Roof Replacement in Minneapolis, MN

By Brian Christensen, Owner · Last updated September 30, 2026

Replacing Roofs on Older Minneapolis Homes

Minneapolis is a city of bungalows, story-and-a-halfs, Tudors and foursquares, and many of them are 80 to 100 years old. Their roofs are steeper and more cut-up than a suburban rambler’s, and decades of repairs are often hiding under the shingles. On Minneapolis homes we pay special attention to:

• Story-and-a-half ice dams. Homes with a finished upper floor have sloped ceilings and knee walls with little room for insulation or airflow. Heat escapes into the roof, melts snow and feeds ice dams at the eaves. Every new roof gets ice and water barrier from the eave to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall, and we check the ventilation.
• Ventilation. Minneapolis doesn’t require adding attic ventilation when you re-roof an older home. We check intake and exhaust anyway and correct it as part of the new roof, because poor airflow shortens shingle life and feeds ice dams.
• Old board decking. Many older homes have plank decking with gaps or soft spots instead of plywood. We tear off to the deck, inspect it and repair or re-sheath what can’t hold nails, so the new shingles are installed the way the manufacturer requires.
• Chimneys, dormers and walls. Brick chimneys, dormers and roof-to-wall joints are where most older roofs leak. We replace step flashing, wall flashing and chimney flashing instead of reusing old metal.
• Tight city lots. Close neighbors, alleys and small yards mean the dumpster, ladders and tear-off have to be planned. We tarp your landscaping and the neighbor’s side, keep the alley clear and finish with a magnet sweep.

The result is a roof built for how old Minneapolis homes were actually built, not new shingles over old problems.

Detached garage too? Many Minneapolis homes have an alley garage with a roof the same age as the house. Ask us to quote the garage at the same inspection so both roofs can be done together.

What Minneapolis Homeowners Say

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Ready for a free inspection? Use the form on this page or call (763) 333-7663.

Was Your Minneapolis Roof Damaged in the June 2026 Hail?

Late in the afternoon on June 19, 2026, hail up to the size of half-dollars and golf balls hit northeast Minneapolis, along with Columbia Heights, Fridley, Roseville and parts of St. Paul, according to the Minnesota DNR. Hail that size can crack shingles and knock off granules even when nothing leaks yet, and the damage is hard to see from the ground.

If your roof took hail, homeowners insurance may pay for most of the replacement, minus your deductible. We inspect and photograph the damage for free, then guide you through the claim from start to finish. Under Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. 325E.66), no roofer can promise to pay or waive your deductible, so be wary of anyone who offers.

Get a Free Hail Inspection · More: storm damage repair

How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Minneapolis?

Most roof replacements we do cost $8,000 to $30,000. Older Minneapolis homes can land in the upper part of that range, because steep pitches, dormers, chimneys and old board decking all add labor. What moves the price:

• Pitch and shape: a steep story-and-a-half with dormers costs more than a simple low-slope roof
• Layers to remove: older roofs sometimes have two layers, which adds tear-off labor
• Decking: repairing or re-sheathing old plank decking once the roof is off
• Chimney and wall flashing, and any ventilation upgrades
• Access: tight lots and alley-only access can add time
• Material: asphalt shingles cost less up front; metal costs more but can last twice as long

You’ll get a written, itemized quote after a free inspection, with no pressure to sign. Financing is available. More: Twin Cities roof replacement guide

Minneapolis Roofing Permits and Our Process

The City of Minneapolis requires a building permit for all re-roofing on one- and two-family homes, except small repairs under one bundle of shingles. A final inspection is required when the work is done. We pull the permit, schedule the inspection and build to the Minnesota Residential Code (why permits matter).

Minneapolis code allows a new layer over one existing layer in some cases. We don’t do overlays: we tear off to the deck on every job, so we can see and fix what’s underneath.

Historic homes: if your home is a local landmark or in a Minneapolis historic district, the city may need to review roofing changes before the permit is issued, and staff review can take several weeks. Tell us at the inspection and we’ll check early so it doesn’t hold up your project.

1. Free inspection of your roof and attic, with photos
2. Written, itemized quote with material options
3. Permit pulled by us with the City of Minneapolis
4. Install day: landscaping protected, full tear-off, decking repaired, new roof system installed, usually in 1–2 days
5. Cleanup and walkthrough: magnet sweep for nails, all debris hauled away
6. Final inspection and warranty paperwork for your materials and our 5-year workmanship warranty

We schedule replacements spring through fall. We don’t install in winter because it can void the shingle warranty.

How We Protect Your Yard on a Tight City Lot

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Help Paying for a New Roof in Minneapolis

Beyond insurance for storm damage and our financing options, Minneapolis homeowners may qualify for help from the city:

• City of Minneapolis home improvement financing: loans from $2,000 to $75,000 for repairs to one- to four-unit homes, with options with or without monthly payments. You must own and live in the home, be current on your mortgage and property taxes, and fall within the city’s income guidelines. Call the city’s Owner Occupied Rehab team at 612-673-5174 or see the city’s home improvement financing page.
• Nonprofit programs: the city also refers homeowners to groups like the Center for Energy and Environment, Rebuilding Together and Hearts & Hammers.

If you’re applying for a city loan, we’ll give you the written, itemized quote the application asks for.

Get a Free Roof Inspection in Minneapolis

Whether your roof took hail in June or it’s simply reached its age, we’ll tell you honestly what it needs. Free, no-pressure inspection and a written quote. We answer 24/7.

Get My Free Inspection · Call (763) 333-7663