Roof Replacement Questions From Minneapolis, MN Homeowners
These answers cover what Minneapolis, MN homeowners ask most before a re-roof: who runs this site, how to check out a roofer, what the City's permit rule says and what Minnesota law forbids around insurance claims. Nothing here is legal advice, and the actual price always comes from the roofer you hear from.
Prefer to talk? Call now(612) 555-0177Before You Call
Roof Replacement Minneapolis MN is a referral service, not a roofer. Reading these first can make your first conversation with a roofer shorter and help you spot an offer that doesn't hold up. The answers stay open on the page, so scroll to the one you need.
Is this site a roofing company?
No. It is a free referral service. It doesn't tear off or put on roofs, doesn't write bids or set prices, signs no contracts and stays out of insurance claims. A request you send goes to one independent local roofer, who inspects the roof, prices the job and does any work you agree to.
Who pays for the referral?
The roofing company pays this site each time it receives a referral. You pay the site nothing, and you get nothing from it either: no gift, no rebate, no credit. Whether the roofer charges for its own estimate visit is its call. Many roofers give estimates at no charge, so ask when they reach out.
How do I check that a roofer can legally work in Minnesota?
With limited exceptions, anyone contracting for residential roofing in Minnesota needs a DLI residential roofer, remodeler or building contractor license. Search the company on the DLI license lookup at dli.mn.gov before you sign anything. DLI warns that a number beginning with "IR" is a registration, not a license, so don't accept one in its place.
Does a re-roof in Minneapolis need a permit?
Yes. The City's roofing handout reads: "A building permit is required for all re-roofing work, except repairs involving less than one bundle of shingles." The handout dates from 2016, so confirm with the City by calling 311 (612-673-3000 from outside the city). The roofer usually pulls the permit, though an owner who lives in the home may pull it instead.
Can new shingles go over my old ones?
In Minneapolis, new roofing may go over one existing layer only. Many older houses already carry two, and those need a full tear-off. Stripping the roof also lets the roofer check the boards underneath and lay the ice barrier Minnesota's building code calls for, from the eave to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line.
What causes ice dams, and can a new roof stop them?
University of Minnesota Extension explains that ice dams can form when attic heat melts roof snow that then refreezes at the cold eaves. New shingles alone won't fix that. Ask the roofer about ceiling insulation, continuous soffit and ridge vents, and the ice barrier, which helps keep backed-up meltwater out of the house when a dam does form.
A roofer offered to cover my insurance deductible. Is that allowed?
No. A residential contractor in Minnesota may not pay, waive or rebate your deductible, may not reward you for an inspection, a claim or a referral, and may not interpret your policy or negotiate your claim unless licensed as a public adjuster. A deal like that is against Minnesota law. A roofer can photograph the damage and write an estimate; the claim itself stays between you and your insurer.
Can I back out of a roofing contract after signing?
Minnesota gives you a window in two cases. If the contract hinges on an insurance claim and the insurer denies it, you can cancel in writing within 72 hours after the insurer tells you. If the sale was made at your home, you generally have three business days. Read the cancellation notice in the contract before you sign.
What if a roofer takes my money and walks away?
If you win a court judgment against a contractor that held a Minnesota license and it can't pay, DLI's Contractor Recovery Fund may repay out-of-pocket losses, up to $75,000 per claim and $550,000 per contractor. Apply within two years of the judgment. Licensing complaints go to DLI, and consumer complaints to the Minnesota Attorney General's office.
Still Have a Question?
Call (612) 555-0177 and ask, or send a request when you're ready to hear from a roofer. For the full legal picture, read the Minnesota roofing rules, and for statewide price ranges, see the roof replacement cost guide.