Frequently Asked Questions
COMMON HOME EXTERIOR QUeSTIONS
FAQ Categories
General
What kind of infrastructure does L.H. Krueger have to serve customers?
Offering superb customer service is ingrained into our operations. Our onsite service staff is available to assist you and answer any questions you may have, or you can easily get in touch with us via our online chat and text support systems. When you need an estimate, you’ll love our responsive and thorough estimating department. By using a certified team of installers, we can promise consistency and care in your service experience. After your exterior project is completed, you can rely on our robust Workmanship Warranty Program to guarantee your satisfaction and peace of mind.
Where can I find third-party references and reviews for L.H. Krueger?
Our Customer Reviews page contains honest, recent feedback from real customers. In addition, we hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
What kind of accolades does L.H. Krueger have?
L.H. Krueger’s workmanship and customer service has earned numerous awards, certifications, and high ratings over the years. Here are just a few:
- A+ with BBB
- 4.7-star rating on Google
- 4.9-star rating on Guild Quality
- GAF Factory Certified Master Elite Installer
- Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
- Certified Green Roofer
- Certified Raindrop Gutter Guard Installer
- Waukesha County Business Alliance Top 10 Business
If something goes wrong, who do I call?
If you notice a problem during your project, please contact your Production Assistant. If a problem arises after your project has been completed, please submit a claim through our Workmanship Warranty Program.
What extra safety measures does L.H. Krueger take to protect homes and workers?
We take every precaution to keep your property in pristine condition. Each project has a site specific safety plan. Our team will use plywood to protect your home and landscaping as needed, tarp over landscaping that needs extra protection, and dispose of materials promptly in an onsite dumpster. We will periodically sweep your driveway and yard with a magnetic broom to pick up any stray nails. In addition, we take the safety of our employees very seriously. Each person on our team is properly trained to be OSHA compliant in fall protection, ladder safety, and the proper use of power tools. We invest in the best safety equipment and training to protect our team and your home.
What steps do I need to take as a homeowner to prepare for my project?
We’ve put together downloadable checklists to help you prepare for our team’s visit. Here’s what you should do before we arrive and after we’ve finished your project for the best experience and a home exterior that looks great for years.
How does L.H. Krueger help with product selection?
We’re happy to help you find high-quality, long-lasting materials you’ll love for your roofing, siding, and gutter projects. We can color-match shingles, siding, and gutters to your home exterior or help you create a bold new look! With ongoing supply chain disruptions, some materials or colors are more difficult to track down, so our team is staying on top of lead times and can steer you toward options that will be available sooner.
When should I expect a lien waiver and warranty information?
After we’ve received your full payment, it should be about 1-2 weeks until your lien waiver and warranty packet arrives. If you opt to get the upgraded GAF warranty, this will come directly to you (not through L.H. Krueger) in 1-2 months.
How much do home exterior projects cost?
As you might expect, the answer is “it depends”! The variation of pricing depends on the scope of work, the size of the home, and the materials chosen by the homeowner. For example, an average 2,500 square foot ranch might involve the following costs:
- New roof: $25,000 – $30,000
- New siding: $50,000-60,000+
- New gutters: $3,000-4,000
- Repairs and service calls: Starting at $275
To get the most accurate pricing for your home exterior project, request a free estimate!
What’s the most common type of color matching for roofing, siding, and gutters?
We often match gutters to a home’s fascia, which is a common choice for homeowners. However, we’re happy to help you select whatever color will be best for your home.
How often should exterior caulking be checked/re-done?
Exterior caulking should be checked on an annual basis. Erratic Wisconsin weather can cause shrinking due to extreme temperature lows and highs, which lead to cracking. Yearly checkups help you catch and fix damage early.
What are some types of materials that L.H. Krueger uses for home exterior projects?
L.H. Krueger is committed to using quality products that stand the test of time. Your home exterior will benefit from industry-leading brands of asphalt shingles, composite or fiber cement siding, and aluminum gutters, siding, and fascia. In addition, we use a high-quality caulk made from silicone of polyurethane.
How can L.H. Krueger help once pests are removed?
While we aren’t able to get rid of pesky critters for you, we can help you after they’re gone! Once a pest has been removed, we can plug any holes it created. Then, we’ll assess your shingles, soffit, fascia, and siding and diagnose any issues the animal may have caused, including deterioration, damage from chewing, or rot due to exposure, so that you can get your home’s exterior good as new again.
I've got water leaking in my house but it's winter and everything outside is frozen. How is that possible?
The issue, condensation, is a result of air leaks into your attic space from improperly sealed bath fan ducting, electrical fixtures, and water heater exhaust ductwork. Interior air, being warmer than the exterior air in winter, can hold more water vapor. When interior air leaks into the cold attic space, it is carrying more water vapor than can be held by the cold air in the attic. The warm interior air is cooled until it reaches the dew point, or the point when relative humidity reaches 100%. When the dew point is reached, the water vapor forms condensation on whatever matter it comes into contact with. This condensation may not reach levels that are apparent anywhere other than the interior of your attic. Most condensation slowly evaporates over time without any harm to your home. When drastic temperature changes occur, the condensation (if formed as ice or frost) can melt quickly and pool, which may then drip down onto your insulation and possibly find its way into the interior of your home.
Roofing
How will I know my roof is installed well after the job is finished?
L.H. Krueger is a GAF Certified Master Elite installer, an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, and a Certified Green Roofer. Using a team of certified experts helps us ensure quality workmanship to our homeowners, which we back up with our Limited Lifetime Workmanship Warranty option. We encourage you to take a look at your new roof and make sure it’s completed to your satisfaction. If you notice any problems, you can submit a claim through our Workmanship Warranty Program.
How long does it take L.H. Krueger to finish a roofing project?
There are many factors that impact the timeline of any roofing project. Larger roofs, bad weather, or specialty materials can extend your timeline, while being flexible with scheduling and materials selection can fast-track your new roof. On average, a new roof takes 3-4 days to complete. If you’re having additional services done as part of your roofing project, like replacing soffit and fascia or repairing gutters, your entire project will take a few additional days to complete.
What are signs of regular roof aging vs. when to know there might be a problem with my roof?
A standard asphalt shingle roof has an average lifespan of 25-40 years. If your roof is nearing its life expectancy, look for excessive dark streaking, curling shingles, missing shingles, or lots of loose granules. These indicate that it might be time for a re-roof.
I need to replace my roof and siding, but it's so expensive right now. Should I wait until the price of materials gets cheaper?
It’s common to think that because lumber prices go up and down, the prices of all building materials go up and down. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Roofing and siding material manufacturers do not lower prices. At best, they maintain for a period of time but eventually increase. Delaying a project for a year or two will always result in a price increase and we don’t recommend this. We offer multiple payment options so that customers can take advantage of current pricing and avoid additional costs from damage or canceled homeowners insurance due to delaying a project.
How can I prevent ice damming?
Ventilation is the key to preventing ice dams. Almost all ice dams are caused by heat loss into attic spaces. At L.H. Krueger, we carefully consider proper ventilation with every roofing project to prevent ice damming issues before they ever happen.
If roof damming is present, how do I minimize the damage?
We recommend roof raking and ice melt pucks to tackle ice dams. In extreme cases, professional steaming can get the job done, but this can be very expensive. Never use rock salt, which is less effective and can damage shingle nails, masonry, and even your landscaping beds.
What different types of roof ventilation should be present and why?
At the peak of your roof, there needs to be a mushroom-style or ridge vent. At the eaves, there can be a soffit vent or a shingle over intake along the gutter line. Proper ventilation helps regulate your roof’s temperature, keeping ice dams at bay.
How and when do I need to clean my shingles?
Generally, we recommend cleaning your shingles once per year. Shingles should never be cleaned with a pressure washer–a regular garden hose will do the trick! If algae and or moss are present, several DIY products are quite effective and available at your local big-box store. For more information, check out our blog post: What Causes Roof Stains?
Is it safe to install shingles in cold temperatures?
Yes. Shingles can be installed all year long. Depending on temperature and sun exposure, shingles installed in the winter can sometimes take a little longer to seal. Our workmanship warranty protects you in the rare event we experience high winds before your new shingles are fully sealed.
All seasons have their challenges. Spring brings rain, wind, mud, and delivery issues due to weight limits on roads. Summer brings heat that is dangerous for installers and softens shingles creating unsightly scuff marks. Fall brings a chance of just about any kind of weather. For the best possible outcome, choose a time for your project that is right for you, rather than trying to wait for the perfect season.
Can my insurance company cancel my policy if my roof is too old?
Yes, your insurance company can cancel your policy if your roof is too old. Most insurance
companies have specific guidelines regarding the age of roofs they are willing to cover. Typically, they
will not accept roofs older than 15 years for new policies.
For existing policies, the time limit on being grandfathered in with an older roof is often unclear and can
vary between insurance providers. It’s important to check with your specific insurance company for their
exact policy.
Additionally, many insurance companies are phasing out coverage for all 3-tab shingle roofs. This is a
significant consideration for anyone looking to buy or sell a home, as roof condition and type can impact
your ability to secure homeowners insurance.
If you are concerned about your roof’s age or type, we recommend contacting your insurance provider
to understand how these factors might affect your coverage.
Siding
Should I install my windows before or after installing siding?
Either project can come first. If you plan on doing both projects, installing new windows before you replace your siding is the best option. This way you don’t need to worry about removing newly installed siding, trim, and caulk from around the windows.
What siding brands do you offer?
James Hardie and LP are the most popular brands in this area. We also install vinyl siding, although for some homes it’s not the best option.
How long does installation take?
It depends on the size and design of your home. A simple ranch home will usually take one week. Larger homes, homes with multiple design features, or homes with accent siding can take up to three weeks.
What kind of siding material do you install?
We install James Hardie siding, which is a fiber cement, and we install LP Siding, which is an engineered wood. We also install multiple brands of vinyl siding. There are pros and cons to all three materials. Your sales representative can help you choose the one that’s best for your home, design goals, and budget.
Why don't you install steel or aluminum siding?
Metal siding is a look that’s not very popular anymore. Aluminum siding doesn’t allow for design options like other products do, and it fades. Steel siding is heavy and expensive compared to other products, and can rust. Today’s popular products like fiber cement and engineered wood offer a much better value.
Gutters
I have gutter guards. Why are there so many icicles?
Small icicles form when the snow on top of the black gutter guard melts and touches aluminum gutter. This is actually a good thing, and it’s part of why Raindrop Gutter Guards are a great product. Metal gutter guards, by comparison, just stay frozen up and cause problems.
Does L.H. Krueger clean gutters?
We do not offer gutter cleaning services. There are many reputable companies in Southeast Wisconsin that we would be happy to recommend for gutter cleaning.
Call 262.547.5054 or
Stress-free Financing Options
An investment in your home’s exterior is an investment in your future. Choose from two simple financing plans available through Regions Bank: a 12-month, no-interest plan or a 10-year reduced rate option.
Roofing, Siding, & Gutter Resources
No-Surprise Price Guarantee: Your Worry-Free Roof Replacement
No-Surprise Price Guarantee: Your Worry-Free Roof Replacement When it comes to replacing your roof, the last thing you want is hidden costs or unexpected fees. At L.H. Krueger and Son, Inc. we understand that a roofing project is a significant investment, and you deserve transparency every step of the way. That’s why we’re proud
Navigating an Insurance Claim for Hail Damage in Wisconsin
Navigating an Insurance Claim for Hail Damage in Wisconsin: A Step-by-Step Guide Hail damage is a common issue for homeowners in Waukesha, WI, and throughout southeastern Wisconsin. If your home has been hit by a hailstorm, navigating the insurance claim process can add to the stress. This guide will walk you through each step,
Homeowners Insurance & Roofs: Frequently Asked Questions
Wisconsin’s long, cold, and snowy winters can be damaging to your roof. But summer storms tend to arrive fast and fierce, and can cause more roof damage than the worst blizzards. Summer storm roof damage is something we see a lot of here at L.H. Krueger and Son, Inc.
No-Surprise Price Guarantee: Your Worry-Free Roof Replacement
No-Surprise Price Guarantee: Your Worry-Free Roof Replacement When it comes to replacing your roof, the last thing you want is hidden costs or unexpected fees. At L.H. Krueger and Son, Inc. we understand that a roofing project is a significant investment, and you deserve transparency every step of the way. That’s why we’re proud
Navigating an Insurance Claim for Hail Damage in Wisconsin
Navigating an Insurance Claim for Hail Damage in Wisconsin: A Step-by-Step Guide Hail damage is a common issue for homeowners in Waukesha, WI, and throughout southeastern Wisconsin. If your home has been hit by a hailstorm, navigating the insurance claim process can add to the stress. This guide will walk you through each step,
Service Area
Monday - Friday: 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday: Closed