Maybe you’ve seen our latest Red, White, and Blue Dumpsters that have been at various job sites in West Michigan. If not, keep your eye out for them. Our freshly painted patriotic dumpsters have been seen hauling an assortment of material. American Classic is putting the class back in thrash with these new patriotic colors on the dumpsters. Let us know if you see one of our Red, White, and Blue Dumpsters! Check out the pictures below…
Muskegon, MI - American Classic is proud to be a part of the Antique Tractor and Engine Show at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds. Our “Big Red” Delivery truck is being displayed over the weekend carrying Certainteed and IKO Shingles. The Show is running this weekend June 8th – 10th. You can find more details by visiting www.antiquefarmpowerclub.biz.
Start looking around at roofs in your neighborhood and you will begin to realize that there are a variety of colors to choose from when it comes to asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Before considering a new roof many homeowners are often under the impression that there are only black and gray shingles. Shingle manufactures, such as CertainTeed and IKO, have a wide variety of shingle colors.
Your new roof will be a feature on your home for the next 20-30 years and it is an important aspect of the curb appeal. The roof should complement the rest of your exterior (siding, stone, brick, and/or any other out buildings on your property).
Here are a few tips....
- Use a complementing color to the rest of your exterior.
- Don’t rush it! There are many shingle options out there, so talk to a trusted roofing professional.
- Always check the shingle color next to your existing exterior.
- Think about curb appeal and resale value if you think at some point you’ll be selling your home.
Last but not least, always refer back to your roofing professional. He/She will have examples of shingles installed if that will help aid you in the decision making progress. American Classic associates have a database of a variety of shingles that we have installed with different exteriors. These pictures can aid you in the decision making process. Also, feel free to check out our Roofing Gallery Page.
CertainTeed's current shingle options
IKO's Newest Product Line: Dynasty
If you’ve lived in your home for 15+ years, it’s bound to happen – A roof replacement. A new roof can be an unavoidable expense. However, the cost of a shingle roof replacement is much more affordable compared to metal, slate, and/or tile roofs.
Shingles are affordable, readily available, and are a time-tested roof application. Be sure to find a licensed roofing contractor with plenty of experience to install your new shingles.
It’s best to get a quote from a reputable roofing contractor before awarding your work. Here are the main factors a contractor will consider when preparing your quote:
Disposal Costs – most roofing contractors will include the cost of a dumpster rental in your estimate. Costs vary depending on the dumpster can size needed.
Size of Roof – Roofers measure a roof in “squares”. Price will vary depending on how many square of shingles will be needed for your roof.
Roof Complexity and Pitch - The angle of your roof determines its pitch. The steeper the pitch, the more difficult for the roofer. The less gables and dormers your home has will make it a less complex roof.
Shingle Quality – Architectural shingles can last 20+ years if properly maintained. It can be easy to be lured in by the dirt cheap 3-tab shingles. However, keep in mind that they typically don’t last more than 10-12 years and don’t fair will against high winds, hailstorms, or heavy snow.
Roof Decking – When tearing off yoru existing roof you don’t have to replace your wood decking if it is in good shape. However, if your roofing contractor finds water damamged boards they will need to be replaced before shingling. Replacing only a few boards can be a very minimal expense
Roofing Accessories – Be sure that your selected roofing contractor is using accessories that will add to the quality and life of your roof. Ice/Water Shield, drip edge, roof vents, flashings, and chimney flashings all will aid to the longevity of the new roof.
American Classic is able to offer you a turn-key roof when you are ready for a roof replacement. We will quote your project with the highest quality shingles (Certainteed, IKO) and roofing accessories. We will also provide dumpster services using our own American Classic Dumpster Services. Our roofing installers are licensed and provide a high quality roof with top notch service from tear off to clean up.
Keep in mind if you are a do-it-yourselfer, American Classic Roofing and Building Supply can provide all of the Roofing Materials you will need to re-roof your home. We also offer delivery services and will load your roof with shingles to aid you in a faster roofing process.
American Classic is Michigan’s Roofing Headquarters.
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.
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.
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.
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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)
