When you’re living in Minnesota, the roof over your home is far more than a structural necessity—it’s a frontline defender against dramatic weather, from spring storms to winter snow and wind. At A & M Roofing (serving the Brainerd Lakes Area and Twin Cities Metro) their team offers more than 30 years of experience, certification with GAF, and a focus on storm damage restoration plus full roof replacements.
In this reference-style blog post, we’ll explore how residential and storm-damage roofing typically works in our region—what homeowners should know about materials, installation, inspections, insurance claims and maintenance. If you’re researching for your own home (or if you’re a realtor or contractor looking for clarity), this article aims to give you a strong foundational guide.
Minnesota’s climate presents wide seasonal variation. Heavy snow loads, freeze-thaw cycles, wind, hail and rain all contribute to roof wear and potential damage. As A & M Roofing notes, storm damage is one of their key service areas (“Storm Damage Restoration & Repairs”).
This means homeowners must consider not only the typical lifespan of the roof but also how local weather events may trigger premature wear or failures.
Older roofs nearing end of lifespan.
Roofs that have undergone significant weather events (hail, wind, ice dams).
Repairs or modifications where integration with original materials may be imperfect.
Roofs where insulation or ventilation is inadequate, amplifying damage risk.
Homes with claims history or tricky insurance situations.
Given that A & M Roofing highlights insurance-claim assistance (“we navigate the paperwork … to ensure you receive full benefit of your policy”).
The site emphasizes that A & M Roofing is a GAF Certified Plus™ Contractor—a designation given to fewer than 5% of contractors in North America.
Such certification suggests a higher level of training, product knowledge and warranty eligibility. For homeowners, it means the installer meets certain manufacturer expectations—not just in the shingles but also in how the system is installed.
Whether replacing, repairing, or restoring a roof, the process typically involves several key phases:
A thorough inspection identifies condition of the existing roof, underlying structure, signs of storm damage (missing shingles, punctures, granule loss, leaks), attic issues (ventilation, moisture) and whether replacement or repair is appropriate.
Homeowners often choose between asphalt/composite shingles, metal roofing, wood shakes, or other specialty materials. On the A & M site they mention asphalt, metal and wood shakes among their project gallery.
Factors to weigh:
Lifespan & durability.
Wind/hail resistance.
Aesthetic (curb appeal).
Cost and return on investment.
Warranty coverage (manufacturer + installer).
If damage is storm-related, documentation, claim analysis, and working with the insurance carrier can significantly influence cost to homeowner. A & M Roofing offers to handle “claim analysis, documentation support, direct insurance company communication.”
Homeowners should keep before/after photos, repair estimates, and understand potential deductibles.
If replacing, the old roofing material is removed, deck and structure inspected, any repairs or reinforcement made, under-layment installed, flashing and venting updated. Proper preparation is critical for the long-term performance of the new roof.
Using certified contractors and high-grade materials helps ensure that the roof is installed correctly (nail patterns, flashing, ventilation, drainage). With GAF certification, for example, certain accessory products must be used and specific installation guidelines followed.
Quality control may include final inspections, clean-up, and homeowner walkthroughs.
A good contractor will provide documentation of warranty coverage (material + workmanship), post-installation advice and maintenance guidelines. Because the roof is a long-term investment, retaining these records is valuable.
Even a well-installed roof benefits from periodic inspection, especially after major weather events, to catch issues like: granule loss, flashing separation, vent blockages, snow/ice dam formation. An ounce of prevention reduces costly repairs later.
Here are some signals that it may be time to engage a roofing professional (or at least schedule an inspection):
Curling, buckling or missing shingles.
Granules in gutters or visibly worn surfaces.
Dark streaks / algae (especially on older roofs).
Leakage, water stains or mold/mildew growth in attic.
Ice dams in winter (sign of ventilation/insulation issues).
Visible sagging or uneven roof deck.
After a storm: visible damage (dented metal, cracked shingles, visible punctures).
When in doubt, a professional inspection can provide clarity and may uncover hidden risk before it becomes a major expense.
Roofing costs vary widely depending on size, pitch, material, complexity (dormers/photos), structural repairs, and whether storm-damage remediation is needed. While we won’t provide specific pricing (each home is unique), keep the following in mind:
Replacing a full roof is typically more cost-effective long term than continual repairs.
Choosing high-quality materials and certified installation often raises initial cost but can lower lifetime cost via fewer problems, better warranty and resale value.
Addressing underlying issues like ventilation, insulation or deck repair at the same time helps future-proof the roof.
Storm damage insurance claims might reduce out-of-pocket cost—but homeowners still need to evaluate whether the claim covers full scope. For guidance on roofing inspection best practices and maintenance in Minnesota, you might visit a resource such as this from a reputable state industry association.
Here are several differentiators gleaned from the website that may matter to homeowners choosing a roofing partner:
Thirty plus years of experience: The firm highlights “Over 30 years of roofing excellence.”
Local knowledge: Serving the Brainerd Lakes Area, Twin Cities Metro, Crow Wing & Aitkin Counties—so they are familiar with Minnesota’s unique weather and regulatory environment.
Certification: GAF Certified Plus™ Contractor—which suggests access to premium warranty programs and material choices.
Insurance claim support: They explicitly state assistance with claims, which can reduce homeowner stress.
Project portfolio transparency: Their “Projects” section allows homeowners to see past work across asphalt, metal and wood shakes.
Clear contact points: They provide reachable numbers for both Brainerd Lakes area and Metro, plus visible licensing info (#807404) showing commitment to compliance.
These elements combine to create a reference-worthy resource for homeowners evaluating roof work partners.
Here are some actionable steps homeowners can take to make the process smoother and more informed:
Collect any existing documentation: age of roof, past repairs, warranty info, insurance claims.
Inspect interior spaces (attic, ceiling) for signs of leaks, moisture or inadequate ventilation.
Ask for a detailed written estimate: scope of work, materials, assumptions, timeframe, clean-up.
Confirm contractor credentials: license number (as listed on the site: “BC License # 807404” for A & M Roofing).
Discuss material choices: shingle type, warranty, wind/hail resistance, ventilation upgrades.
Ask about how storm damage and insurance claims are handled: will the contractor help with documentation, adjuster communication, scope review?
Secure a documented schedule: start date, completion date, expected disruptions.
Retain all closing documentation and warranties once work is completed.
Plan for post-installation inspection: check gutters, attic, exterior to ensure there are no residual issues.
Keep records: photos, invoices, warranties—valuable for future resale or insurance.
Roofing is a major investment in your home’s protection and longevity—especially in a climate like Minnesota’s. Whether you’re facing storm damage, replacing an ageing roof, or simply taking a proactive approach, understanding the process, materials, warranty and contractor credentials will serve you well.
If you’re exploring a trusted local partner, A & M Roofing offers strong credentials, local experience, and insurance-claim support—which are all meaningful differentiators. Use the information above as a reference checklist—and when you’re comparing multiple contractors, you’ll be better equipped to ask the right questions and evaluate proposals.
