Roofing How-To Guides

Use these roofing guides to understand measurements, materials and the questions to ask before a repair or replacement. They support project planning; they are not a substitute for safe access, product instructions or an assessment of your building.

Start with shingle bundle coverage, choosing a roofing contractor or our roof repair service. To discuss your property, request an estimate or call (651) 703-2336.

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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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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Commercial Roofing | Minnesota Roofing Tips | Roof Insurance | Roof Maintenance | Roofing How-To Guides | Storm Damage Guides

How Should a St. Paul Business Prepare for a Commercial Roof Ice Storm?
ByTed Sellers September 11, 2026September 15, 2026

Before winter weather arrives, a St. Paul business should inspect drains, seams, flashing, and roof edges. Property managers should confirm design snow-load information, remove debris, document current conditions, and arrange qualified snow removal and emergency repair support. Keep people off icy roofing, protect the interior if leaks start, and save records for a roof insurance…

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Commercial Roofing | Flat and Low-Slope Roofing Guides | Minnesota Roofing Tips | Roof Insurance | Roof Maintenance | Roofing How-To Guides

What Should a St. Paul Business Do When a Roof Leak Freezes Overnight?
ByTed Sellers September 3, 2026September 3, 2026

A business should contain the water, protect people and equipment, document the condition, and arrange a professional inspection as soon as access is safe. Don’t chip at ice, walk on a slick membrane, or make broad permanent repairs before the source and moisture spread are documented. A frozen roof leak can look inactive by morning…

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Roof Insurance | Roofing How-To Guides | Storm Damage Guides

What Should You Do After Lightning Strikes Your Roof?
ByTed Sellers September 2, 2026September 7, 2026

If lightning strikes your roof, leave any area with smoke, fire, arcing, or a burning odor, call 911, and stay off the roof and out of the attic. Treat lightning strike roof damage as a fire and electrical event first. Once the site is safe, document visible loss, arrange electrical and roof inspections, use only…

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Minnesota Roofing Tips | Residential Roofing | Roof Maintenance | Roofing How-To Guides

How Should St. Paul Homeowners Check a Chimney Crown Before Winter?
ByTed Sellers August 26, 2026August 26, 2026

Start a chimney crown inspection from the ground on a dry day. Check the concrete top for cracks, missing edges, pooled water, and failed sealant, then inspect the flue, cap, flashing, and attic for moisture. Photograph defects and do not step onto a wet or snow-covered roof. Call a mason or roofer when cracks are…

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Commercial Roofing | Flat and Low-Slope Roofing Guides | Roof Insurance | Roof Maintenance | Roofing How-To Guides

What Should Businesses Do After Hail Damages a Roof Drain?
ByTed Sellers August 25, 2026September 28, 2026

Commercial roof drains can be damaged around the drain bowl, membrane flashing, or strainer after a hailstorm even when the first visible problem is only ponding water. This guide explains what to protect, document, and inspect before permanent work begins. What Should Businesses Do After Hail Damages a Roof Drain? After hail damages a commercial…

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Commercial Roofing | Flat and Low-Slope Roofing Guides | Minnesota Roofing Tips | Roof Maintenance | Roofing How-To Guides | Storm Damage Guides

Can Wind Damage Roof Drains on Commercial Buildings Without Immediate Leaks?
ByTed Sellers August 22, 2026September 28, 2026

Wind can affect a commercial drain and its membrane connection without creating an immediate ceiling stain. This article explains what can shift after a storm and why the roof assembly deserves a closer look before the next heavy rain. Can Wind Damage Roof Drains on Commercial Buildings Without Immediate Leaks? Wind can damage commercial roof…

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Residential Roofing | Roof Insurance | Roofing How-To Guides | Storm Damage Guides

What Should You Do If Hail Damages Your Roof Before a Home Sale?
ByTed Sellers August 15, 2026September 28, 2026

A planned home sale adds pressure after hail damage, but rushing into a decision can create bigger problems for the seller and buyer. This guide explains how to document the roof, understand the claim, and make a supportable repair decision. What Should You Do If Hail Damages Your Roof Before a Home Sale? If hail…

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Commercial Roofing | Minnesota Roofing Tips | Roof Insurance | Roofing How-To Guides | Storm Damage Guides

What Should Property Managers Photograph After a Windstorm?
ByTed Sellers August 12, 2026September 28, 2026

Photographs taken after a windstorm can make a roof claim easier to understand later, but only when they show context as well as close detail. This guide gives property managers a practical recordkeeping approach. What Should Property Managers Photograph After a Windstorm? After a windstorm, property managers should photograph the roof from the ground, displaced…

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Minnesota Roofing Tips | Residential Roofing | Roof Insurance | Roofing How-To Guides

How Is Hail Damage Inspected Under Solar Panels?
ByTed Sellers July 30, 2026September 28, 2026

Solar panels make a hail inspection more complicated because some roof areas and attachment details are concealed. This guide explains why the roof and solar system should be documented together after a storm. How Is Hail Damage Inspected Under Solar Panels? Hail damage under solar panels should be inspected by documenting exposed roof areas, panel…

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Minnesota Roofing Tips | Residential Roofing | Roof Insurance | Roof Ventilation Guides | Roofing How-To Guides | Storm Damage Guides

What Should You Do About Wind Damaged Gable Vents?
ByTed Sellers July 22, 2026August 1, 2026

Wind damaged gable vents need fast documentation, temporary protection if rain can enter, and a roof level inspection. Photograph the vent, surrounding siding, attic insulation, shingles, and any interior staining before permanent work begins. A cracked louver can be a small gable vent repair project, but wind can also loosen flashing, disturb shingles, or expose…

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