Not every roof problem comes from a storm. Shingles wear out, flashing loosens, sealant dries and cracks, and the small openings that result let water work its way in over time. Caught early, most of these are straightforward repairs. Left alone, they grow into the kind of damage that takes a whole new roof to fix. Empire Roofing has handled everyday roof repair for Duluth and the surrounding Northland since 1999 – we’ll tell you honestly whether your roof needs a repair or something more.
We repair roofs of every common type in the region, from asphalt shingle to metal to flat commercial systems. Whatever yours is made of, the goal is the same: fix the real problem, protect what is underneath, and get more good years out of the roof you have. If a recent storm is what brought you here, visit our storm damage roof repair page instead, which explains hail and wind damage, and insurance claims in full.
Worn Shingles or a Small Problem? Catch It Early.
A free inspection now is cheaper than a big repair later.
Common Roof Repairs We Handle
Most roof repairs trace back to ordinary wear rather than a single dramatic event. These are the issues we see and fix most often.
Worn, Cracked, or Curling Shingles
Asphalt shingles age. They lose granules, curl at the edges, crack, or go brittle, and once that happens they stop shedding water the way they should. We replace the affected shingles and check the surrounding area for related wear.
Damaged or Loose Flashing
Flashing seals the joints where the roof meets walls, chimneys, and valleys. When it loosens or corrodes, those joints become entry points. Re-securing or replacing flashing is one of the most common and most important repairs we make.
Failed Sealant and Worn Vent Boots
The rubber boots around plumbing vents and the sealant around roof penetrations dry out and crack over the years. These small parts are easy to overlook and a frequent cause of slow, hidden problems.
Isolated Wear and Minor Damage
A few damaged shingles, a loose section, or a small area of wear can usually be repaired without touching the rest of the roof. We handle the spot that needs it and leave the surrounding roof alone.
If water is already getting inside, the priority shifts to finding the source, which is what our roof leak repair service is for. And if a storm caused the damage, your repair may be covered by insurance through our storm damage pages.
Roofs We Repair
We repair the roofing systems common across the Northland.
- Asphalt shingles. The most common residential roof in the area, and the one we repair the most.
- Metal roofing. Repairs to panels, fasteners, and seams on standing-seam and other metal systems.
- Flat and low-slope roofing. EPDM, TPO, and other flat systems found on additions and commercial buildings.
Not sure what your roof is or what it needs? That is exactly what the free inspection is for.
Repair or Replace? An Honest Answer
The most common question we get is whether a roof should be repaired or replaced. The honest answer depends on three things: the age of the roof, how widespread the wear is, and whether the decking underneath is sound. A newer roof with an isolated problem is almost always worth repairing. A roof near the end of its life, with wear across the whole surface, is often ready to be replaced.
We give you a straight recommendation based on what the inspection finds, not on which job is bigger. To better understand why replacement is the better long-term value, you can read about our roof replacement process.
Every permanent repair we make carries a one-year Empire Roofing workmanship warranty, plus the manufacturer warranty on materials.
What to Expect from a Roof Repair
We keep the process simple.
- Free inspection. We look at the roof and the areas that commonly fail, then walk you through what we found.
- Written estimate. You get a clear, written estimate with no surprise charges.
- The repair. Our crew makes the repair properly, matching materials as closely as possible.
- Cleanup and warranty. We leave your property clean, and your repair is backed by our one-year workmanship warranty.
Want a full picture of your roof’s condition first? Start with a free roof inspection.
Why Duluth Homeowners Choose Empire Roofing for Repairs
For over 26 years, homeowners across Duluth and the Northland have trusted Empire Roofing to fix their roofs honestly. We are the only GAF Master Elite roofing contractor north of the Twin Cities, fully licensed and insured (license BC574373), with more than 200 verified five-star reviews and two Duluth locations – London Road and Highway 61.
We are also the team that will tell you when you don’t need a repair at all. That kind of honesty is what keeps homeowners coming back. You get a written estimate, no surprise charges, and a straight answer about what your roof actually needs.
What Duluth Homeowners Are Saying
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“After looking around for a local company to address issues with my roof and gutters, I found Empire Roofing. I was thoroughly impressed when the rep flew a drone around my house to detail issues and damage. I was given an explanation of what they saw in basic terms and the rep gave my many options on how to handle that would best fit my budget. They did not try to sell me on things that I wouldn’t need, which means a lot to me as a consumer. Everyone I spoke with was very professional and any issues were addressed promptly. I would highly recommend Empire for any roofing and gutter needs, and look forward to working with them again in the future when the need arises!”
Erik N., 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.”
Bill, Verified Customer
Get Your Free Roof Repair Inspection Today
Roof Repair FAQs
How do I know if my roof needs repair?
Common signs include cracked, curling, or missing shingles, granules collecting in the gutters, daylight or moisture in the attic, and stains on an interior ceiling. Many problems are hard to judge from the ground, so if you suspect wear, a free inspection is the simplest way to know where you stand.
Should I repair or replace my roof?
It depends on the roof’s age, how widespread the wear is, and whether the decking underneath is sound. Isolated problems on a newer roof are usually worth repairing. Widespread wear on an older roof often points to replacement. We give you an honest recommendation rather than defaulting to the bigger job.
Do you repair metal and flat roofs, or only shingles?
We repair asphalt shingle, metal, and flat or low-slope systems like EPDM and TPO. If you are not sure what your roof is, the free inspection will sort that out.
My roof is leaking. Is that a repair?
A leak is its own kind of problem, because the water rarely enters where it shows up inside. Finding the source is the key, which is what our roof leak repair service handles. If the water is pouring in, treat it as an emergency and we can tarp the roof first.
Will a roof repair be covered by insurance?
Everyday wear and age are normally not covered, because insurance covers sudden damage rather than gradual deterioration. If a storm caused the damage, it may be covered, and our hail and wind damage pages explain how those claims work.
What warranty comes with a roof repair?
Every permanent repair includes a one-year Empire Roofing workmanship warranty, plus the manufacturer warranty on the materials we use.
How do I know if my roof needs repair?
Common signs include cracked, curling, or missing shingles, granules collecting in the gutters, daylight or moisture in the attic, and stains on an interior ceiling. Many problems are hard to judge from the ground, so if you suspect wear, a free inspection is the simplest way to know where you stand.
Should I repair or replace my roof?
It depends on the roof’s age, how widespread the wear is, and whether the decking underneath is sound. Isolated problems on a newer roof are usually worth repairing. Widespread wear on an older roof often points to replacement. We give you an honest recommendation rather than defaulting to the bigger job.
Do you repair metal and flat roofs, or only shingles?
We repair asphalt shingle, metal, and flat or low-slope systems like EPDM and TPO. If you are not sure what your roof is, the free inspection will sort that out.
My roof is leaking. Is that a repair?
A leak is its own kind of problem, because the water rarely enters where it shows up inside. Finding the source is the key, which is what our roof leak repair service handles. If the water is pouring in, treat it as an emergency and we can tarp the roof first.
Will a roof repair be covered by insurance?
Everyday wear and age are normally not covered, because insurance covers sudden damage rather than gradual deterioration. If a storm caused the damage, it may be covered, and our hail and wind damage pages explain how those claims work.
What warranty comes with a roof repair?
Every permanent repair includes a one-year Empire Roofing workmanship warranty, plus the manufacturer warranty on the materials we use.
Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection
Whether your roof has a few worn shingles or a problem you can’t quite place, the next step is simple. Schedule your free inspection and get an honest assessment from the team Duluth has trusted since 1999. We serve Duluth, Hermantown, Proctor, Cloquet, Two Harbors, Silver Bay, Virginia, Hibbing, Superior, Ashland, and the surrounding Northland.
Ask about our flexible financing options for larger repairs. No pressure, no obligation, just straight answers.
