Author: Ted Sellers

Ted Sellers is the owner of Sellers Roofing Company, a Black-owned roofing contractor based in St. Paul, Minnesota. He works with homeowners, building owners and property managers on roof inspections, repairs, replacement planning and storm-damage documentation across the Twin Cities.

Flat and Low-Slope Roofing Guides | Ice Dams and Winter Roof Care | Minnesota Roofing Tips | Residential Roofing | Roofing Guides and Education

What Roof Slope Is Too Low for Asphalt Shingles in Minnesota?
ByTed Sellers October 25, 2026October 25, 2026

Any roof with a low pitch below 2:12 is too low for asphalt shingles in Minnesota. Slopes from that minimum to below 4:12 need a special underlayment assembly. For a low slope below that minimum, use a compatible membrane system such as TPO, EPDM, or modified bitumen. What Actually Causes Leaks on Low-Slope Shingle Roofs…

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Minnesota Roofing Tips | Residential Roofing | Roof Maintenance

Why Does a Minnesota Roof Leak Only in Short, Heavy Rain?
ByTed Sellers October 24, 2026October 24, 2026

A search for “roof leak heavy rain” usually points to wind pushing water beneath loose shingles or intense runoff reaching faulty flashing, pipe boots, seams, or drainage details. Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles can weaken these parts before a summer storm exposes an opening, so contain indoor water, isolate affected electrical circuits if safe, and stay off…

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Minnesota Roofing Tips | Residential Roofing | Roofing Articles

What If Rain Starts During a Minnesota Roof Tear-Off?
ByTed Sellers October 23, 2026October 23, 2026

If rain starts during roof tear off work in Minnesota, the crew should stop removing roofing and protect exposed decking with secured temporary coverings, provided conditions allow safe access. Shingle installation stays paused until the deck is dry, sound, and ready for the specified underlayment; any interior water entry requires immediate containment, documentation, and assessment….

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Ice Dams and Winter Roof Care | Minnesota Roofing Tips | Residential Roofing | Roof Maintenance

Why Does a Roof Leak Return After Repair in St. Paul?
ByTed Sellers October 22, 2026October 22, 2026

A recurring roof leak usually means the original repair missed the entry point, concealed damage remained, or another opening feeds the same water path. Check flashing, roof-to-wall transitions, windows, masonry, and winter-related wetting conditions before authorizing another patch or repeating the same repair. Trace the water upstream, then confirm the source with controlled testing before…

Read More Why Does a Roof Leak Return After Repair in St. Paul?
Ice Dams and Winter Roof Care | Residential Roofing

Can Freeze-Thaw Cycles Cause Dormer Sidewall Leaks?
ByTed Sellers October 21, 2026October 21, 2026

Yes. Freeze-thaw cycles can widen gaps where the dormer roof meets the wall if meltwater enters weak flashing joints. Ice dams can also hold water against the roof-to-wall connection and push it beneath the roof covering or membrane flashing. A lasting repair must restore that connection, replace damaged materials, and address uneven snowmelt where heat…

Read More Can Freeze-Thaw Cycles Cause Dormer Sidewall Leaks?
Ice Dams and Winter Roof Care | Minnesota Roofing Tips | Residential Roofing | Roof Maintenance

Can Ice Dams Form Around Dormers on St. Paul Homes?
ByTed Sellers October 20, 2026October 20, 2026

Yes. Ice dams around dormers form when snow melts over warm decking and refreezes at colder eaves, valleys, or roof-to-wall intersections. Dormers concentrate runoff and can hide insulation gaps near their sidewalls. On Saint Paul homes, that combination can force water beneath the covering and flashing, even when the main roof edge looks clear. What…

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Ice Dams and Winter Roof Care | Residential Roofing | Roof Maintenance

Can Freeze-Thaw Open Gaps Between Asphalt Shingle Courses?
ByTed Sellers October 19, 2026October 23, 2026

Yes. Freeze-thaw cycles can lift edges on asphalt shingles and widen existing openings when trapped water freezes beneath weakened tabs. Persistent gaps between courses usually involve failed seal strips, installation defects, distorted decking, or deteriorated shingles as well. A normal shadow line between overlapping courses doesn’t need sealing; lifted edges, exposed fasteners, and water entry…

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Minnesota Roofing Tips | Residential Roofing | Roof Maintenance | Roofing Guides and Education | Roofing Materials

Why Do Asphalt Shingles Crack at Vents in Minnesota?
ByTed Sellers October 18, 2026October 21, 2026

Asphalt shingles can crack around roof vents after Minnesota cold snaps because cold stiffens the asphalt while shingles, decking, and flashing contract at different rates. Cuts and fastening around penetrations can concentrate that stress. Surface-only craze cracking seldom leaks, but splits through the reinforcing mat or failed vent boots need prompt repair. For installation and…

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Minnesota Roofing Tips | Residential Roofing | Roof Insurance | Roof Maintenance | Roofing How-To Guides | Storm Damage and Hail

How Do You Inspect a Roof After a Minnesota Thunderstorm?
ByTed Sellers October 17, 2026October 22, 2026

After a Minnesota thunderstorm with heavy rain, inspect your roof from the ground, then check accessible attic areas for water entry. Take photos of missing shingles, dented metal, gutter overflow, and water stains without climbing onto wet roofing. Arrange a storm damage roof inspection after hail damage, visible roof damage, or a new leak, and…

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Storm Damage and Hail

Can Hail Chip Natural Slate Roof Tiles in the Twin Cities?
ByTed Sellers October 16, 2026October 22, 2026

Yes. Hail can chip, crack, or puncture natural slate roof tiles in the Twin Cities, especially when the stone is thin or weathered. Impact resistance reduces the risk of hail damage, but doesn’t prevent storm damage. Isolated damage is often repairable. A qualified slater should separate fresh impacts from installation defects before recommending replacement or…

Read More Can Hail Chip Natural Slate Roof Tiles in the Twin Cities?
Ice Dams and Winter Roof Care | Minnesota Roofing Tips | Residential Roofing

Can Rain-on-Snow Cause Roof Leaks in St. Paul?
ByTed Sellers October 15, 2026October 22, 2026

Yes. Heavy rain on roof snow and melting snow can cause winter roof leaks in St. Paul when blocked drainage prevents water from leaving the roof. Existing ice dams can push trapped water beneath shingles and flashing. Storms can also expose damaged roofing without an ice dam. Active dripping needs immediate attention, even when a…

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Ice Dams and Winter Roof Care | Minnesota Roofing Tips | Residential Roofing | Roofing How-To Guides

How Do You Check Roof Valley Metal for Ice Damage?
ByTed Sellers October 14, 2026October 14, 2026

Check roof valley metal for ice dam damage in Minnesota from the ground first, especially after snow. Look for bent metal, lifted shingles, displaced flashing, and water stains below the valley. Don’t climb an icy roof or pry metal loose. After safe ice removal or thawing, a roofer can inspect concealed laps, fasteners, underlayment, and…

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Sellers Roofing Company

Author: Ted Sellers

What Roof Slope Is Too Low for Asphalt Shingles in Minnesota?

Why Does a Minnesota Roof Leak Only in Short, Heavy Rain?

What If Rain Starts During a Minnesota Roof Tear-Off?

Why Does a Roof Leak Return After Repair in St. Paul?

Can Freeze-Thaw Cycles Cause Dormer Sidewall Leaks?

Can Ice Dams Form Around Dormers on St. Paul Homes?

Can Freeze-Thaw Open Gaps Between Asphalt Shingle Courses?

Why Do Asphalt Shingles Crack at Vents in Minnesota?

How Do You Inspect a Roof After a Minnesota Thunderstorm?

Can Hail Chip Natural Slate Roof Tiles in the Twin Cities?

Can Rain-on-Snow Cause Roof Leaks in St. Paul?

How Do You Check Roof Valley Metal for Ice Damage?

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