Rain Rain Go Away...When to Replace Your Gutters

Living in Michigan this week may have you feeling…well…left out in the rain.  As a homeowner, it’s important to pay attention to your home's gutters.  Observing how your gutters perform in a rain storm will help you to know if they are in need of replacement and/or repairs.

By looking for certain signs you can save yourself from many other maintenance problems down the road.  The ultimate goal of your gutters is to shed the water off of you roof and away from the house. 

Here is a list of things to look for to know the condition of your current gutter:

• Leaking water in the basement can sometimes be due to clogged gutters

• Stagnant water remaining in the gutter may mean the gutters need to be cleaned or are out of alignment

• Water splashing over the sides of the gutter could be a sign of damaged gutters

• If puddles or water channels seem to be forming it could be a sign of the gutters failing

These are just a few of the most noticeable signs of potential gutter failure.  If you can catch these early you can cut down on any potential water damage. 

Weekend Warrior VS Roofing Professional

Along with the popularity of the Home DIY Network we find a lot of homeowners attempting to be weekend warriors when it comes to a variety of home projects.  The popularity of DIY isn’t exactly a bad thing as there can be a lot of satisfaction in completing projects to better your home.  However, when it comes to large scale home improvements there are some important things to consider before just giving it the old college try. 

Roofing is a skilled trade that requires knowledge, proper safety precautions, and experience.  Early spring in Michigan is typically when many homeowners start to evaluate the condition and longevity of their roof.  Should you decide that it is time for a makeover on your roof we wanted to provide you with the top 6 reasons you should hire a Professional Roofer.   

#6 Cost Savings – To a do-it-yourselfer that might sound absurd.  One might assume doing it yourself would lead to a significant cost savings.  However, professional contractors can get materials for less and they already have all of the necessary tools to complete the project.

#5 Access to Best Materials – Trust us when we say all roofing materials are not created equal. When it comes to protecting your home and all of your valuables you want to be sure to use quality materials that will prolong the life of your roof.

#4 To Re-Roof or Repair – Professional roofers have an eye for when a roof (especially in older homes) can be salvaged with a few repairs or if it is best to have the whole roof replaced.

#3 Speed – The roof of your home is protecting your family, valuables, etc.  Many DIY homeowners who attempt to replace their roofs find that it takes weeks in some cases.  An expert team can finish a roof and clean up in a significantly shorter time span.  The less time your roof is open to the elements the better off your home and family will be. 

#2 – Warranties/Insured – Warranties on labor and materials can be requested from a roofing contractor.  Also, Professional Roofers are required to have the proper insurance coverage to protect themselves, their team, and the homeowner. 

#1 SAFETY – Working on a roof can be very dangerous.  It is imperative that the proper safety precautions and procedures are followed when roofing a home.  Roofing contractors know how to get each project done safely and have the proper equipment to insure their team’s safety. 

American Classic would love to assist you or help answer any questions you may have when it come to your upcoming project. 

Ply Gem Stone Gives New Homes and Remodels Curb Appeal

Stone can be a simple accent or a main attraction to the interior or exterior of your homes. American Classic is a proud supplier and installer of Ply Gem Stone Veener.  Ply Gem Stone has superior products that is hand-crafted.  Each stone is carefully chosen to exhibit a natural look.

Our masons have a vast array of experience installing stone veener.  Typically the stone is used on the exterior of home as an accent to the siding, on an indoor fireplace to give the craftsman style look, and we've had some customers use it to jazz up walls in their homes.

The possibilities really are endless.  Contact us today with any upcoming projects or to view Ply Gem's Stone offerings.

Grand Rapids Remodeling & New Homes Show

Come see us at the Grand Rapids Remodeling & New Home Show.  The show is January 6-8, 2017 at the Devos Place in downtown Grand Rapids.  American Classic will be showcasing our superior product offerings for roofing, siding, doors, windows, decking, gutters, and stone.  We will also have on display one of our highly recognizable patriotic dumpsters.  We hope to see you there!  Stop by, say hi, and enter your name in our raffle to win gift cards to Ruth Chris Steakhouse & Celebration Cinema!

• Friday, January 6 (12pm - 9pm)

• Saturday, January 7 (10am - 9pm)

• Sunday, January 8 (11am - 5pm)