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Frequently Asked Questions

Crazy Horse Roofing & Exterior Services

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General Questions 

About Our Company 

How long has Crazy Horse Roofing been in business?

We’ve been proudly serving Northern Colorado homeowners since 2010, providing quality roofing and exterior services throughout the region. 

We serve communities throughout Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Loveland, Eaton, Evans, Severance, Johnstown, Wellington, Milliken, Frederick, Firestone, Longmont, Fort Morgan, Mead, Estes Park, and Red Feather Lakes.

Yes, Crazy Horse Roofing is fully licensed, bonded, and insured with comprehensive liability coverage and workers’ compensation. We strictly adhere to all local building codes and permit requirements.

Absolutely! We provide free, no-obligation consultations and estimates for all our services. This includes a thorough assessment of your needs and transparent pricing information.

As a family-owned local business, we pride ourselves on quality craftsmanship, honest communication, and comprehensive services. Unlike storm chasers, we’re here year-round, building lasting relationships with our community. We’re certified by top manufacturers, use premium materials, and have a proven track record throughout Northern Colorado.

Scheduling & Process

How quickly can you start on my project?

Our scheduling varies by season and current workload. Emergency services are typically addressed within 24-48 hours. For standard projects, we typically schedule 1-3 weeks out during peak seasons and can often accommodate shorter timeframes during less busy periods.

Project timelines vary based on the scope of work. Most residential roof replacements take 1-3 days, exterior painting projects typically take 2-5 days, and concrete or asphalt projects vary based on size. We’ll provide you with a specific timeline during your consultation.

Yes, we handle all permit requirements for your project, ensuring compliance with local building codes and regulations. This service is included in your project cost.

It’s not necessary to be present during the entire project, though we recommend being available at the beginning to address any questions and at completion to review the final results. We keep you updated throughout the process regardless of whether you’re on-site.

Safety comes first, so we may need to reschedule if severe weather occurs. We carefully monitor weather forecasts and will communicate any schedule changes promptly. Our team is experienced at securing work sites to protect your property if weather interrupts a project.

Payment & Warranties 

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, all major credit cards, and offer various financing options for larger projects. We can discuss payment plans during your consultation.

Yes, we offer several financing options to make your home improvement projects more affordable. Options include same-as-cash programs, low monthly payments, and deferred payment plans. We can discuss specific options during your consultation.

All our work comes with workmanship warranties, typically ranging from 5-10 years depending on the service. Additionally, we offer manufacturer warranties on materials, which can extend 25-50 years for certain roofing products. We’ll clearly explain all warranty options for your specific project.

For most projects, we require a partial deposit to secure your place in our schedule and order materials. The deposit amount typically ranges from 25-50% of the total project cost, with the balance due upon satisfactory completion.

Your satisfaction is our priority. If you have any concerns about our work, please contact us immediately. We’ll address any issues promptly to ensure you’re completely satisfied with the final result.

Residential Roofing

Roof Inspections 

How often should I have my roof inspected?

We recommend annual inspections for most homes in Northern Colorado, plus additional inspections after significant weather events like hailstorms or high winds. Regular inspections help catch minor issues before they become major problems.

Our comprehensive roof inspections include checking shingles for damage or wear, examining flashing and seals around penetrations (chimneys, vents, skylights), looking for signs of water intrusion, evaluating gutter systems, and checking attic ventilation and insulation when accessible. We document all findings with photos and provide detailed recommendations.

Yes, Crazy Horse Roofing is fully licensed, bonded, and insured with comprehensive liability coverage and workers’ compensation. We strictly adhere to all local building codes and permit requirements.

Our standard roof inspections are free of charge for Northern Colorado homeowners. More detailed inspections for real estate transactions or specialized documentation may have a modest fee, which we discuss upfront.

Yes, our inspectors physically examine your roof, as this is the only way to properly assess its condition. We use professional safety equipment and take all necessary precautions during the inspection.

New Roof Installation

How do I know if I need a new roof?

Signs you may need a new roof include: multiple missing or damaged shingles, recurring leaks, visible sagging, granules in gutters, daylight visible through the roof boards, or a roof that’s approaching the end of its expected lifespan (typically 15-20 years for standard asphalt shingles in our climate).

We offer a variety of premium roofing materials including architectural asphalt shingles, impact-resistant shingles, designer shingles, and metal roofing. During your consultation, we’ll help you select the ideal material based on your home’s architecture, your aesthetic preferences, budget, and our local climate challenges.

Premium architectural shingles properly installed on Northern Colorado homes typically last 25-30 years, while designer and impact-resistant shingles often perform for 30-40 years. Metal roofing can last 50+ years. Factors affecting lifespan include material quality, installation technique, ventilation adequacy, maintenance, and exposure to severe weather events.

Roof replacement costs vary based on several factors including size, complexity, material choice, and current condition. A typical Northern Colorado home with architectural asphalt shingles might range from $15,000-$25,000, though simpler or more complex projects can fall outside this range. We provide detailed, transparent estimates based on your specific situation.

Yes, we install roofs year-round in Northern Colorado. While we prefer temperatures above 40°F for optimal shingle sealing, we have specialized techniques for winter installations when necessary, and manufacturer warranties remain fully valid.

Roof Repairs

How do I know if I need repairs or full replacement?

This depends on several factors including the extent of damage, age of your roof, and cost-effectiveness of repairs versus replacement. Generally, if your roof is approaching the end of its expected lifespan (15-20 years for most asphalt shingles in our climate) and has multiple issues, replacement is often more economical than ongoing repairs. We provide honest assessments without upselling.

Yes, we offer targeted repairs when appropriate. If the damage is limited to a specific area and your roof is otherwise in good condition, we can often address just the affected section, saving you the cost of a full replacement.

Many roof repairs necessitated by sudden, accidental damage (like hail or wind) are covered by homeowner’s insurance, minus your deductible. Coverage varies by policy and the cause of damage. We can help document the damage properly and work with your insurance company.

When properly executed, targeted roof repairs can extend your roof’s life by several years. However, the longevity of repairs depends on the overall condition of your roof, the quality of materials used, and future weather events. We provide honest assessments of how long you can expect repairs to last in your specific situation.

When water is actively entering your home, waiting isn’t an option. Our emergency response team provides rapid assistance to prevent further damage, with typical response times of 24-48 hours (often same-day for severe situations).

Storm Damage & Insurance

How do I know if my roof has storm damage?

Signs of storm damage include missing or torn shingles, granules in gutters or downspouts, dents in gutters or downspouts, damaged flashing, water stains on ceilings, and leaks after storms. Some hail damage isn’t visible from the ground, which is why a professional inspection is important after severe weather.

Absolutely. We have extensive experience working with all major insurance companies on storm damage claims throughout Northern Colorado. We can help document damage, meet with adjusters, review claim estimates, and ensure the scope of work covers all necessary repairs.

Typically, the process includes: 1) You file a claim with your insurance company, 2) We meet with the insurance adjuster to inspect the damage, 3) Your insurance company issues an initial payment, 4) We complete the repairs, and 5) Your insurance company issues the final payment. We’ll guide you through each step.

Yes, we provide emergency tarping and water mitigation services to prevent further damage to your home after severe weather events. This temporary protection secures your property until permanent repairs can be completed.

Rate increases after claims depend on your insurance company’s policies, your claim history, and the nature of the damage. Generally, claims for damage caused by acts of nature (like hailstorms) are less likely to trigger significant rate increases than claims resulting from neglect or maintenance issues. We recommend discussing this with your insurance agent.

Exterior Services

Exterior Painting

What type of paint do you use for exteriors?

We use premium, weather-resistant paints specifically formulated for Northern Colorado’s climate. These high-quality paints offer superior UV resistance, moisture control, and flexibility to withstand our temperature extremes. We’ll recommend specific products based on your home’s exterior materials and local conditions.

In Northern Colorado, most homes benefit from repainting every 5-10 years, depending on the quality of previous paint, sun exposure, and weather conditions. Homes with heavy sun exposure may need repainting sooner, while protected areas may last longer.

The ideal painting season in Northern Colorado typically runs from late spring through early fall (May through September) when temperatures are consistently above 50°F. However, with proper planning and products, we can extend the painting season into milder winter periods.

Most exterior painting projects take 2-5 days, depending on your home’s size, condition, and the extent of preparation needed. A smaller home with minimal prep might take just 2-3 days, while larger homes or those requiring significant preparation work could take 5-7 days.

Proper preparation is critical for a lasting paint job. Our process includes: thorough cleaning to remove dirt and debris, power washing when necessary, scraping and sanding peeling or failing paint, repairing damaged areas, priming bare wood or problem areas, and caulking gaps and joints to prevent moisture intrusion.

Gutters 

Why are gutters important for my home?

Gutters direct rainwater and snowmelt away from your foundation, preventing costly issues like basement flooding, foundation cracks, landscape erosion, and siding damage. In Northern Colorado, proper drainage is crucial due to our heavy spring rains and rapid snowmelt.

We specialize in seamless gutters custom-fabricated on-site for your home’s exact measurements. These are available in 5″ and 6″ sizes and various materials, including durable aluminum and premium copper. Seamless gutters minimize leaks by eliminating joints except at corners and downspouts.

Signs you need new gutters include: visible cracks or splits, sagging sections, peeling paint or rust, water damage beneath gutters, pooling water around your foundation, or gutters pulling away from the fascia. If your gutters are over 20 years old, replacement may be more cost-effective than ongoing repairs.

Yes, we offer premium gutter protection systems that prevent leaf and debris buildup while allowing water to flow freely. These are particularly valuable in Northern Colorado due to our unique combination of deciduous trees, pine needles, cottonwood fluff, and intense rainfall events.

In Northern Colorado, we recommend cleaning gutters at least twice a year—typically in late spring after seed pods and blossoms have fallen, and in late fall after most leaves have dropped. Homes with many trees nearby may require more frequent cleaning.

Stucco

What makes stucco a good choice for Northern Colorado homes?

Stucco provides excellent durability in our climate, offering superior insulation, weather resistance, fire resistance, and noise reduction. It stands up well to our temperature extremes while maintaining its appearance with minimal maintenance. Stucco’s texture and color options also complement many architectural styles throughout Northern Colorado.

When properly installed and maintained, stucco can last 50+ years in Northern Colorado. Our quality application ensures your stucco maintains its integrity and appearance for decades, far outlasting many other exterior finishes.

Yes, we provide expert stucco repairs for cracks, chips, and damaged areas. Our repair process matches the existing texture and color for a seamless blend with your current stucco. We address not just the visible damage but also identify and fix the underlying causes when possible.

We offer a variety of stucco finishes including traditional sand finish, cat face (irregular texture), smooth finish, skip trowel, lace and skip, Santa Barbara/Mission finish, and dash finish. During your consultation, we’ll discuss which finish best complements your home’s architectural style and your aesthetic preferences.

Stucco requires minimal maintenance compared to other exterior finishes. Typically, a gentle washing with a garden hose 1-2 times per year removes dust and debris. We recommend inspecting for cracks annually and addressing any issues promptly to prevent water infiltration.

Concrete

What concrete services do you offer?

Our concrete services include new driveways, patios, sidewalks, steps, and decorative concrete features. We also provide repairs for cracked, sunken, or damaged concrete surfaces. All our concrete work is engineered specifically for Northern Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles.

With proper installation and maintenance, a concrete driveway typically lasts 25-30 years in Northern Colorado. Our specialized mix designs and installation techniques account for our region’s unique climate challenges to maximize longevity.

We offer several decorative options including stamped concrete (mimicking natural stone, brick, or wood), colored concrete, exposed aggregate, stained concrete, polished concrete, and engraved concrete. These options allow you to combine durability with aesthetic appeal customized to your home’s style.

Concrete requires adequate curing time. You can typically walk on new concrete after 24-48 hours, but vehicles should stay off driveways for at least 7 days, and heavy vehicles for 28 days. Complete curing takes about 28 days, though this can vary based on weather conditions.

Concrete is relatively low-maintenance, but we recommend sealing it every 2-3 years to protect from stains and weather damage. Regular cleaning by sweeping and occasional rinsing helps maintain appearance. In winter, use sand instead of salt for ice management to prevent surface damage.

Asphalt

What asphalt services do you provide?

We offer new asphalt driveway installation, repairs to existing asphalt surfaces, crack sealing, patching, sealcoating, and complete resurfacing. Our asphalt solutions are designed specifically for Northern Colorado’s temperature extremes and freeze-thaw cycles.

With proper installation and maintenance, an asphalt driveway typically lasts 15-20 years in Northern Colorado. Regular sealcoating every 2-3 years can significantly extend this lifespan by protecting the surface from UV damage, water infiltration, and oxidation.

Asphalt typically costs 30-40% less than concrete for installation, can be used within 24-48 hours after installation (compared to concrete’s 7-day minimum), and its flexibility allows it to expand and contract with temperature changes, making it less prone to cracking during freeze-thaw cycles. It’s also easier and less expensive to repair than concrete.

You can typically walk on a new asphalt surface after 24 hours and drive on it after 48-72 hours in normal weather conditions. However, it’s best to avoid parking in the same spot for extended periods during the first month, as the asphalt is still curing and could develop depressions.

To maximize the lifespan of your asphalt, we recommend sealcoating every 2-3 years, prompt crack sealing when cracks appear, keeping the surface clean from debris and chemicals, and avoiding concentrated weight on the edges. These simple maintenance steps can significantly extend your asphalt’s service life.

Seasonal Concerns

Winter Protection

How do ice dams form, and how can I prevent them?

Ice dams form when heat escapes from your home, melts snow on the roof, and the resulting water refreezes at the colder eave edges. To prevent them, ensure proper attic insulation (minimum R-49 in our region), adequate ventilation, and seal air leaks from living spaces to the attic. We can assess your home’s vulnerability during a roof inspection and recommend solutions.

While most Northern Colorado homes are built to handle typical snow loads, excessive accumulation (generally more than 12″ of heavy, wet snow) may warrant removal. Using a roof rake from the ground to clear the first 3-4 feet of the roof edge helps prevent ice dams. Never climb on a snow-covered roof—this is dangerous and can damage roofing materials. Contact us for professional snow removal if needed.

Before winter, ensure gutters are thoroughly cleaned of leaves and debris, check that downspouts direct water away from the foundation, and consider installing heat cables in problem areas prone to ice buildup. If you’ve had ice dam issues in past winters, ask us about options for improved attic insulation and ventilation.

Most exterior painting should be done when temperatures are consistently above 50°F, which limits winter painting. However, with specialized cold-weather formulations, we can sometimes perform exterior painting during milder winter periods. Interior painting can be done year-round and is an excellent winter project.

Northern Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles can be tough on paved surfaces. Avoid using salt or chemical de-icers on concrete less than one year old, and use sand instead when possible. For asphalt, avoid metal shovels that can scrape the surface, and consider a thin layer of sand for traction rather than salt, which can accelerate deterioration.

Spring & Summer Issues

How do I prepare my home's exterior for spring storms?

Before storm season, have your roof professionally inspected, clean gutters and downspouts, trim trees and branches that could fall on your roof, secure or store outdoor furniture and items that could become projectiles, and review your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand your coverage for storm damage.

Summer is an ideal time to have your roof inspected, clean gutters of spring debris, check attic ventilation (poor ventilation can lead to excessive heat buildup and premature shingle aging), and address any issues from spring storms. Also check for trees touching or overhanging your roof, as these can damage shingles.

Northern Colorado’s intense UV exposure can fade paint, deteriorate roofing materials, and cause expansion-related issues with concrete and asphalt. Regular maintenance like sealcoating asphalt every 2-3 years, monitoring exterior paint for signs of fading or peeling, and ensuring proper attic ventilation can mitigate these effects.

The ideal time for exterior painting in Northern Colorado is May through September when temperatures are consistently between 50-85°F with low humidity. Schedule your project for early summer to avoid both spring rains and late summer afternoon thunderstorms. Morning starts are often best due to our typical afternoon weather patterns.

Ensure gutters are clean and properly secured before summer storm season. Check that downspouts direct water at least 5 feet from your foundation. Consider larger downspouts (3×4 inch) if your gutters frequently overflow during heavy rains, and ensure gutter guards (if installed) are clear of debris that could impede water flow.

Fall Preparation

What should I do to prepare my roof for winter?

Fall is the ideal time for a comprehensive roof inspection before winter arrives. Clear all leaves and debris from gutters and roof valleys, check for and replace damaged or missing shingles, ensure attic insulation is adequate (minimum R-49 for our climate), verify proper attic ventilation, and trim tree branches that could damage your roof in winter storms.

Early to mid-fall can be an excellent time for exterior painting, with mild temperatures and lower humidity. However, painting should be completed before nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 40°F, typically by mid-October in most Northern Colorado communities. Fall painting allows your home’s exterior to be protected before winter weather arrives.

Fall is the ideal time to seal concrete and asphalt surfaces before winter’s freeze-thaw cycles. Repair any cracks or damage, apply a quality sealer to concrete driveways and patios, and consider sealcoating asphalt surfaces if it’s been 2-3 years since the last application. These protective measures significantly extend the life of your paved surfaces.

Fall gutter maintenance is crucial in Northern Colorado. After most leaves have fallen, thoroughly clean gutters and downspouts, check for and repair any loose connections or sagging sections, ensure downspouts direct water away from your foundation, and consider installing gutter guards if your property has many trees.

Fall is actually an excellent time for roof repairs or replacement before winter weather arrives. We can work well into late fall in Northern Colorado, though scheduling earlier is better to avoid potential weather delays. Addressing roof issues in fall ensures your home is protected during winter when repairs become more challenging.

Contact & Scheduling

How do I request a free consultation or estimate?

You can request a free consultation by calling us at 970-397-5306, filling out the contact form on our website, or sending an email to info@crazyhorseroofing.com. We’ll respond promptly to schedule a convenient time for your free, no-obligation assessment.

It’s helpful to have your address, contact information, a general description of your project or concerns, and any preferred timeframes for the work. If you’re dealing with an insurance claim, having your claim number and adjuster’s contact information is also useful.

Yes, we offer emergency services for situations like active leaks or storm damage that require immediate attention. Call our emergency line at 970-397-5306 for rapid response. We prioritize these situations and typically respond within 24-48 hours, often same-day for severe issues.

For non-emergency projects, we recommend scheduling 2-4 weeks in advance during peak seasons (spring and summer) and 1-2 weeks during our less busy periods. Larger projects like complete roof replacements or extensive exterior renovations may require additional lead time for material ordering.