When the roof over your home has to stand up to fierce winds, hailstorms, snow loads and the freeze-thaw cycles of a Minnesota winter, the decision of who installs or repairs it is just as important as what material they use. That’s where expertise, certification, local experience and trustworthy service come in.
At A&M Roofing, a family-owned company serving the Brainerd Lakes and Twin Cities Metro area, the team brings more than 30 years of residential roofing experience to each project. In this post, we’ll walk through what homeowners should look for in a roofing contractor, why regional climate matters, and how A&M Roofing aligns with those criteria—offering insight without a pushy sales pitch.
Your roof is far more than an exterior layer of shingles—it’s your home’s first line of defense against moisture intrusion, energy loss, pest entry and structural damage. But even the “best” materials won’t perform if installed incorrectly, or if a contractor cuts corners.
Consider two critical dimensions:
Material quality — It matters, but so does correct installation, ventilation, flashing, deck condition, and underlayment.
Contractor expertise and support — Especially in markets like Minnesota, where weather extremes increase risk, you’ll want a roofer who understands the local playing field: hail, ice dams, snow weight, shifting decking due to temperature swings.
A&M Roofing describes exactly this: “In Minnesota’s climate, your roof must handle snow, ice, wind, and hail—year after year.”
Roofing mistakes can cost you in multiple ways:
Shortened lifespan of your roof
Leaks or structural damage
Voided warranty claims
Police or permit issues (depending on local code)
In that light, a roofer who handles end-to-end—from inspection to documentation, insurance interaction and installation—is worth your attention.
Here are some of the most important traits to evaluate, and how A&M Roofing stacks up.
Roof loads, building codes, snow/ice issues and hail risk differ across states. A roofer embedded in the local market is more likely to know the “hidden” challenges. A&M Roofing states they serve “the Brainerd Lakes region, Crow Wing County, Aitkin County, and the Twin Cities Metro” and have over 30 years of experience.
A contractor certified by a recognized manufacturer offers additional peace of mind. A&M Roofing is a “GAF Certified Plus™ Contractor,” a designation awarded to fewer than 5% of contractors nationwide. This suggests they meet higher training and installation standards and can offer stronger warranties.
After a major storm, you may face hail or wind damage that triggers insurance claims. A roofer who can walk you through the claim process and act as your advocate is valuable. A&M states they “specialize in storm damage restoration … coordinate directly with your insurance company” for clarity and full benefit.
Look for contractors who perform a thorough inspection, give you options, explain material choices, manage timelines, and follow-through with clean-up and warranty paperwork. A&M’s blog outlines exactly this kind of step-by-step process.
Family-owned or locally-managed firms often offer more direct accountability. A&M emphasizes that when you contact them you’re “speaking with someone who has a vested interest in the success of your project—not an inexperienced salesperson.”
It’s one thing to pick a roofer; it’s another to pick one that understands your weather. Minnesota brings several unique stressors:
Ice dams: Snow melts and refreezes at roof/eave edges can cause water backups. A&M Roofing highlights ice-dam risk and the need for proper ventilation and insulation.
Hail & wind damage: Midwestern storms often bring hail and strong gusts that bruise or puncture roofing materials. Their storm-damage service emphasizes quick response. Freeze-thaw cycles: Temperature swings cause materials to expand/contract, leading to cracks or loosened attachments over time. A&M’s guidance explains that durability matters.
Snow load & moisture: Roof decks must be installed so snow load is distributed safely and water is drained properly. A contractor familiar with regional needs can better account for those substructure and ventilation concerns.
Ignoring these risks or choosing a contractor unfamiliar with them can shorten your roof’s effective lifespan, increase maintenance costs and erode your home’s protection.
Here are the most common services and what you should ask when evaluating a contractor:
Ask: What materials are being used? Is the underlayment and deck protection upgraded?
Ask: What warranty is offered (both materials and workmanship)?
Ask: Is there proper ventilation and flashing?
What A&M does: Uses GAF systems, offers up-to-date product options, qualified installation.
Ask: Do you inspect for hidden damage (not just visible shingle issues)?
Ask: Will you assist with documentation and work with my insurance company?
What A&M does: Offers insurance claim assistance and restoration services.
Ask: Will you inspect attic ventilation, flashing, gutters, potential ice-dam risk?
Ask: How do you communicate findings and recommendations?
What A&M does: Their blog details inspection workflows and seasonal maintenance tips.
Here’s a typical workflow when working with a well-structured contractor like A&M Roofing:
Initial Contact & Inspection
You reach out (via phone or email) and schedule a site inspection. A&M’s site lists both their Brainerd Lakes area phone and Twin Cities Metro phone numbers.
Recommendation & Proposal
After inspection, you receive a report and estimate: options (repair vs replace), materials, timelines, cost breakdown, warranty info. A&M emphasizes “honest advice—repair when feasible, replace when needed.”
Material Selection & Installation Scheduling
Decide on materials (shingles, metal, underlayment etc.). A&M offers high-end GAF systems and can guide you through choices.
Permits, Insurance Interaction & Prep Work
If insurance is involved, documentation and adjuster coordination may be needed. The contractor manages permits if required.
Installation
Skilled crews install the system with proper flashing, ventilation, deck prep, clean-up. A&M emphasizes certified installation standards.
Final Walkthrough & Warranty Delivery
After completion, you and the crew inspect, confirm everything meets expectations, and you receive warranty paperwork (often from manufacturer and contractor). A&M’s certification allows enhanced warranties.
Post-Installation Maintenance/Inspection
Good contractors will offer advice on periodic checks, seasonal tasks (gutters, overhanging branches, ventilation). A&M’s blog has seasonal tips.
Putting together all the factors above, here’s how A&M Roofing brings value in this market:
Local footprint with decades of experience: Over 30 years in the roofing industry, service area includes Brainerd Lakes + Twin Cities Metro.
Top-tier certification: GAF Certified Plus™ — suggesting superior installer standards, warranties and material access.
Storm/insurance specialists: In weather-challenged markets like Minnesota, the ability to handle storm damage + insurance claims is a major advantage.
Comprehensive homeowner education: Their blog offers meaningful content around maintenance, seasonal readiness, roof lifespan—helping homeowners make informed decisions.
Personal accountability: As a family-owned and focused firm, they emphasize direct owner involvement rather than just sales reps.
For additional independent insight into roofing material lifespans, you may refer to this resource on metal roofs (not a competitor but educational): The Wikipedia page for “Metal roof” outlines how metal roofing, when properly installed, can last decades and offer energy benefits.
If you’re a homeowner in Minnesota preparing for your next roof installation, replacement or repair, selecting the right contractor is a foundational decision—not just a checkbox. The quality of materials plus how well they’re installed—and how well your contractor understands your climate and supports you through the process—makes all the difference in lifespan, performance and peace of mind.
A&M Roofing embodies those priorities: local understanding, certification, full-service support, and a homeowner-friendly approach. Use this post as a reference page for what to ask, why it matters, and how to engage with your roofing partner thoughtfully.
