Roof Installation in St. Cloud, MN

About the Service

Your roof is the first line of defense against Minnesota's demanding climate. From heavy snow loads in winter to severe summer storms, a properly installed roof protects your home and everything inside it.

At Zablocki Roofing & Exteriors, we've been installing roofs for Central Minnesota homeowners for over a decade. We understand what it takes to build a roof that performs year after year in our extreme conditions—and we stand behind our work with a 10-year workmanship warranty.

Whether you're replacing a roof damaged by storms, upgrading an aging roof before problems develop, or building new construction, our team handles the entire process from initial inspection through final cleanup. We work with your schedule, communicate clearly throughout the project, and treat your property with respect.

Every roofing project starts with a thorough inspection. We'll assess your current roof's condition, identify any underlying issues with decking or ventilation, and provide a detailed estimate with no surprises. If your roof has storm damage, we can also help you navigate the insurance claims process.

New Roof Installation Process

A quality roof installation is about more than just nailing down shingles. Here's what goes into every Zablocki roofing project:

1. Tear-Off and Inspection

We start by removing your old shingles down to the decking. This allows us to inspect the wood sheathing for rot, water damage, or soft spots that need repair. In Minnesota, ice dam damage often isn't visible until the old roofing comes off. We'll address any issues before proceeding.

2. Decking Repair

If we find damaged decking during tear-off, we replace it with new OSB or plywood sheathing. A solid deck is essential—shingles can't perform properly on compromised wood. We'll discuss any necessary repairs with you before proceeding.

3. Ice and Water Shield

Minnesota building code requires ice and water shield membrane along eaves to protect against ice dam leaks. We install it at all eaves, valleys, and around penetrations like vents, skylights, and chimneys. This self-sealing membrane is your last line of defense if ice dams form.

4. Underlayment

Synthetic underlayment covers the entire roof deck, providing a secondary water barrier and added protection during our unpredictable Minnesota weather. It also helps shingles lay flat and last longer.

5. Metal Edging and Flashing

Drip edge along eaves and rakes directs water into your gutters and prevents wind-driven rain from getting under the shingles. Flashing around chimneys, walls, and vents seals these vulnerable areas. Proper flashing is critical—many roof leaks originate at poorly flashed penetrations.

6. Ventilation Check

Proper attic ventilation extends roof life and helps prevent ice dams. We assess your current ventilation and recommend improvements if needed. Balanced intake (soffit vents) and exhaust (ridge vent) keeps your attic temperature stable.

7. Shingle Installation

We install your new shingles according to manufacturer specifications, ensuring proper nailing patterns and exposure. This attention to detail is what qualifies your roof for the manufacturer's warranty and ensures long-term performance.

8. Cleanup and Final Inspection

After installation, we use magnetic sweepers to collect stray nails from your yard and landscaping. We do a final inspection to verify every detail meets our standards, then walk you through the completed project.

Roofing Materials for Minnesota Homes

Choosing the right roofing material matters—especially in a climate as demanding as Central Minnesota. Here are the options we install most often:

Architectural Shingles

Also called dimensional or laminated shingles, architectural shingles are the most popular choice for Minnesota homes. They're thicker and more durable than traditional 3-tab shingles, with a layered appearance that adds depth and curb appeal. Most architectural shingles carry 30-year to lifetime warranties and offer excellent wind resistance (up to 130 mph on premium options).

3-Tab Shingles

The traditional, economical choice. 3-tab shingles have a flat, uniform appearance and typically carry 20-25 year warranties. While less expensive upfront, they don't last as long or resist wind as well as architectural shingles. We generally recommend architectural shingles for the long term value.

Impact-Resistant Shingles

Minnesota sees its share of hail. Impact-resistant (Class 4) shingles are designed to withstand hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter. Many insurance companies offer premium discounts for Class 4 roofing—sometimes enough to offset the higher material cost over time.

Metal Roofing

Standing seam and metal shingle roofs are growing in popularity. Metal lasts 40-70 years, sheds snow easily, and stands up to high winds. The higher upfront cost is offset by longevity and minimal maintenance. Metal is an excellent choice for homeowners planning to stay in their home long-term.

Not sure which material is right for your home? We'll discuss the options during your free estimate and help you weigh cost, longevity, and appearance.

Why Minnesota Roofs Take a Beating

Central Minnesota's climate is tough on roofs. Understanding these challenges helps explain why quality installation matters:

Snow Load

A typical Minnesota winter can dump 40-60 inches of snow. When snow accumulates on your roof, it adds significant weight—wet snow can weigh 20 pounds per cubic foot. Proper roof structure and installation handles this load safely, but aging or damaged roofs can struggle.

Ice Dams

When heat escapes through your attic, it melts snow on the upper roof. That water runs down and refreezes at the cold eaves, forming ice dams that trap water under your shingles. Proper ventilation, insulation, and ice and water shield installation all help prevent damage.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Minnesota temperatures swing above and below freezing dozens of times each winter. This constant expansion and contraction stresses roofing materials, especially at flashing points and edges. Quality materials and proper installation techniques account for this movement.

Summer Storms

Severe thunderstorms bring high winds, heavy rain, and hail. Minnesota averages 40+ days of hail per year. Impact-resistant shingles and proper installation help your roof withstand these seasonal storms.

UV Exposure

Our long summer days mean extended UV exposure, which degrades roofing materials over time. Quality shingles with UV-resistant granules maintain their integrity longer.

The good news: a properly installed roof with quality materials handles all of this. That's why we focus on doing the job right—because in Minnesota, shortcuts catch up with you.

Common Questions About Roof Installation

How much does a new roof cost in Minnesota?

Roof replacement costs in Central Minnesota typically range from $8,000-$20,000+ depending on roof size, pitch, material choice, and any repairs needed. An average 2,000 sq ft home with architectural shingles usually falls in the $10,000-$15,000 range. We provide free detailed estimates so you know exactly what to expect.

How long does roof installation take?

Most residential roof replacements are completed in 1-3 days, depending on roof size and complexity. A typical single-story home with a straightforward roof can often be completed in one day. Multi-level homes, steep pitches, or roofs with many penetrations may take longer. Weather can also affect scheduling during Minnesota's unpredictable seasons.

What's the best time of year to replace a roof in Minnesota?

Late spring through early fall (May-October) offers the best conditions for roof installation. Shingles seal better in warmer temperatures, and longer days allow more work time. However, we can install roofs year-round when necessary—sometimes you can't wait for perfect weather. Winter installations require special techniques but are absolutely possible.

How do I know if I need a new roof or just repairs?

Age is the biggest factor—most asphalt shingle roofs last 20-30 years. Other signs include: multiple missing or damaged shingles, granules collecting in gutters, visible wear patterns, daylight through attic boards, and frequent leaks. If damage is localized to one area, repairs may suffice. If problems are widespread or your roof is over 20 years old, replacement usually makes more sense. We'll give you an honest assessment during your free inspection.

Do you help with insurance claims for storm damage?

Yes. We work with all major insurance companies and can help you through the claims process. We'll document the damage, provide detailed estimates in the format insurers require, and meet with adjusters if needed. Many Central Minnesota roofs qualify for full replacement after significant hail or wind events.

What warranties do you offer?

All our installations include our 10-year workmanship warranty covering installation defects. Shingle manufacturers typically offer separate 25-year to lifetime warranties on materials. We're certified installers with major manufacturers, which means your material warranty is fully backed. We'll explain all warranty coverage during your estimate.

Will you handle the permit?

Yes. Minnesota requires permits for roof replacement in most municipalities. We pull the necessary permits, schedule inspections, and ensure everything meets local building code. The permit cost is included in your estimate.