Finding the right roofing contractor can feel overwhelming—especially in Minnesota, where the weather can hammer roofs with harsh winters, hail, wind, freeze-thaw cycles, and sudden storms. In the Brainerd Lakes area (and beyond), A&M Roofing has built a reputation over 30+ years for delivering dependable, high-quality residential roofing services. This guide covers what you should look for in a contractor, questions to ask, what the process typically involves, and how to protect your home and investment.
Not all roofing jobs are equal, and your contractor’s certifications, local knowledge, and attitude toward problems like storm damage or insurance claims can make a big difference.
GAF-Certified Contractor: A&M Roofing is a GAF Certified contractor. Fewer than 5% of roofing companies nationwide earn this status. Certification often means better warranties, higher material standards, and properly trained crews.
Local & family-owned: Because A&M is based in the Brainerd Lakes area and has decades of experience, they’re more likely to understand the demands of local weather, building codes, snow loads, and ice dams.
Insurance Claim Assistance: Storms are common here—hail, wind, ice—and when damage happens, navigating the insurance process can be complex. A&M specializes in helping with inspections, claims, and documentation to make that part smoother.
When you work with a reputable roofing contractor in this region, here are the kinds of services and attention to detail you should expect:
| Service | What It Covers | Why It’s Important in Brainerd Lakes Area |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Inspection & Maintenance | Checking for curling, missing or damaged shingles; flashing; attic ventilation; gutters; underlayment condition | Prevents small problems from turning into leaks or structural damage, especially with snow and freeze-thaw cycles. |
| Full Roof Replacement or Installation | New decking if needed; high-quality underlayment; proper slope, ventilation; replacing shingles or selecting materials that suit the home’s exposure | Old roofs degrade over time, and poor installations lead to early failure in harsh weather. |
| Storm Damage Restoration & Repair | Damage from hail, high winds, or falling debris; emergency tarping; repairing or replacing damaged sections; ensuring materials match or blend | After a storm, urgency matters. Allowing water intrusion or structural damage can escalate repair costs. |
| Insurance Claim Support | Documenting damage; estimating repair costs; working with adjusters; making sure coverage is properly applied | Many homeowners lose value or coverage because claims are under-documented or overlooked. Having support helps. |
| Warranty & Materials Options | Use of quality roofing systems (shingles, metal, etc.); offering strong warranties (material and workmanship); ensuring installations meet warranty requirements | Premium materials and correct installation ensure durability and protect homeowner’s investment. |
Minnesota’s climate isn’t gentle. Here are things to ask or verify when selecting your roof system:
Ventilation & Ice Dam Prevention: Proper attic ventilation, roofing underlayment, ice shields at eaves/rakes, good insulation—these help reduce ice dam formation.
Durable Shingles or Metal Roofing: Wind resistance, hail resistance, UV stability. Some premium shingles or metal systems perform significantly better.
Metal Flashing, Ridge Caps & Trim Quality: These are commonly weak points where water intrusion happens. Quality flashing and properly installed ridge/hip caps are essential.
Roof Slope, Exposure, and Orientation: Shading, sun exposure, wind direction can influence material choice, color (lighter colors reflect heat), and design decisions.
Warranty Terms & Transferability: How long the manufacturer and installer warranties last; are they transferable if you sell the home; what conditions void warranty.
Knowing what to expect helps reduce stress and ensures better results. Here’s a typical workflow for a roofing job with a company like A&M Roofing:
Initial Inspection & Estimate
The contractor assesses your current roof: slope, underlying decking, existing damage, leak sources, ventilation, attic condition. They then provide a written estimate covering materials, labor, timeline, and warranty.
Material Selection & Planning
You choose materials (shingles, metal, underlayment, trim), color, design options. The contractor orders materials and plans logistics—weather windows, crew scheduling, dumpster placement.
Insurance Claim (if applicable)
If you’re filing a storm damage claim, documentation (photos, assessments, damage report) is prepared. The contractor may help meet with adjusters, ensure full scope is recognized.
Roof Removal & Installation
Old roofing is removed as needed; decking or underlayment issues addressed; installation according to manufacturer specs; proper flashing, ventilation, ridge caps installed.
Clean-Up & Final Inspection
Remove roofing debris; inspect work to ensure everything fits and seals well; ensure gutters and drainage paths are clean; final walk-through with homeowner.
Warranty & Follow-Up
Contractor provides documentation of warranty; advice on maintenance; return for inspections if needed (especially after severe weather).
If you live in the Brainerd Lakes area, some roofing issues come up frequently:
Hail Damage: Even small hail can damage shingles—granule loss, nicked edges, bruising under the surface.
Wind Uplift / Shingle Blow-Off: Homes exposed to high winds (ridge lines, peaks) are vulnerable. Secured ridge caps and proper fastening are critical.
Ice Dams: Caused by heat escaping into attic, melting snow, water re-freezing at eaves. They can damage gutters and shingles and cause interior leaks.
Moss / Algae Growth: Shaded/northern exposures often accumulate moisture; moss or algae can retain moisture and cause decay or discoloration.
Wear and Aging: Over time, shingles lose granules, seal strips degrade, underlayment may falter. Regular inspections help catch issues early.
When comparing contractors, here are good questions to ask and things to verify:
Are you GAF certified? Can you show examples of past work (photos, references)?
Do you assist with insurance claims? What is your process for that?
What warranties do you provide (both material and workmanship)? Are warranties backed by manufacturer & installer?
Who will be on the job (crew), how long does it take, what kind of cleanup is included?
Do you have local references? Are you familiar with local building codes and weather conditions in Crow Wing, Aitkin counties, or Brainerd Lakes?
What financing options or payment plans are available?
Putting together what we know, here are some of A&M Roofing’s strengths in this market:
Over 30 years of experience in roofing, which suggests they have seen many weather-scenarios, materials, and challenges.
Full range of residential roofing services: installation, replacement, repairs, storm damage restoration, maintenance.
Local service footprint: Brainerd Lakes, Crow Wing County, Aitkin County, and Metro Twin Cities area. That gives them both local familiarity and broader capacity.
Certified materials & warranty options through GAF certification. That matters for long-term value and protection.
Good reputation, BBB-accredited (rating A) in the local area.
Best seasons: Late spring through early fall are usually better—less ice, more predictable weather—for full roof replacements. Repairs can happen year-round but may cost more in winter.
Cost drivers: Roof size, slope, material chosen (asphalt shingle vs metal vs premium shingles), tear-off vs overlay, ice dam features, ventilation improvements, removal of old roofing, accessibility.
Permits and codes: Local building permits may be required; contractor should handle code compliance.
Plan for extra costs: Hidden damages (rotted decking or underlayment), unexpected structural issues, or changes requested after work begins can increase cost.
Here are some helpful, non-competitor resources for homeowners researching roofing and contractor selection:
Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry — licensing requirements, contractor regulation, consumer protections.
GAF Roofing — to understand different kinds of roofing systems and what warranties the manufacturer offers.
A strong, resilient roof is one of the most important investments you make as a homeowner—protecting your property, safety, and comfort. By asking the right questions, choosing certified contractors, and planning for your local climate, you can avoid costly repairs later. Contact us to get started.
