How Long Does a Minnesota Roof Last & How to Hire A Contractor

How Long Will My Roof Last?

Due to the harsh conditions of our weather, an average Minnesota roof will last about 20 years. It’s at the end of the roof’s life when the problems begin. Moisture intrusion usually starts with the flashing on your roof. Flashing are the air vents, plumbing vents, chimneys, skylights, bathroom vents and step-flashing along walls. Either the shingles or the flashing deteriorate and fail, resulting in moisture intrusion. In most cases homeowners are not even aware that their roof is silently leaking, causing damage to the roof boards and insulation or even creating mold. If there’s anything worse than mold or water stains on the ceiling, it’s the additional expense of repairing the damage.

If your roof is at the end of its life, we recommend that you start getting estimates for replacement. In our 17 years of roofing we've often seen the damage of moisture intrusion and the unnecessary repair costs that homeowners had to pay because they waited too long.

To prevent many unnecessary expenses, call an experienced roofer for a free estimate. Compare their notes, suggestions and estimates so you can make a good, sound decision. Being pro-active with your roof will save you a great deal of headaches and money.

How Should I Choose a Contractor for the Job?

Before you hire a contractor, Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry suggests homeowners ask:

• for the contractor’s license number and contact Residential Building Contractors at DLI to verify the builder is currently licensed and to determine if they have a disciplinary history (DLI phone number is (651) 284-5065. Note: you can go to the DLI web site http://www.doli.state.mn.us/contractor.html and click on “License lookup” to research if a contractor’s license is current or if there's a disciplinary history.);
• the contractor how long and where they have been in business;
• for references and check with former customers to see if they were satisfied with the work;
• for a Minnesota business address other than a post office box; and
• for a local phone number where the contractor can be reached during normal business hours.

Avoid contractors who:

• appear to be willing to do the job at an unusually low price;
• arrive in an unmarked truck or van;
• ask you to sign an “estimate” or “authorization” before you have decided to actually hire them;
• only provide a post office box for their business address;
• require full or substantial payment before work begins;
• refuse to provide you with a written estimate or contract;
• refuse to provide you with a state of Minnesota license number;
• refuse to provide you with references;
• show up at your door unsolicited; or
• use high-pressure sales tactics.

Before you sign a contract, make sure it includes:

• a detailed summary of the work to be done;
• a description of materials to be used;
• the total contract price or how the price will be calculated; and
• specific timelines and provisions that address what will happen if the contractor fails to meet the contractual deadlines.

Additional information can be found at the Department of Labor & Industry web site: http://www.doli.state.mn.us/contractor.html