Roof Installation Across Northern Minnesota and the Twin Ports
A Roof Installation Built for Northern Minnesota Seasons
A complete roof installation is one of the biggest investments a homeowner makes. In Northern Minnesota, professionally installed roofs keep your home well-protected against strong summer storms, freeze-thaw cycles, and snow buildup.
Empire Roofing installs complete roofing systems for homes and properties across northern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Whether your project means a new construction, a room addition or a full roof replacement, we plan each roofing project around your property, your long-term goals, and your budget. Our goal is to help you take the next step toward a well-protected home, no matter what Northland seasons bring.
Start With a Clear Plan for Your New Roof
Get a thorough check of your roof, a written plan, and detailed estimate before any work begins.
What Goes Into a Professional Roof Installation
Professional roof installations address the complete system, not just the roof surface you can see from the ground. Underlayment, flashing, ventilation, water protection, and the top roofing surface need to work together to move moisture, water, and debris away from your home.
Each installation starts with removal of the old roofing material, down to the decking. This step shows what’s actually happening below the shingles, whether there are soft spots, rot, or water damage that needs to be addressed before a new roof is installed. The roofing system is then built in layers, including underlayment, ice-and-water protection, flashing, ventilation components, and the preferred roofing material.
Most roof installation projects may take between a few days to a week, depending on the size of the home, the roof material chosen, and the weather. Empire Roofing performs an on-site walk-through and provides a written scope before any work begins. You know how your roof is holding up, what needs to be done, and what the process looks like. No guesswork, no unnecessary upselling.
Long-Term Benefits of Professional Roof Installation
Roof installations do more than just stop leaks during a heavy rain. Proper installation supports how your home performs and stays reliable throughout years of changing Northland conditions.
Ice Dam Prevention and Freeze-Thaw Durability
Ice dams form when heat escaping your attic melts snow on the roof and that water refreezes at the cold eaves. It is a common problem in Duluth and across the Twin Ports. Ice-and-water shield along the eaves keeps that backed-up water from reaching your decking, and balanced attic ventilation helps keep the roof surface at an even temperature. We check insulation and airflow during the inspection, because the real fix for ice dams usually starts inside the attic.
Wind and Storm Resistance
New roofing materials installed properly have better resistance against wind gusts and severe thunderstorms that roll through northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. A properly fastened roof also holds up well when an aging roofing system starts losing shingles.
Better Attic Performance Year-Round
A roof installation is the best time to correct ventilation and airflow problems in your attic. Balanced ventilation helps your attic stay closer to outside temperature in winter, which cuts down on ice dams, and keeps heat from building up in summer. Both help your heating and cooling systems work less.
Enhanced Curb Appeal
New shingles or a fresh metal roof upgrades how your home looks from the outside. Whether you are finishing a new build or updating an older Northland home, a full roof installation supports your home’s architectural style, while giving a refreshed exterior appearance.
Higher Resale Value
Modern roofing systems increase your home’s long-term value. Buyers across the Northland place real value on a well-kept home with recent improvements, including full roof installations.
Get a Roof Built for Your Property
No two properties have the exact same roofing needs. Empire Roofing checks your roof, asks for your long-term goals, and gives a detailed estimate for a roofing system built for your property.
Signs It’s Time to Consider a Full Roof Installation
When several issues show in your home and roofing system, roof installations become more practical than repeated repairs. Here are some warning signs it’s time to consider a full roof installation:
Exterior Signs
- Cracked, Curling Shingles: Roof shingles that curl, lift, or crack from years of wear, indicate loss of protective layers underneath.
- Missing Shingles: Bare spots on the roof deck that usually show up after a strong wind storm in the Northland.
- Granules in Gutters: Loose granules usually collect in gutters and downspouts. This means older asphalt shingles start breaking down.
- Damaged Flashing: The metal strips around chimneys or walls start to pull away and let water slip in underneath.
- Moss and Algae Growth: Heavy moss can hold moisture and wet snow against the shingles, causing and speeding up roof decay.
Interior and Structural Signs
- Water and Moisture Stains: Brown rings or bubbling paint on top-floor ceilings after a heavy rain indicate water leaking in your roof.
- Sagging Roof Deck: A roofline that dips, waves down or looks uneven usually points to a rotting structure below.
- Repeated Ice Dams: Thick ice dams that form along the roof edges every winter may signal heat loss in the attic, poor ventilation, insulation, or a damaged roofing system.
- Advanced Wear Due to Age: Once a roof reaches the 20 to 25 year mark, materials have usually lost much of their weather protection. Even if it still looks fine from the ground, it is worth an inspection.
Not sure whether isolated repairs or a full replacement works for your home? A professional roof inspection gives you a clear answer and honest recommendation on what your home needs.
Roofing Materials for Different Northland Homes
Empire Roofing installs a wide range of roofing systems for Northland homes. The right choice depends on your home’s structure, your long-term plans, and your overall budget. Here is a comparison of the roofing materials most commonly used on homes across northern Minnesota.
| Material | Best For | Typical Lifespan | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingles | Homeowners looking for a versatile roofing material with multiple style choices. | 20-25 years | Reliable protection at the most accessible price point |
| Metal Roofing | Homeowners who want lasting durability and premium exterior appearance. | 40-70 years | Sheds snow and ice more easily and resists wind uplift (snow guards recommended over entries and walkways) |
| Rubber Roofing | Homes with low-slope roofs, room additions, and sections that need membrane-style protection. | 20-30 years | Seamless, water-resistant membrane built for roofs too flat to shed water quickly |
| Solar Shingles | Homeowners interested in combining full roof coverage with solar energy generation. | 25-30 years | Combines roofing protection with on-site power generation |
Every home is different and has its own roofing needs. Empire Roofing recommends the right roofing system after a close look at your home and roofing system. Each recommendation fits your property, not a one-size-fits-all service from a list.
Serving Northland Property Owners for Over 25 Years
Empire Roofing has worked on homes and properties across the Northland for more than 25 years. That experience includes roofing systems built to handle snow, ice, wind, storms, and temperature swings common across Northern Minnesota. Our work quality shows in the details, from how flashing is installed around chimneys to how ventilation is properly set up in an attic.
Each project begins with a free inspection and an honest assessment of your property. Empire Roofing is a GAF Master Elite contractor, a distinction earned by fewer than 2% of roofing contractors nationwide. That status lets us offer GAF’s strongest warranty coverage, including the Golden Pledge Limited Warranty, which covers materials for 50 years and our workmanship for 25.
We also provide strong warranty options and financing for qualifying projects. Every roofing project is backed by strong warranty coverage keeping you and your home well-protected even after the crew leaves. From the initial walkthrough through final inspection, our crews bring clear communication and professional installation practices to keep your home well-protected.
Hear From Customers Across the Northland
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
– Tawnya J., Verified Customer
“We are thrilled with the new roof! The team at Empire Roofing was great to work with and thorough on all aspects from quoting to clean-up. They did a great job removing all the old shingles and installing new shingles. They were thorough in explaining the details of the project before and during. We were kept informed of delivery and replacement. They placed tarps over the yard to catch debris and used a magnet to aid in thorough cleanup. They worked efficiently and completed the project in one day!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
– Bill, Verified Customer
“I just wanted to take a moment to thank you both for all the incredible work you did on the roof and skylights. Everything looks absolutely amazing. You’ve brought new life to the cabin, and I can’t tell you how much that means to me.
The sauna looks great too—it’s the perfect finishing touch. I truly appreciate all the time, care, and craftsmanship you put into every detail. You guys went above and beyond, and I hope you know how much we appreciate you.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
– Casey L., Verified Customer
“Crew did a great job and worked efficiently. Shingle installation looks great and 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.”
Plan Your New Roof With a Local Roofing Team
Roof Installation FAQs
What is included in a professional roof installation?
A professional roof installation includes removal of existing materials when necessary, deck inspection, underlayment, applying ice-and-water protections, proper flashing and ventilation components. Once the underlying layers are ready, the selected roofing material is then installed. Site cleanup and a final inspection follows before the work is complete. The exact roof installation scope depends on the roof’s condition and the roof material being installed.
What’s the best roofing material for Minnesota winters?
Asphalt shingles and metal roofing both hold up well in northern Minnesota. Metal sheds snow more easily and lasts longer, though it usually needs snow guards over doors, walkways, and gutters so sliding snow does not become a hazard. Quality asphalt shingles perform well too when they are installed with ice-and-water shield at the eaves and proper attic ventilation. One thing worth knowing: ice dams are mostly caused by heat escaping from your attic, not by the type of roof you have. That is why we look at your attic insulation and ventilation during the inspection, not just the shingles.
How much does a new roof installation cost in northern Minnesota?
Roof installation cost comes down to the size and pitch of your roof, how complex it is (valleys, dormers, chimneys), the material you choose, how many old layers need removal, and whether the decking underneath needs repair. Rather than quote a range that may not match your home, Empire Roofing gives you a free inspection and a written estimate before any work begins, so you know the actual cost upfront.
Will Empire Roofing handle work permits for roof installation?
Yes. Permit rules are not the same everywhere in the Northland, and we pull the right one for your address. Duluth requires a building permit for a full roof replacement, and so do the surrounding cities we work in, including Hermantown, Proctor, and Cloquet. Requirements can differ in unincorporated county areas and across the border in Wisconsin, where each community sets its own re-roofing permit rules. We handle the paperwork and the inspections so you do not have to track down which office covers your property.
Can a new roof be installed during cold weather?
With the right conditions, yes a roof can be installed during cold weather. Temperature, snow, ice, wind, manufacturer requirements, and safety concerns all affect scheduling and how roof installation projects are approached. Site conditions, crew safety, and roofing systems are reviewed before work begins.
What is included in a professional roof installation?
A professional roof installation includes removal of existing materials when necessary, deck inspection, underlayment, applying ice-and-water protections, proper flashing and ventilation components. Once the underlying layers are ready, the selected roofing material is then installed. Site cleanup and a final inspection follows before the work is complete. The exact roof installation scope depends on the roof’s condition and the roof material being installed.
What’s the best roofing material for Minnesota winters?
Asphalt shingles and metal roofing both hold up well in northern Minnesota. Metal sheds snow more easily and lasts longer, though it usually needs snow guards over doors, walkways, and gutters so sliding snow does not become a hazard. Quality asphalt shingles perform well too when they are installed with ice-and-water shield at the eaves and proper attic ventilation. One thing worth knowing: ice dams are mostly caused by heat escaping from your attic, not by the type of roof you have. That is why we look at your attic insulation and ventilation during the inspection, not just the shingles.
How much does a new roof installation cost in northern Minnesota?
Roof installation cost comes down to the size and pitch of your roof, how complex it is (valleys, dormers, chimneys), the material you choose, how many old layers need removal, and whether the decking underneath needs repair. Rather than quote a range that may not match your home, Empire Roofing gives you a free inspection and a written estimate before any work begins, so you know the actual cost upfront.
Will Empire Roofing handle work permits for roof installation?
Yes. Permit rules are not the same everywhere in the Northland, and we pull the right one for your address. Duluth requires a building permit for a full roof replacement, and so do the surrounding cities we work in, including Hermantown, Proctor, and Cloquet. Requirements can differ in unincorporated county areas and across the border in Wisconsin, where each community sets its own re-roofing permit rules. We handle the paperwork and the inspections so you do not have to track down which office covers your property.
Can a new roof be installed during cold weather?
With the right conditions, yes a roof can be installed during cold weather. Temperature, snow, ice, wind, manufacturer requirements, and safety concerns all affect scheduling and how roof installation projects are approached. Site conditions, crew safety, and roofing systems are reviewed before work begins.
Get a Clear Recommendation for Your New Roof
Roof installation supports long-term protection and your property’s long-term value. Empire Roofing provides free inspection, giving you a clear picture of your roofing system, what it needs, and an honest recommendation so you can confidently make a decision.
Reach out to schedule a free roof inspection or walk us through signs of damage in your roof. We serve communities across northern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin, from the Twin Ports through the Arrowhead and the Iron Range.
