Compare the highest-rated roofing professionals in Grand Marais, Minnesota. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Local roofing experts specializing in harsh weather-resistant installations and storm damage restoration. Deeply familiar with Grand Marais building codes and extreme Lake Superior weather conditions. Known for excellent insurance claim assistance and emergency tarping services.
Specializes in residential and commercial roofing for the North Shore region. Offers comprehensive roof inspections, maintenance programs, and ice dam prevention systems crucial for Grand Marais winters. Uses premium materials rated for extreme temperature fluctuations.
While based in Duluth, this established provider services the entire North Shore including Grand Marais. Brings extensive experience with commercial flat roofs, metal installations, and historic building re-roofing. Offers strong warranties and 24/7 emergency response for storm damage.
Grand Marais faces extreme roofing challenges due to its Lake Superior location, with heavy snowfall (100+ inches annually), ice dams, high winds, and rapid temperature changes. The market is served by a few local specialists and larger regional companies from Duluth. Premium materials like metal roofing and specialized ice/water shields are essential. Most reputable contractors have extensive experience with insurance claims due to frequent storm damage.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Grand Marais regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about roofing services in Grand Marais, Minnesota.
Grand Marais's extreme weather, including heavy snow loads, ice dams, high winds, and freeze-thaw cycles, demands durable roofing. We strongly recommend impact-resistant asphalt shingles (Class 4 rated) or metal roofing, as both shed snow efficiently and withstand hail. Proper attic ventilation and ice & water shield underlayment are non-negotiable here to prevent ice dam damage, which is a prevalent issue in our region.
The ideal roofing window is late spring through early fall (May to October), avoiding the deep snow and extreme cold that make work unsafe and materials brittle. A standard asphalt shingle replacement on an average home typically takes 2-4 days, but scheduling is critical due to our short construction season. Reputable local contractors book months in advance, so planning in winter or early spring is advised.
Yes, most roofing projects in Grand Marais require a building permit from the City of Grand Marais or Cook County if you're outside city limits. Regulations address structural load capacity for snow, proper underlayment for moisture protection, and may include aesthetic guidelines in certain districts. A qualified local roofer will handle this permitting process, ensuring compliance with Minnesota State Building Code and any local ordinances.
Prioritize contractors with a long-standing physical presence in Cook County, as they understand local challenges. Verify they are licensed, insured (including workers' compensation), and offer strong warranties. Detailed estimates should itemize materials (specifying ice & water shield coverage in valleys and eaves), labor, waste removal, permit costs, and a project timeline. Be wary of storm-chasers who follow hail events with low-ball offers.
The most frequent issues are ice dam damage, wind-lifted shingles from nor'easters off the lake, and moss/lichen growth due to moisture. Preventive maintenance includes annual fall gutter cleaning, ensuring attic insulation and ventilation are adequate to keep the roof deck cold, and trimming overhanging branches. After major storms, especially in spring and fall, visually inspect your roof (with binoculars) for missing shingles or damaged flashing.