Full-Service Duluth, MN Asphalt Roofing

Asphalt Roofing Built for Duluth’s Seasons and Your Home

A worn shingle roof in Duluth shows different problems in each season. Duluth’s normal winter brings about 90 inches of snow, often wet and heavy. When that snow melts, a leak can be exposed near the eaves. Northland storms also bring wind and rain that can lift loose shingles.

Duluth, MN asphalt roofing works as one complete system throughout the seasons. Leak barriers help resist water backing up behind ice dams, while flashing directs water away from chimneys and roof connections. Attic air leakage, insulation, and ventilation also influence how snow melts on the roof.

Empire Roofing has provided asphalt roof services across the Twin Ports since 1999. Every project comes with clear communication and follow-up. Whether you need repairs or a full replacement, our team helps you assess the roof, choose suitable shingles, and keep your home protected for years.

Complete Asphalt Roofing System for Duluth Homes

A complete asphalt roofing system includes the shingles and the layers underneath that keep the roof functioning. Underlayment is the protective sheet between the decking and shingles. Ice and water leak barriers offer protection where water often collects, like valleys and eaves. Flashing directs water away from roof openings and connections.

For Duluth homes, asphalt roofing offers a practical option. It costs less than metal or slate, and suits Victorian, Craftsman, and Foursquare houses in the East Hillside and throughout the city. Shingles can also be repaired one section at a time, especially after a storm. Proper ventilation also pays off throughout Northland seasons. In winter, a colder roof deck means less meltwater for ice dams. In July, ventilation lets trapped heat escape instead of cooking the shingles.

Three-Tab, Architectural, and Designer Shingles Explained

Empire Roofing installs three main types of asphalt shingles in Duluth, MN. Each one trades upfront cost against style, weather resistance, and upkeep.

Three-Tab Shingles

Three-tab shingles are the thinnest, flattest, and most economical asphalt roofing option. The material often lasts about 12 to 20 years. While each single layer gives a clean, uniform look, it is more likely to lift in high winds and crack from ice and storm damage. They offer a practical option for a garage, an outbuilding, or a home you are looking to sell soon.

Architectural (Dimensional) Shingles

Architectural shingles layer two or more pieces to give a thicker, textured look with natural shadow lines. They last between 20 and 30 years and are considered a regional standard for their balanced cost, dimensional depth, and wind resistance.

Designer (Luxury) Shingles

Designer shingles are heavier, high-end material shaped to look like slate or cedar shake. They last about 30 to 40 years and carry the highest upfront cost among the options. Because of their weight, the roof structure underneath needs to be checked first to confirm it can carry the shingles, plus a normal Duluth snow load. Wind and impact ratings differ by product, so we review each specification with you.

How long an asphalt roof lasts depends on proper installation, exposure to the Northland’s weather and storms, and keeping the attic well-ventilated.

Asphalt Roofing Services for Every Roof Condition

About 43% of Duluth’s homes were built in 1939 or earlier. Many of these roofs still carry decades of patches, additions, and old layers. Before recommending any work, we check your full roofing system, from the decking to connections around chimneys, dormers, and additions.

• Asphalt Shingle Repair: Fixes localized roofing wear, such as missing shingles, damaged sections, or leaks in the flashing. An inspection identifies the source of water entry and whether the surrounding areas remain serviceable.
• Asphalt Roof Replacement: Full roof replacement starts with removing worn shingles to inspect the exposed decking. Deteriorated wood, flashing, protective layers, and roof connections are replaced before new shingles are installed. Additional repairs found during roof tear-off are discussed and scoped separately.
• Asphalt Roof Installation: Installation for new homes, garages, additions, and other pitched-roof buildings. The scope accounts for roof slope, material requirements, drainage, ventilation, and other construction details.

Each Duluth, MN asphalt roofing project starts with understanding your roof’s condition. We also review access, material delivery, debris removal, and preparations around occupied areas.

Licensed Roofing Service With Storm Claim Guidance

Empire Roofing is a certified GAF Master Elite contractor, a status GAF awards to roughly the top 2 percent of roofers nationwide. That means we can offer GAF’s Golden Pledge warranty on qualifying asphalt roofing projects, with up to 50 years of material coverage and 25 years of workmanship warranty.

We are a locally owned, licensed roofing contractor (Minnesota Residential Building Contractor license BC574373). Our crews keep job sites clean, and our No Nail Guarantee means no nails left behind. Each project is handled with a “Higher Level of Service,” with clear explanations before, during, and after the roofing work.

When hail or high winds hit the Twin Ports, we help homeowners with storm damage insurance claims. We inspect the roof, document the damage, and work directly with your insurance adjuster. Your insurer still determines coverage under your policy, while we provide clear roofing information and documentation.

Hear What Northland Homeowners Say

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“All the people involved were attentive, professional and intent on doing a good job, from sales to project manager to installers. They were able to find the pattern/color of shingles I wanted, even though they had to do a bit of searching. The roof looks great and they did a good job of cleaning up when finished. The managers answered all my questions and worked well with the insurance company for payment. I would recommend them!”

– Peggy G., Google Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The crew did a great job and worked efficiently. The shingle installation looks great and the crew did a quality clean up. Team lead Dean had prompt communication with me throughout the process, made sure all of my concerns were addressed, and the install went as planned. On final inspection a couple small issues were quickly and easily addressed. Overall very satisfied with the final product, quality of service, and price. I definitely would recommend Empire Roofing and use them again.”

– Casey L., Google Review

Shingle Roofing Services in Duluth and the Northland

Empire Roofing serves homes across Duluth, MN, from Park Point to Duluth Heights. We also serve homes in Congdon Park and Hunters Park on the east side and the hillside neighborhoods below Skyline Parkway. Our service also reaches past Enger Tower into Lincoln Park and Spirit Valley.

Beyond Duluth, we also serve other Northland communities, including Hermantown, Rice Lake, Virginia, and Silver Bay. Send us your address and what roofing work you are planning for your house, garage, or addition.

Duluth, MN Asphalt Roofing FAQs