Welcome to wintertime in Michigan, where the days are short, and the snow piles are high. With the changing seasons, it is important to make sure we are protecting our homes and the people who are inside them.

With their style and durability, metal roofs have become a hit with many homeowners. They are extremely low maintenance and offer the best protection against rain, sleet, and snow. Metal roofs function much like shingle roofs, except for one big difference: sliding ice and snow!

Many people do not think about this when they install a metal roof, but a Snow Guard is a must in snowy weather. Without the guard, it is possible for snow and ice to go flying off your roof, and crash into your porch, landscaping, cars, and even a person. With that much snow and ice coming down at an alarming speed – it could mean very bad news for whatever is under it. To avoid an avalanche of snow and ice, many homeowners install Snow Guards to the metal roofs of their home.

Snow and ice are no match for a Snow Guard, as it acts as a barrier to keep the snow and ice from sliding off the roof all at once. It helps get snow and ice off your house in a slow, predictable way, rather than a sudden frozen flood coming down at you!

This photo shows the snow fence keeping the snow on the roof!

Michigan’s fall season signals its arrival with dramatic color changing foliage and bountiful harvests. Michiganders welcome fall with all of its pleasantries. However, one thing always looms at the end of our fall season…. Winter. While it’s important to soak up the magic of our fall season, we must also begin to prepare our homes for Old Man Winter’s frosty bite.

If your family is like ours, you’ve already started counting down the days until Christmas. Recently, my children begin to question where Santa might park his sleigh on our roof. Often we think first to decorate the inside of the house for the holidays. However, this might be a good time to make sure your roof is ready for Santa and his sleigh. Keep in mind a wet, heavy snow can weigh even more than Rudolph and his team.

Really though, as we head into Michigan’s winter months, now is a good time to evaluate the state of your exterior. We have created a list of some common problems our service teams see frequently:

· Torn, lifted, or missing shingles

· Damaged Flashing

· Clogged Gutters

· Leaks or other signs of water damage

· Mold in the attic

· Buckled or sagging roof deck

· Drafty windows or doors

American Classic is happy to offer a free inspection should you feel your home needs an evaluation. Contact our office to get on our teams list.

While on the topic of Christmas, make sure you hang your Christmas lights properly to avoid damaging you exterior. We have some helpful hint on our website click HERE to be redirected.

The Importance of Installing a Snow Fence

Michigan Winter is Coming!

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