Everything you need to know about siding, roofing, and windows, from initial costs to local permit requirements. No high-pressure sales. Just the facts about protecting your home from Colorado’s elements, including hail-resistant materials and long-term warranties.
Since 2018, Custom Exteriors has helped homeowners in Northern Colorado and the surrounding areas navigate the complexities of exterior home renovation. We know that a new roof or siding is a significant investment, and you likely have questions about costs, materials, and local building codes. We built this resource to provide honest, clear answers so you can make an informed decision for your home.
Planning a home remodel shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. Whether you are curious about the cost of James Hardie siding, the lifespan of a new roof, or how to navigate insurance claims after a storm, you will find the answers here. Browse our most frequently asked questions below, organized by the topics that matter most to Northern Colorado homeowners.
A full exterior remodel typically ranges from $5,000 to $50,000+ depending on the scope. A simple refresh involving paint and minor repairs might stay on the lower end, while a comprehensive overhaul including new siding, windows, and roofing can exceed $30,000+.
A $50,000 budget allows for a significant transformation. At this price point, you can typically fund a complete siding replacement using premium materials like James Hardie, plus a secondary upgrade like a new garage door, entry door, or updated exterior lighting. It often covers enough to move a home from a dated look to a modern, high end aesthetic.
The best approach starts with a professional inspection to identify any underlying issues like rot or structural wear. From there, you select your materials and finalize a design that fits your home’s architecture. Once the planning is done, the old materials are removed, the home’s “envelope” is sealed for energy efficiency, and the new siding or roofing is installed.
The cost of a new roof varies based on square footage and material, but most homeowners in our area can expect to spend between $10,000 and $25,000+. Factors like roof pitch, your choices of roofing contractor, and the choice between standard or impact-resistant shingles will impact the final estimate.
In Northern Colorado, most homeowners spend between $10,000 and $24,000+ for a siding replacement. For standard vinyl, you can expect to pay around $3 to $7 per square foot for materials, plus labor. If you choose high performance materials like fiber cement or stone veneer, the cost will be higher but often provides a much better return on your investment.
General home improvements are not usually deductible from your yearly income taxes, but they can be added to the cost basis of your home, which may reduce capital gains taxes when you sell. However, through December 31, 2025, you can claim the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. This allows for a credit of up to 30% (maximum $1,200 annually) for qualified upgrades like windows, doors, and insulation.
It is almost always better to start with the outside. The exterior protects your home from the elements. By securing the roof, windows, and siding first, you ensure that your new interior work won’t be damaged by leaks or moisture. Additionally, exterior work is messy and involves heavy equipment that is best handled before you finalize interior finishes.
The most frequent mistake is a lack of cohesion. Choosing different materials or colors that clash with the home’s original architectural style can make the result feel disjointed. Other common errors include neglecting the garage door’s impact on curb appeal, failing to plan for future maintenance, and choosing lighting that is too small for the scale of the house.
The price depends on the frame material and glass package, but a professional installation for high-quality vinyl or composite windows typically ranges from $800 to $1,500 per window.
For resale purposes, avoid extremely bold, “trendy” colors that may look dated within a few years. Muddy or very cool toned grays are also losing popularity. In 2026, experts suggest avoiding stark white or dark black in areas with high sun exposure, as these can show wear or fade quickly. Instead, lean toward warmer neutrals like greige or earthy, nature inspired tones.
Start with the “focal points.” Replacing a front door or updating the garage door provides the highest return on investment and immediately changes the home’s character. Refreshing the landscaping, adding modern house numbers, and installing professional exterior lighting are also cost effective ways to boost curb appeal.
Many homeowners assume a siding or window project is purely cosmetic, but in areas throughout Colorado like Greeley and Loveland, specific permits are often required to ensure code compliance. Checking your property lines and local regulations early prevents costly delays or fines later in the project.
A material that works well in a humid climate may fail quickly under Colorado’s intense UV rays and frequent hail. Always ask if your siding and roofing choices are rated for high altitude sun exposure and impact resistance to ensure your investment lasts more than a few seasons.
When old roofing, windows, or siding are removed, it is common to find moisture damage or rot that wasn’t visible before. You should always ask your contractor how they handle these discoveries and ensure your budget has a small contingency (usually 10%) to cover these necessary repairs without stopping the project.
In Colorado residential construction, asphalt shingles are the most frequent choice due to their balance of cost and performance. Other common options include metal (standing seam or ribbed), clay or concrete tiles, wood shakes, and synthetic composites.
Asphalt Shingles: Affordable and easy to install, but they have the shortest lifespan (15 to 30 years) and can be damaged by high winds.
Metal: Extremely durable and energy efficient, but carries a higher upfront cost and can be noisy during heavy rain or hail.
Tile (Clay/Concrete): Fireproof and lasts over 50 years, but is very heavy and may require additional structural reinforcement for your roof.
Slate: The “forever” roof that lasts 100+ years, but it is the most expensive and difficult to install.
Asphalt shingles require regular checks for granule loss and wind damage. Metal roofs are low maintenance, needing only occasional inspections of sealants and fasteners. Tile and slate require professional inspections to replace cracked pieces, while wood shakes need periodic chemical treatments to prevent rot and moss.
Roofing is rated as Class A, B, or C. Class A is the highest rating and includes materials like metal, clay tile, slate, and fiberglass-based asphalt shingles. Wood shakes are typically Class C unless they have been factory-treated with fire retardants.
Asphalt Shingles (Best for budget)
Metal (Best for longevity and snow shedding)
Stone-Coated Steel (Best for hail resistance)
Clay/Concrete Tile (Best for thermal mass and fire safety)
Synthetic/Composite (Best for mimicking wood or slate without the weight)
A quality roof is more than just shingles. It requires:
Decking: The wood foundation (usually OSB or plywood).
Drip Edge: Metal flashing that directs water into gutters.
Underlayment: A water-resistant barrier (synthetic or felt).
Ice and Water Shield: A self-adhering membrane for eaves and valleys.
Ventilation: Ridge vents or soffit vents to regulate attic temperature.
Fiber cement (like James Hardie) is widely considered the best overall for durability and fire resistance. Engineered wood (LP SmartSide) offers a great balance of impact resistance and aesthetics. For modern designs, metal siding (aluminum or steel) is increasingly popular due to its longevity.
The most common types include vinyl (budget-friendly), fiber cement (durable), engineered wood (natural look), metal (industrial/modern), and stone veneer (luxury accent).
High-quality windows typically come from reputable manufacturers like Anlin, Andersen, Marvin, and Pella. These brands offer premium lines in fiberglass or wood-clad materials that are specifically engineered for performance in variable climates.
Look for the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label. This label provides certified data on energy performance. Also, check the warranty; a high-quality window should come with a limited lifetime warranty that covers both the frame and the glass seal.
Multi-pane glass: Double or triple-pane glass with argon or krypton gas fills.
Low-E coatings: Specialized layers that reflect heat while letting in light.
Frame material: Rigid fiberglass or high-grade vinyl that resists warping and fading.
Hardware: Heavy-duty locks and smooth-operating casement or sash mechanisms.
High altitude means higher UV exposure. This causes standard vinyl siding to become brittle and cheap paints to fade or “chalk” much faster. When selecting materials, always prioritize products with high UV-resistance ratings to ensure they don’t degrade prematurely.
A material that works well in a humid climate may fail quickly under Colorado’s intense UV rays and frequent hail. Always ask if your siding and roofing choices are rated for high altitude sun exposure and impact resistance to ensure your investment lasts more than a few seasons.
Impact resistance (rated Class 1 through 4) measures a material’s ability to withstand strikes from hail or debris without cracking or puncturing. In Northern Colorado, choosing Class 4 impact-rated shingles can often lead to significant discounts on your homeowner’s insurance premiums.
A layer of water-resistive barrier, such as house wrap, is installed over the wood sheathing to protect the structure from moisture and air infiltration. Many installations also include a layer of rigid foam insulation to improve energy efficiency and create a flat surface for the siding panels.
Roofing is a labor-intensive trade that requires specialized safety equipment and insurance. While prices vary based on the pitch and height of your home, you can generally expect the labor cost to install a roof to be about half of the total costs of the roof replacement.
The total cost typically ranges from $10,000 to $25,000+ for an average home. This includes the removal of old materials, the new siding itself, and the labor. For a standard project, the labor cost to install siding is about half of the total costs of the project.
While you need a weather-resistant barrier (house wrap) to keep liquid water out, a strict vapor barrier is different. In Colorado’s dry climate, we typically use breathable wraps that allow moisture from inside your home to escape while preventing rain from getting in. This prevents wood rot and mold growth within your walls.
Yes. Siding needs a solid, flat surface for secure fastening. Plywood or OSB sheathing provides the structural integrity required to hold nails tight. Without it, your siding can rattle in the wind, look wavy, or even blow off during a storm.
For a professional crew, a standard 2,000 square foot roof usually takes 2 to 3 days. The first day is dedicated to tearing off the old shingles and inspecting the wood deck. The following days involve installing the new underlayment, flashing, and shingles. Complex roofs with many peaks or valleys may take longer.
While it is physically possible, it is not recommended for most homeowners. Roofing is dangerous work that requires specific knowledge of flashing and ventilation to prevent leaks. Additionally, many manufacturer warranties are only valid if the shingles are installed by a licensed professional.
Aside from the shingles themselves, the most significant expense is the labor. This is because it covers the tear-off of the old roof, the disposal of heavy debris, and the skilled installation of the new system. If your underlying wood deck is rotted, replacing those panels can also become a major cost factor.
A professional window installation, including the unit and labor, typically ranges from $700 to $1,500 per window. Factors like the frame material (vinyl vs. fiberglass) and whether the opening needs structural repair will influence the final price.
Window installation requires precision. If a window is even slightly out of plumb or level, it may not open correctly or could leak air and water. Because proper sealing is so critical to your home’s energy efficiency and protection, most homeowners find that professional installation is worth the investment.
Through December 31, 2025, you can claim the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. This allows you to claim 30% of the cost of the windows, up to a maximum of $600 per year. To qualify, the windows must meet “Energy Star Most Efficient” criteria.
The most common errors include improper flashing, which leads to hidden water damage, and failing to use enough insulation around the frame. Another frequent mistake is “racking” the window, which happens when the frame is forced into an opening that isn’t square, causing the glass to crack or the lock to fail over time.
The secret to a long-lasting paint job is the preparation. The process should follow these steps:
Washing: Pressure wash to remove dirt and chalking.
Scraping and Sanding: Remove loose paint to create a smooth surface.
Patching: Fix any cracks in the siding or trim.
Priming: Apply a high-quality primer to bare wood or stains.
Caulking: Seal gaps around windows and doors.
Painting: Apply two coats of premium acrylic paint, working from the top down.
Most major exterior projects, including roofing and structural window changes, require a permit from the city. This ensures that the work meets local building codes and safety standards. At Custom Exteriors, we handle the permitting process for you to make sure everything is legal and documented.
Most new roofs come with two distinct warranties. The manufacturer material warranty typically lasts between 25 and 50 years, depending on the shingle grade. The workmanship warranty, which covers the installation itself, usually ranges from 1 to 10 years. At Custom Exteriors, we believe a warranty is only as good as the company standing behind it.
The easiest way is to check your original contract or invoice from the installer. If you don’t have those records, you can often find the manufacturer by looking for product codes on the shingles in your attic or by contacting the contractor who performed the work. Most reputable companies keep digital records of every project they complete.
Yes. Almost every professional roofing installation includes a material warranty from the manufacturer (like Owens Corning or GAF) and a labor warranty from the contractor. If a contractor does not offer a written warranty, it is a significant red flag regarding the quality of their work.
Several factors can void your roof warranty. The most common include improper attic ventilation, pressure washing your shingles, or installing a new roof over an old layer of shingles. Additionally, having an unauthorized contractor perform repairs or install items like satellite dishes and solar panels can also cancel your coverage.
For siding, the industry standard for a workmanship warranty is typically 5 to 10 years. This ensures that the panels were fastened correctly and that all flashing and trim work remain secure. The materials themselves, such as fiber cement or engineered wood, often carry much longer manufacturer warranties of 30 to 50 years.
Yes, but the coverage varies by material. Vinyl siding often has a limited lifetime warranty that may even cover fading. Premium materials like James Hardie fiber cement come with a 30 year non-prorated limited warranty. It is important to remember that these material warranties do not cover damage caused by improper installation.
In Northern Colorado, durability depends on the material’s ability to handle UV rays and hail.
Vinyl: 20 to 40 years.
Engineered Wood: 30 to 50 years.
Fiber Cement: 30 to 50+ years.
Metal Siding: 40 to 60 years.
The most frequent “warranty killers” for windows include applying aftermarket window tints, failing to maintain the caulking around the frame, and improper installation. Using harsh chemical cleaners or pressure washers directly on the seals can also lead to a denied claim if the insulated glass unit fails.
Many premium warranties are transferable to the next homeowner, which can be a great selling point. However, most manufacturers require the transfer to happen within a specific window (often 30 to 60 days) and may charge a small administrative fee to move the coverage into the new owner’s name.
A non-prorated warranty covers the full cost of replacement materials for a set period, such as the first 10 years. A prorated warranty means the value of the coverage decreases over time as the product ages. Always check the “fine print” to see when the proration period begins.
Generally, no. Most manufacturer and workmanship warranties explicitly exclude “Acts of God” like hail, windstorms, or lightning. These events are typically covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy rather than the contractor’s warranty.
Manufacturers require specific airflow to prevent shingles from “baking” from the inside out. If your attic is too hot due to poor ventilation, the shingles will become brittle and fail prematurely. If an inspector finds inadequate venting, the manufacturer will likely deny any claim for material failure.
If you suspect a defect, your first step should be contacting your original contractor. They can perform an inspection to determine if the issue is related to installation or a material flaw. If it is a material issue, they can help you gather the necessary photos and documentation to submit to the manufacturer.
In the exterior industry, “Lifetime” usually refers to the period you own the home. If you sell the property, the warranty often converts to a standard year-based term (like 50 years) for the next owner. It is rarely a “forever” guarantee regardless of ownership.
