control ultimately determine performance. A coating system is only as good as its evaluation and installation.

Applying Innovation at the Right Time

Roof coatings are most effective when applied under the right conditions and at the right stage of the roof’s lifecycle. When the roof structure remains sound, restoration can extend usable life by 10 to 20 years while avoiding the disruption of a full replacement. And spring is often the best time to evaluate whether your roof qualifies. It allows time for assessment, proper surface preparation, and installation before summer exposure intensifies.

At Greenwood, coatings are not treated as a shortcut. They are evaluated as part of a broader building envelope strategy grounded in condition assessment, compatibility review, and lifecycle planning.

If your roof has weathered the winter but remains structurally sound, now is the right time to assess whether restoration is a viable path forward.

Curious whether roof coatings are the right answer for your building? Reach out to our team to learn more and schedule work before peak season begins.

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Fairhaven High School was originally built in 1905. A monumental masonry structure influenced by Tudor and Gothic design, the school stands as a true architectural treasure.

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From high-profile public buildings to meaningful moments of connection, the year balanced progress on the job site with growth across the organization.

A Year of Impactful Work

Throughout the year, Greenwood teams delivered work across commercial roofing, architectural metal, waterproofing, masonry, and historic restoration throughout the Northeast. The projects featured in this year’s wrap-up video reflect the scale, variety, and technical demands that define Greenwood’s portfolio.

Several projects stood out for their visibility and complexity. At Marlborough City Hall, Greenwood completed a comprehensive scope that included reroofing, masonry repairs, safety installations, and historic restoration, all while maintaining operations within an active civic building. In Boston, work on the South Station Tower required careful coordination and planning to install a new roof in one of the city’s busiest transportation hubs.

At the Big E Coliseum, Greenwood teams completed a large-scale reroof along with architectural metal work, delivering durable solutions for a heavily used public venue. In Lawrence, Francis Leahy Elementary School presented a unique challenge, combining a new roof installation with a rooftop playground designed to maximize limited space while ensuring long-term performance and safety.

Additional projects such as the new roof and reroofing work at Farmington High School and the Farmington Town Offices demonstrated Greenwood’s ability to support public institutions with reliable, energy-conscious systems. At the Harris Public Library in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, the team completed a reroof and installed striking metal roofing that blends performance with architectural character. In Fairhaven, Massachusetts, Greenwood delivered a comprehensive scope at Fairhaven High School, integrating masonry, waterproofing, historic restoration, reroofing, and architectural metal into a cohesive solution.

Across all of these projects, success depended on coordination between field crews, project teams, fabrication, and support staff. Each job reflected the same commitment to quality, safety, and accountability.

This work was further affirmed through industry and community recognition, including Greenwood Industries’ service division receiving National Roofing Partners’ Most Valuable Partner Award for its high-priority snow-removal response at a Walmart Supercenter in Central New York. Greenwood was also named Family Promise Metrowest Volunteer of the Year for 2025, earned a 2025 Gold Circle honorable mention from the National Roofing Contractors Association, was recognized as No. 6 on the Boston Business Journal’s Specialty Contractors list, and appeared in Engineering News-Record’s Top 600 Specialty Contractors rankings as No. 5 in roofing, No. 14 in masonry, and No. 190 overall.

Honoring Experience and Leadership

This year also marked an important moment as Greenwood recognized Glenn Narrow as he prepared for retirement. While Glenn joined Greenwood in 2010, his career in safety spans more than 50 years, bringing a depth of experience that shaped Greenwood’s approach to safety and accountability.

Throughout his time at Greenwood, Glenn led the company’s safety-first culture with deep industry knowledge, dedication to his work, and genuine compassion for the well-being of everyone on the job site. His leadership helped reinforce the idea that safety is not a requirement but a shared responsibility. Glenn’s influence can be seen not only in policies and procedures, but in the mindset that safety and care for people come first, always.

Building Stronger Connections

While much of Greenwood’s work happens on job sites, the year also included opportunities to strengthen relationships beyond them. Team activities helped foster collaboration and connection across roles.

The Build-a-Bike event brought Greenwood’s project managers together to assemble bicycles that were donated to children through Family Promise Metrowest. The event reinforced teamwork, problem-solving, and giving back, values that carry into daily work.

Other events, including the annual golf outing and seasonal celebrations such as Halloween and Christmas gatherings, brought together employees from across departments and locations. These moments created space for teams to connect outside of project demands, strengthening relationships that support collaboration throughout the year.

Looking Ahead

As Greenwood continues to grow, the balance between strong project execution and a people-first culture remains essential. This year’s achievements reflect what is possible when skilled teams, experienced leadership, and shared values align.

From landmark projects across New England to the lasting impact of leaders like Glenn Narrow, the year reinforced that Greenwood’s success is built not only on the buildings we protect and restore, but on the people behind them. With momentum heading into the new year, Greenwood remains focused on building, maintaining, and protecting the environments that matter most, together.

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The Answer is Right Above Your Head

A normal school commercial roof is a large, flat surface. Increasingly they are used for solar installations, and many colleges and universities are installing green roofs to increase sustainability Greenwood has installed numerous green roofs and paver systems on Hydrotech systems, but in recent years have also used this system for playgrounds. For schools like Francis Leahy, rooftop playgrounds are becoming a popular option. 

The Installation of the New Roof System

The Hydrotech assembly is topped with pavers and specialty play surfaces that provide space for a general play area, basketball court, jungle gym, slides, and a lounge zone. Hydrotech Monolithic Membrane 6125 was chosen for its proven durability beneath heavy overburden. In an application where the roof must handle groups of energetic children as well as harsh New England winters, long-term performance was critical. 

The remaining four roof areas received a Sarnafil G410 80 mil adhered system. Sarnafil was the natural choice because of its energy efficient properties, which are important for a public school. The largest of these roofs sit just above the playground, while two smaller roofs cover the staircases. A final recessed section is located slightly below the main roofline and houses the school’s mechanical equipment.

The playground design made installation more complex than a typical roofing project. While coordinating with multiple trades is common, this project required even more collaboration. Large safety fencing had to be erected around the entire play area, and landscaping crews were brought onsite as well. These added layers increased logistical challenges, but our roofers successfully navigated the congestion and installed both the Hydrotech system and pavers with precision.

Thoughtful Choices: Building a Playground on a Rooftop

The playground itself is thoughtfully arranged. The recreational area of the roof system takes up nearly 75% of the rooftop area and uses every bit of it. Equipment is positioned neatly in corners, leaving generous open space for group activities and free play. In addition, a smaller rear area is set aside for a lounge. This way any staff looking to recharge can have some space away from the hustle of a playground.

The result is a rooftop playground that students can truly enjoy and one that stands out among local schools. Looking out over the historic mills of Lawrence, it will be impossible for the students to forget their time at Francis Leahy. Just as importantly, the roof supporting it is built to last, thanks to high-quality materials and expert installation. That way generations of students will be able to make lasting memories.

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