When replacement makes more sense than repair
Shingles wear out from the top down. Granules wash into the gutters, tabs curl or crack, and sealant strips stop holding in the wind. Once that wear is spread across the whole roof rather than one slope, a repair only buys time.
Minnesota adds its own pressure: freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow load, and ice that builds up at cold eaves. A replacement is the chance to correct ventilation and ice protection so the new roof isn't fighting the same problems as the old one.
We'll tell you honestly if a repair will do the job. If it will, that's what we'll recommend.
What a full replacement includes
Every roof is scoped individually, but a typical asphalt shingle replacement covers:
- Complete tear-off to the roof deck and cleanup of old materials
- Deck inspection, with damaged sheathing replaced as needed (we'll show you before replacing it)
- Ice and water protection at eaves, valleys and penetrations
- Synthetic underlayment across the field of the roof
- New drip edge, flashing and pipe boots
- Ridge and intake ventilation reviewed and balanced
- Architectural asphalt shingles installed to the manufacturer's instructions
- Magnetic sweep of the yard and driveway for nails, and a final walkthrough with you
Choosing shingles and colors
Most homes we work on get architectural (dimensional) asphalt shingles. They offer good wind performance and a layered look at a reasonable cost. Color is a bigger decision than people expect, since it has to work with your siding, trim and brick for the next couple of decades.
We bring samples to the house so you can see them in your own light. If you're curious about a premium alternative that looks like slate or cedar shake, see composite roofing.
Roof replacement questions
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most single-family asphalt roofs are torn off and replaced in one to three working days, depending on size, pitch, weather and how much decking needs replacing. We'll give you a schedule for your home specifically.
Do I need to be home during the work?
No, but we ask that someone be reachable by phone. We'll walk through access, parking and what to move away from the house before we start.
Can you install new shingles over my old ones?
We recommend a full tear-off. It lets us inspect and repair the deck and install proper ice and water protection, which a layover can't do.
How much does a new roof cost?
It depends on size, pitch, layers to remove, decking condition and materials, so we don't publish prices. After an inspection you get a written, itemized proposal.
Find out where your roof stands
We'll inspect it, photograph what we find, and give you a straight answer on repair versus replacement.