Best Roofing Companies in Minnesota 2026
Best Roofing Companies in Minnesota for 2026
Minnesota’s climate destroys roofs faster than almost any state in the country. Hail, ice dams, 60+ inches of annual snowfall, and temperature swings from -20°F to 90°F put extreme stress on roofing materials. Choosing the right contractor matters as much as choosing the right shingles—a poorly installed roof will fail years before its rated lifespan, while quality installation maximizes every dollar you spend.
We evaluated Minnesota roofing companies on licensing status, insurance coverage, customer reviews, warranty terms, material certifications, longevity in the Minnesota market, and responsiveness. These are the companies that consistently perform well across the state.
Top Roofing Companies in Minnesota
1. Lindus Construction
Service Area: Twin Cities metro, Central Minnesota (HQ: Pequot Lakes)
Specialties: Asphalt shingles, metal roofing, ice dam solutions
Certifications: GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred
Founded: 2002
Lindus has built a strong reputation across central and metro Minnesota for quality installation and ice dam expertise. Their GAF Master Elite certification (held by only 2% of roofing contractors nationally) qualifies homeowners for the GAF Golden Pledge warranty—50 years on materials and 25 years on workmanship. They also offer LeafGuard gutter systems, which integrate well with new roof installations. Response time for estimates averages 3-5 business days. Reviews consistently highlight professionalism and cleanup quality.
2. Minnesota Exteriors
Service Area: Twin Cities metro
Specialties: Storm damage restoration, insurance claim management, full exterior remodeling
Certifications: GAF Master Elite, Haag Certified Inspector
Founded: 2006
Minnesota Exteriors has become one of the largest roofing operations in the metro, particularly strong in insurance claim work after hail events. Their Haag certification means their inspectors are trained to a forensic standard in assessing storm damage—helpful when navigating insurance claims. They handle the entire process from inspection through insurance negotiation to installation. Some reviews note the higher-volume approach can feel less personal, but execution quality is consistently rated high.
3. Allstar Construction
Service Area: Twin Cities metro, greater Minnesota
Specialties: Residential roofing, siding, windows (one-stop exterior)
Certifications: CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, Owens Corning Preferred
Founded: 1999
Allstar offers full-range exterior services, making them a strong choice if you’re combining a roof with siding or window replacement—common when a major hailstorm damages multiple elements. Their 25+ years of Minnesota operation means they’ve weathered (literally) the state’s worst conditions. Pricing falls in the mid-range, and they offer financing through multiple lending partners. Responsiveness is strong—most quote requests receive a callback within 24 hours.
4. Younger Exteriors
Service Area: Twin Cities metro, southern Minnesota
Specialties: Residential and light commercial roofing, cedar shake
Certifications: GAF Master Elite
Founded: 1951
Younger Exteriors brings 70+ years of Minnesota-specific experience to every project. Their longevity is itself a credential—surviving seven decades in the Minnesota roofing market means they’ve built systems for quality that short-lived competitors lack. They’re particularly experienced with cedar shake roofs on older Minneapolis and St. Paul homes, a niche that requires specialized knowledge. Pricing tends to be slightly above average, reflecting the experience premium. Family-owned and operated across three generations.
5. A-1 Restoration
Service Area: Southern Minnesota (Rochester, Mankato, Albert Lea, Austin)
Specialties: Storm restoration, residential re-roofing
Certifications: GAF Certified, Owens Corning Preferred
Founded: 2008
A-1 Restoration fills a gap in southern Minnesota where Twin Cities-based contractors often don’t travel. They’ve built a strong practice in Olmsted, Dodge, and Blue Earth counties, handling storm damage and planned replacements. Their familiarity with southern Minnesota’s hail-prone corridor means they have well-established relationships with insurance adjusters in the region. Reviews highlight fair pricing and quality communication throughout the project.
6. Gold Star Contracting
Service Area: Twin Cities metro
Specialties: Residential roofing, siding, gutters
Certifications: Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, CertainTeed SELECT
Founded: 2007
Gold Star has maintained strong Google review scores (4.8+) across thousands of reviews, indicating consistent quality at scale. Their Owens Corning Platinum Preferred status (top 1% of contractors) qualifies homeowners for the best available product warranties. They offer free inspections and straightforward quoting without the high-pressure sales tactics common in the industry. Multiple financing options available including 0% for 12-18 months through partner lenders.
7. Shelter Construction
Service Area: Twin Cities metro, western suburbs
Specialties: Metal roofing, premium shingle installation
Certifications: Standing seam metal certified, GAF Certified
Founded: 2012
Shelter Construction has carved out a niche in metal roofing—a growing segment in Minnesota due to metal’s snow-shedding properties and 40-60 year lifespan. They offer both standing seam and stone-coated steel shingle options, with in-house fabrication for custom panel work. If you’re considering metal over traditional asphalt, Shelter’s specialized experience reduces the risk of the installation issues that can plague general contractors attempting metal work. Pricing reflects the premium product focus.
| Company | Service Area | Google Rating | Best For | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lindus Construction | Metro + Central MN | 4.7 | Ice dam solutions, metal roofing | 2-4 weeks from contract |
| Minnesota Exteriors | Twin Cities | 4.6 | Insurance claims, storm damage | 1-3 weeks from contract |
| Allstar Construction | Statewide | 4.7 | Multi-project exterior work | 2-4 weeks from contract |
| Younger Exteriors | Metro + Southern MN | 4.8 | Cedar shake, historic homes | 3-5 weeks from contract |
| A-1 Restoration | Southern Minnesota | 4.6 | Outstate, Rochester area | 1-3 weeks from contract |
| Gold Star Contracting | Twin Cities | 4.8 | Best warranties, consistent quality | 2-3 weeks from contract |
| Shelter Construction | Metro + west suburbs | 4.7 | Metal roofing specialists | 3-6 weeks from contract |
How to Evaluate a Minnesota Roofing Contractor
Licensing Requirements
Minnesota requires all roofing contractors to hold a state license issued by the Department of Labor and Industry. Verify any contractor at the DOLI website before signing a contract. The license database shows the company’s current status, any enforcement actions, and bonding information. Unlicensed roofing work is illegal in Minnesota and voids many warranty protections.
Insurance Verification
Require certificates of insurance showing:
- General liability coverage of at least $1 million per occurrence
- Workers’ compensation coverage for all employees
- Auto liability for company vehicles
If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor lacks workers’ comp, you may be liable. Request certificates directly from the insurance company, not just a copy from the contractor.
Manufacturer Certifications
The major shingle manufacturers (GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed) operate tiered certification programs. Higher tiers require demonstrated installation quality, customer satisfaction scores, and financial stability. These certifications unlock better warranty options for homeowners:
| Certification Level | GAF | Owens Corning | CertainTeed | Warranty Upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Certified | Roofing Contractor | Credentialed Installer | Standard material warranty |
| Mid-Tier | Certified Residential | Preferred | ShingleMaster | Extended warranty, some labor |
| Top Tier | Master Elite (2%) | Platinum Preferred (1%) | SELECT ShingleMaster | Maximum coverage, labor included |
Red Flags to Avoid
- Storm chasers: Out-of-state contractors who appear after hailstorms and canvas neighborhoods. They install quickly, then leave the state—good luck with warranty claims.
- Large deposits: Reputable contractors don’t require more than 10-30% upfront. Full payment before work starts is a red flag.
- No written estimate: Every detail should be in writing—materials, scope, timeline, payment terms, warranty coverage.
- Deductible payment: Minnesota law prohibits contractors from paying or waiving your insurance deductible. Any offer to do so is a violation.
- Pressure to sign: “This price is only good today” is a tactic, not a reality. Walk away from pressure.
What a Good Roofing Estimate Should Include
A professional roofing estimate in Minnesota should detail:
- Complete removal of existing roofing materials (number of layers)
- Inspection and repair of roof decking ($50-$100 per sheet of plywood if needed)
- Ice and water shield installation (linear feet and placement—code minimum is 24 inches past interior wall line at eaves)
- Synthetic underlayment on all remaining surfaces
- Shingle type, brand, color, and quantity
- Drip edge, valley flashing, and pipe boot replacements
- Ridge vent installation or replacement
- Chimney and skylight flashing details
- Cleanup process including magnetic nail sweep
- Permit acquisition (contractor’s responsibility)
- Timeline for completion
- Material warranty and workmanship warranty terms
- Payment schedule
If any of these items are missing from an estimate, ask why. The most common omission is adequate ice and water shield—some contractors install only the code minimum to save costs, leaving your home vulnerable to ice dam damage above the minimum line. For a full guide on roofing costs and what to expect, see our home services resource center.
Insurance Claims: Working With Your Contractor
Many Minnesota roof replacements are triggered by hail damage claims. The process typically works as follows:
- Contractor inspects the roof and identifies storm damage
- You file a claim with your insurance company
- Insurance adjuster inspects and determines covered damage
- If estimates differ, your contractor can meet with the adjuster for re-inspection
- Insurance pays for replacement minus your deductible
- Contractor completes the work
Important: you choose the contractor, not your insurance company. Insurers may recommend “preferred” contractors, but you’re under no obligation to use them. Choose based on quality and certification, not insurance recommendations.
Many top-tier contractors will meet the insurance adjuster on-site and supplement the claim if the adjuster’s initial scope misses damage. This is standard practice and not adversarial—it ensures the claim covers the full scope of necessary work. Use our property tax calculator and mortgage calculator to ensure roof costs fit within your overall housing budget.
Ice Dam Prevention During Roof Replacement
Ice dams are Minnesota’s most destructive roofing problem, and a roof replacement is the best opportunity to address them. Standard Minnesota building code requires ice and water shield membrane from the eaves to at least 24 inches past the interior wall line, but code minimum is rarely sufficient for homes with a history of ice dam issues.
Top Minnesota roofing contractors recommend extending ice and water shield 3-6 feet up the roof from the eaves, covering all valleys, and wrapping around any areas where the roof plane changes direction. This additional coverage adds $1,000-$2,500 to the project cost but prevents the $5,000-$15,000 in interior water damage that a single severe ice dam event can cause.
During the tear-off phase, your contractor should inspect the roof deck for evidence of previous ice dam damage: water stains, soft spots, or mold on the underside of sheathing. Damaged decking should be replaced at $50-$100 per plywood sheet. A qualified contractor will also evaluate attic ventilation—inadequate soffit-to-ridge airflow is the root cause of most ice dam formation. Adding or improving soffit vents, ridge vents, and attic baffles during a roof project costs $500-$1,500 and delivers returns every winter for the life of the new roof.
For homes with chronic ice dam problems, consider combining the roof replacement with an attic insulation upgrade to R-49 or higher. The combination of proper ice shield, improved ventilation, and adequate insulation addresses the problem at every level—far more effective than heated cables, which treat the symptom rather than the cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new roof cost in Minnesota?
The average asphalt shingle roof replacement in Minnesota costs $12,000-$22,000 for a typical home. The range depends on roof size, pitch, material grade, and whether structural repairs are needed. Metal roofing runs $18,000-$28,000. Cedar shake costs $16,000-$24,000. Get at least 3 estimates to ensure you’re comparing fairly—specify the same materials across all quotes.
How often do Minnesota roofs need replacement?
Architectural asphalt shingles last 20-25 years in Minnesota’s climate—less than the 30-year warranty suggests. Three-tab shingles may only last 15-18 years. Metal roofs last 40-60 years. Hail damage can trigger premature replacement regardless of age. After any significant hailstorm, have your roof inspected—damage isn’t always visible from the ground.
Should I choose the cheapest bid?
Almost never. The cheapest bid often means cutting corners on ice and water shield, using lower-grade materials than specified, or employing less experienced crews. A $2,000 savings on installation can cost $10,000+ in premature failure or ice dam damage. Focus on value: quality materials, proper installation techniques for Minnesota’s climate, and strong warranty coverage. The mid-range bid from a certified, established contractor is usually the best value.
When is the best time to schedule a roof replacement?
Schedule in late spring through early fall (May-October) when temperatures support proper shingle adhesion. Early spring booking (February-March) helps you secure a preferred timeline before the summer rush. After hailstorms, every contractor in the area gets flooded with calls—scheduling waits of 4-8 weeks are common. If you know your roof is aging, plan proactively rather than waiting for storm damage to force an emergency timeline. Check our buying resources for more home maintenance guidance.
Can a roofer work in winter in Minnesota?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Asphalt shingles need temperatures above 40°F to seal properly, and most manufacturers void warranties on cold-weather installations. Emergency tarping and temporary repairs can be done in winter, but full replacements should wait for warmer weather. If a winter replacement is unavoidable, the contractor should use hand-sealing techniques and adjust material handling to account for cold-related brittleness.
What’s the best roofing material for Minnesota?
Architectural asphalt shingles (Class 4 impact-resistant) offer the best overall value for most Minnesota homes. They handle freeze-thaw cycles well, carry 25-30 year warranties, and qualify for insurance premium discounts of 15-25%. Metal standing seam is the premium choice—more expensive upfront but lasts 40-60 years and sheds snow naturally, reducing ice dam risk. Cedar shake is beautiful but high-maintenance in Minnesota’s wet climate. Choose based on your budget, how long you’ll stay in the home, and aesthetic preferences. Our home services directory connects you with specialists for each material type.
How do I handle an insurance claim for storm damage?
After a hail or wind event, document damage with photos before any cleanup. Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24-48 hours. The insurer will send an adjuster, typically within 1-2 weeks. Before the adjuster visits, have a qualified roofing contractor inspect the roof and provide their own damage assessment—this gives you a comparison point if the adjuster’s scope seems low. You choose your own contractor, not the insurance company’s preferred vendor. Most reputable Minnesota roofers will meet the adjuster on-site and supplement the claim if the initial scope misses damage. Your deductible (typically $1,000-$2,500 for standard policies, higher for wind/hail-specific deductibles) applies to the total claim. Any contractor who offers to “cover your deductible” is engaging in insurance fraud—avoid them regardless of how appealing the offer sounds.
What should I look for when inspecting a roof before buying a home?
During a home purchase, your inspector will evaluate the roof, but you should also look for these indicators yourself: missing, curling, or buckling shingles visible from the ground; dark streaks or moss growth (indicates moisture retention); sagging rooflines (structural concern requiring immediate professional evaluation); rusted or damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights; evidence of previous patching or mismatched shingle sections; and ice dam staining on soffits or exterior walls. Inside the attic, look for daylight coming through the roof deck, water stains on the underside of the sheathing, and inadequate ventilation. Minnesota roofs age faster than national averages—a 20-year-old roof here is approaching end of life regardless of the warranty printed on the shingles. Factor roof age and condition into your offer price using our affordability calculator. Read our guide to current roofing rates in Minnesota.