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Free Inspection
The Tear-Off: Removing the Old Roof
We start by removing all old shingles, underlayment, and flashing down to the roof deck.
A tear-off exposes what's beneath—rotted plywood, water damage, or a solid substrate ready for new material.
Minneapolis winters and heavy snowfall create harsh conditions; an old roof seeping water can hide decay until you catch it during inspection.
A tear-off takes 1–2 days and costs more upfront than an overlay, but it's the honest choice when we find structural issues.
Substrate Inspection and Preparation
Once the deck is bare, we inspect for rot, soft spots, or areas where moisture has caused the plywood to sag or settle.
Any damaged sections are replaced so the new roof sits on solid ground.
We check roof pitch, look for hips and valleys, and verify that ventilation pathways are clear. This step catches problems an overlay would hide forever.
Installing Underlayment and Ice Dam Protection
We lay synthetic underlayment across the deck—tougher than tar paper and more resistant to UV degradation. In Minnesota, ice dams are a reality.
We install ice-and-water shield along the eaves and up the valley where melt-water wicks back under shingles during freeze-thaw cycles.
This membrane sticks to the substrate and stops water before it erodes into your home.
Flashing and Starter Course
Before any shingles go down, we install flashing around chimneys, skylights, and pipe boots.
We place drip edge along the eaves and rake to direct water into gutters.
Then comes the starter course—the first row of shingles that anchors the rest. Ring-shank nails secure it and each field course above.
Field Course Installation and Stagger
Shingles go down in rows with staggered courses so water runs down, not across seams.
We hand-seal each course in cold weather to ensure adhesive bonds properly. Depending on your roof size and pitch, installation takes 2–4 days.
Material choices—asphalt shingles, architectural shingles, metal panels—affect timeline and cost.
Ridge Cap, Gutters, and Final Inspection
The ridge cap seals the peak. We install or upgrade gutters and downspouts so water doesn't pond at the foundation.
A final walk-through with you confirms the roof is complete, clean, and ready for Minneapolis winters.
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Written Quote
Immediate Response: Emergency Tarping
When hail, high winds, or ice damage hits your roof, our first priority is stopping water intrusion.
We'll tarp exposed areas same-day if possible. A temporary covering protects your attic and interior until we can do permanent repairs.
This prevents cascading damage—moisture that wicks into insulation, causes mold, and rots framing.
Damage Assessment and Documentation
We photograph every dent, tear, hole, and area of granule loss.
Hail creates bruised shingles that may not leak immediately but will fail faster as UV degradation accelerates. Wind can tear shingles and lift flashing.
We document the scope and timeline so you have proof for your insurance claim.
Insurance Claim Assistance
We're Trusted and we know insurance processes.
We'll provide a detailed estimate of repair costs, help you file the claim, and coordinate with the insurance adjuster.
If the adjuster misses damage or a supplemental claim is denied, we'll help you appeal.
Material Selection for Repairs
For a partial repair, we match existing shingles, flashing materials, and sealant so the patch blends.
We won't recommend a full replacement unless the damage is widespread.
For metal roofing or flat roofs with TPO, EPDM, or PVC membrane damage, we repair using the same substrate and method.
Repair Scope: Nails, Sealant, and Local Conditions
Repairs aren't just slapping a patch on. We replace damaged shingles back to the valley or hip so we're not bridging a bad section.
We use ring-shank nails at proper length and depth. We reseal with mastic rated for Minneapolis freeze-thaw cycles so the repair holds through winter.
Timeline and Weather Dependencies
Emergency tarping: same-day or next morning. Permanent repair: 1–3 days depending on damage extent and weather.
We can't install sealant or shingles when it's below 40°F, so winter repairs may wait for a thaw or require heated application methods.
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Certified Install
Why Material Choice Matters in Minneapolis
Your roof's lifespan depends on material and how well it's installed.
Asphalt shingles are affordable and reliable; architectural shingles add style and durability. Metal roofing reflects heat, lasts 40+ years, and sheds ice better during Minnesota winters.
Flat roofs with TPO or EPDM membrane handle snowload differently than pitched roofs with shingles.
Asphalt Shingles: Layers and Composition
Asphalt shingles have a fiberglass base mat, asphalt coating, and ceramic granules on top. The granules protect the asphalt from UV rays and reflect heat.
Granule loss is the first sign of aging; if you see it in the gutter, the roof is past mid-life.
A three-tab shingle is budget-friendly; architectural shingles have deeper cuts and variable textures, so they last longer and look more natural.
Metal Roofing and Standing-Seam Systems
Metal panels or standing-seam roofs are aluminum or steel. They expand and contract with temperature swings, so the fastening system must account for movement.
Metal roofing sheds water and snow faster than asphalt, reducing ice dam risk. It doesn't rot or degrade from UV like shingles.
Cost is higher upfront but lifespan is 40–60 years.
Flat Roofing: Membrane Systems and Drainage
Flat roofs need a membrane—TPO, EPDM, or PVC. TPO is thermoplastic olefin, UV-resistant and energy-efficient. EPDM is ethylene propylene diene monomer, proven and cost-effective.
PVC is durable but more expensive. Flat roofs must have proper slope so water doesn't pond; pooled water degrades the membrane and causes leaks.
Ventilation and Insulation Interaction
Your roof deck needs airflow—soffit vents, ridge vents, or attic fans move humid air out.
Without ventilation, moisture condenses, ice dams form in winter, and sheathing rots. Insulation sits below the roof cavity, but it must leave air gaps.
Proper ventilation reduces cooling costs in summer and ice dam risk in winter.
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Your Approval
Spotting Granule Loss and Shingle Aging
Look in your gutters. Granules washing down mean the shingles are degrading.
If you find dark specks or sand-like debris, your roof is nearing end-of-life. Granule loss accelerates UV damage, so shingles become brittle and curled.
A roof with widespread granule loss should be replaced within 2–3 years before leaks start.
Flashing Deterioration and Leak Points
Water leaks almost always start at flashing—around chimneys, skylights, or where valleys meet shingles. Sealant cracks and dries out. Fasteners pull loose and rust.
Flashing may separate from the substrate due to expansion and contraction.
During a roof inspection, we check every flashing joint with special attention to valleys where water concentrates.
Ice Dams and Winter Water Intrusion
Minneapolis winters create ice dams when warm attic air melts snow near the ridge, and melt-water refreezes at the unheated eaves.
Ice dams push water back under shingles where it wicks into the substrate and drips into your home.
Proper ventilation, ice-and-water shield, and gutter size reduce severity. A roof retrofit with better ventilation and thermal balance solves the problem.
Sags, Splits, and Structural Concerns
If your roof sags visibly or has a ridge that dips in the middle, the frame may be settling or rafter connections may be failing.
This isn't cosmetic—it signals structural damage. Water pools where the roof settles, accelerating leaks. We'll assess whether it's cosmetic or serious and recommend repairs.
Mold, Water Stains, and Attic Signs
Go into your attic after rain. Water stains on rafter or sheathing mean your roof is leaking. Mold or musty smell means moisture is trapped inside.
We recommend a roof inspection every 3–5 years in Minneapolis, especially after storms. Early detection saves money and prevents structural failure.
Storm Damage: Hail and Wind
Hail creates bruised shingles that may not leak immediately. Wind tears shingles, lifts flashing, and can expose the deck.
After a storm, we'll do a free damage assessment, document everything for insurance, and prioritize emergency repairs if needed. Call 612-979-0693 for same-day response.
