Roofing Contractor in St. Paul, MN
St. Paul has some of the oldest residential housing stock in the Twin Cities — and some of the most neglected roofs to go with it. We get calls from homeowners in Mac-Groveland who’ve been patching the same roof for a decade, families in Highland Park whose 25-year-old shingles are curling at every edge, and duplex owners on the East Side dealing with flat roof sections that haven’t been properly maintained since installation.
Presidential Construction handles roof replacements, repairs, inspections, and storm damage restoration across Ramsey County. We know St. Paul’s housing — the steep Victorian pitches in Crocus Hill, the low-slope sections on Hamline-Midway duplexes, the hip roofs on Como Park bungalows, and the complex multi-level rooflines throughout Summit Hill. Different homes need different approaches, and we adjust our methods and material recommendations accordingly. Call us, and you’ll get a real assessment of where your roof stands — not a sales pitch disguised as an inspection.
What We Handle
Full Roof Replacement. Tear-off of your existing roof down to the deck, inspection and repair of any damaged or soft sheathing, and installation of a complete new system — underlayment, ice and water shield, flashing, drip edge, ventilation, and your choice of shingle or metal. This is our most common project in St. Paul, particularly on homes built before 1960 where original or second-generation roofs have reached the end of the line.
Roof Repair. Missing shingles after a windstorm, a chimney flashing that’s pulled away, a localized leak around a vent pipe — these don’t always require a full replacement. We fix what needs fixing and tell you honestly how much life the rest of the roof has left. If repairs are buying you time on a roof that’s fundamentally done, we’ll say that too.
Roof Inspection. We get on the roof and examine every surface — shingles, flashing, valleys, ridge caps, pipe boots, and gutterline. We also check the attic for ventilation flow, moisture signs, and insulation condition. You get a written report with photos and a clear recommendation. We suggest inspections twice a year and after any significant storm.
Storm Damage Restoration. Ramsey County takes hits from hail and wind every summer. After a storm event, we inspect your roof, photograph and document all damage, and manage your insurance claim through approval. We’ve filed hundreds of claims and know what adjusters need to see to approve coverage. If the damage doesn’t warrant a claim, we’ll tell you that upfront rather than waste your time.
Metal Roofing. For homeowners who want a roof that lasts 40-70 years with virtually no maintenance. Metal sheds snow naturally, resists hail better than asphalt, and improves energy efficiency. Standing seam profiles work particularly well on the steeper rooflines found throughout St. Paul’s older neighborhoods.
EPDM Flat Roofing. St. Paul has more flat and low-slope roof sections than most suburbs — garages, additions, sunrooms, upper-story dormers, and multi-unit buildings. EPDM rubber membrane is purpose-built for these applications. It handles ponding water, resists UV, and provides decades of leak-free performance when installed correctly.
Materials We Install
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt is what goes on the majority of St. Paul roofs, and for most homes it’s the right call. Modern architectural shingles from GAF, CertainTeed, IKO, and Owens Corning are a different product than the basic 3-tab shingles that were standard a generation ago. Today’s dimensional shingles offer better wind resistance, stronger granule adhesion, and a textured appearance that adds depth to your roofline.
We typically recommend GAF Timberline HDZ or CertainTeed Landmark for St. Paul projects — both handle freeze-thaw well, carry strong warranties, and come in color options that complement the architectural variety across the city. Expect 25-30 years of performance with proper installation and ventilation.
Metal Roofing
Metal is gaining popularity in St. Paul, particularly on the steeper Victorian and Colonial rooflines in Summit Hill, Crocus Hill, and Cathedral Hill where snow accumulation and ice dams are persistent issues. Standing seam metal doesn’t have exposed fasteners, sheds snow under its own weight, reflects heat in summer, and resists hail that would damage asphalt. The upfront cost is higher, but the 40-70 year lifespan and near-zero maintenance make it pencil out for anyone planning to stay in their home long-term.
EPDM Flat Roofing
EPDM is a synthetic rubber membrane designed for flat and low-slope applications. St. Paul’s housing stock includes a lot of these — detached garage roofs, additions built off the back of bungalows, upper-story dormers, and commercial-to-residential conversions throughout the city. EPDM handles standing water, UV exposure, and temperature extremes without degrading. Properly installed, it lasts up to 50 years with minimal upkeep.
Hear From Previous Clients Why They Trusted the Presidential Experience
What We See Go Wrong on St. Paul Roofs
Layered roofing that should have been torn off. We regularly find two and sometimes three layers of shingles on St. Paul homes — each one installed over the last to save money. The problem is weight, trapped moisture, and the inability to inspect the deck underneath. Every replacement we do starts with a full tear-off so we can see and fix what’s actually going on beneath the surface.
Ice dams from inadequate attic systems. St. Paul’s older homes were built in an era when attic insulation and ventilation weren’t priorities. Heat leaks into the attic, melts snow on the upper roof, and the runoff refreezes at the eaves where it’s colder. The real solution isn’t raking snow or chipping ice — it’s sealing air leaks, adding insulation, and balancing soffit-to-ridge ventilation. During every replacement, we install ice and water shield along the eaves and address ventilation deficiencies.
Failed flashing around chimneys and dormers. St. Paul has more chimneys per block than most suburbs, and every one of them is a potential leak point. Flashing that’s corroded, pulled away, or was never installed properly in the first place is one of the most common sources of roof leaks we see. On historic homes with brick chimneys, counter-flashing needs to be stepped into the mortar joints correctly — not just caulked over the surface.
Aging roofs on multi-unit properties. Duplexes and small apartment buildings are everywhere in St. Paul. Owners sometimes defer roof maintenance longer than single-family homeowners because the cost is higher and the decision-making process is more complicated. By the time they call us, the damage underneath is often more extensive than expected. We work with property owners and managers to plan replacements that minimize disruption to tenants and fit within investment property budgets.
Flat roof failures on detached garages. The detached garage with a flat or barely sloped roof is a St. Paul staple. These roofs get neglected more than any other part of the property, and by the time water is dripping on your car, the deck is usually soft in multiple spots. We replace these with EPDM membrane that’s pitched correctly for drainage and sealed at every penetration.
Why It Matters
Your roof does more than keep rain out. In a climate where temperatures swing from -20°F in January to 95°F in July, your roof manages thermal cycling, moisture control, ventilation, and structural load every single day. When it fails, the damage cascades — water gets into your attic, insulation loses its value, mold develops, wood rots, and your energy bills climb.
In St. Paul’s real estate market, roof condition carries serious weight. Inspectors flag aging or damaged roofs in every pre-sale report, and buyers in desirable neighborhoods like Highland Park, Mac-Groveland, and Summit Hill use roof condition as a negotiating tool. A new roof typically recoups 60-70% of the project cost in added property value — and more importantly, it prevents a deal from falling apart over a problem that could have been addressed proactively.
How Our Process Works
Step 1: Free Inspection. We get on the roof and check everything — shingles, flashing, vents, valleys, pipe boots, ridge caps, and gutterline. We inspect the attic for ventilation, moisture, and insulation issues. You get a written report with photos and a straight recommendation.
Step 2: Estimate and Material Selection. A detailed, line-item estimate with no hidden charges. We walk you through material options, explain the trade-offs, and recommend what makes sense for your roof’s design and your budget.
Step 3: Insurance Coordination. If storm damage is involved, we handle the entire claim — documentation, adjuster meetings, supplements, and follow-up. We’ve been through the process hundreds of times and know how to get claims approved properly.
Step 4: Installation. Our crews follow manufacturer specs on every job. We protect your property, keep the site clean, and use magnetic sweepers to catch every nail. Most replacements are completed in one to two days.
Step 5: Final Walkthrough and Cleanup. We walk the roof with you, answer every question, haul away all debris and old materials, and register your manufacturer warranty. You get complete documentation before we leave.
What to Expect on Cost
For a typical St. Paul home, asphalt shingle replacement generally runs $15,000 to $25,000 depending on size, pitch, complexity, and how much deck repair is needed underneath. Metal roofing projects range from $18,000 to $30,000+. EPDM flat roof sections are priced based on square footage and condition of the existing substrate.
Factors that move the needle include steep pitches requiring additional safety equipment, multiple dormers or valleys, chimney and skylight flashing complexity, and the number of shingle layers that need removal. Homes in St. Paul’s historic districts may have additional considerations around material compatibility and Heritage Preservation Commission requirements.
We provide free, itemized estimates so you know exactly where every dollar goes. (Pricing updated for 2026.)
Neighborhoods We Serve
We provide roofing services across all of St. Paul — Highland Park, Macalester-Groveland, Summit Hill, Crocus Hill, Cathedral Hill, Merriam Park, Summit-University, Como Park, Hamline-Midway, North End, Payne-Phalen, the East Side, the West Side, and West Seventh.
Each area has its own roofing profile. Summit Hill and Crocus Hill have steep, complex rooflines on historic homes that require careful material selection and experienced crews. Mac-Groveland and Highland are full of mid-century homes hitting the 25-30 year mark on their current roofs. Como Park and Hamline-Midway have a mix of single-family and multi-unit properties with both steep and flat roof sections. The East Side and North End tend to have more deferred maintenance situations where the underlying damage is more extensive than what’s visible from the street. Whatever the scenario, we’ve likely worked on homes in your neighborhood and know what to expect.
Get a Free Roof Inspection
If your roof is aging, took damage in a recent storm, or you just want someone to tell you honestly where things stand, call Presidential Construction at 651-766-3464 or reach out through our contact page. We’ll get on the roof, show you what we find, and give you a clear price with no pressure.
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St. Paul Frequently Asked Questions
My St Paul home has two layers of shingles — can a third be added on top?
No. Minnesota building code caps asphalt shingle roofs at two layers, and even that second layer is a compromise. Every replacement we do is a full tear-off to the deck. That’s the only way to inspect the sheathing for rot, moisture damage, and soft spots that stay hidden until the old material comes off. An overlay might save money in the short term, but it creates problems that cost more to fix later.
How can I tell if last summer’s hail actually damaged my roof?
You most likely can’t from the ground — and that’s the challenge. Hail fractures shingle surfaces and knocks granules loose in ways that aren’t obvious without a close inspection. The damage might not cause a leak right away, but it shortens your roof’s lifespan and compromises its ability to shed water properly. We offer free post-storm inspections and photograph everything we find. If the damage supports a claim, we’ll walk you through the next steps. If it doesn’t, we’ll tell you that upfront.
What roofing material works best on a steep Victorian roof?
Standing seam metal is the premium option — it sheds snow naturally, virtually eliminates ice dam risk, and lasts 40-70 years. The clean vertical lines also pair well with Victorian architecture. If budget is a consideration, architectural asphalt shingles with high wind and impact ratings deliver strong performance at a lower price point. Either way, proper ice and water shield installation along the eaves is essential on steep roofs where ice dams tend to form.
Does my St Paul home need Heritage Preservation approval for a new roof?
If your property sits in a locally designated historic district — portions of Summit Hill, Summit Avenue, Irvine Park, and other areas — exterior work including roofing may require Heritage Preservation Commission review before a building permit is issued. The commission evaluates material and color choices for compatibility with the district’s character. We’re familiar with these requirements and build them into the project planning from the start.
How long does a typical roof replacement take?
Most single-family homes in St Paul are finished in one to two days. Larger homes, steep multi-level rooflines, or projects that uncover extensive deck repair may need an additional day. Multi-unit properties take longer depending on size. We give you a realistic timeline before work starts and keep you informed throughout.
Can you replace a roof during a St Paul winter?
It’s doable but not ideal. Shingle manufacturers generally specify installation temperatures above 40°F for the adhesive strips to activate properly. Below that threshold, shingles require hand-sealing — a workaround that works, but not a best practice. If your roof is actively leaking or has emergency damage, a winter replacement beats waiting and letting water destroy your interior. If the project can wait for a warmer stretch, that’s always the better path and we’ll advise accordingly.
What does a new roof cost in St Paul right now?
Asphalt shingle replacement on a typical St Paul home ranges from $15,000 to $25,000. Metal roofing starts around $22,000 and can exceed $35,000 on larger or more complex homes. EPDM flat roof sections are priced separately by square footage. Historic district projects may carry additional cost for material compatibility requirements. We provide free, itemized estimates so you know exactly what to expect.
Do I need a building permit for roof replacement in St Paul?
Yes. The City of St Paul requires a permit for roof replacements through the Department of Safety and Inspections. Properties in historic districts may also need Heritage Preservation Commission approval. Permit details are available on the City of St Paul Construction Permits page. We handle the entire permitting process on every project — you don’t touch any of the paperwork.
My flat garage roof is leaking — should I repair it or replace it?
If the leak is isolated and the rest of the EPDM membrane is in reasonable shape, a patch can hold. But if the membrane is 15+ years old, feels brittle when you walk on it, has been patched multiple times already, or the deck underneath feels spongy, replacement is the smarter investment. We inspect the entire surface and give you a direct answer on which direction makes financial sense.
How do ice dams actually form, and what prevents them?
Heat from your living space rises into the attic and warms the roof deck. Snow on the upper portion melts, trickles down to the colder eaves — which overhang the exterior walls and stay near freezing — and refreezes into a ridge of ice. That ice dam traps water behind it, forcing it underneath your shingles. The fix isn’t on the roof surface. It’s in the attic: sealing air leaks, adding insulation to R-49+, and making sure soffit-to-ridge ventilation is balanced so the entire deck stays cold. During replacements, we install ice and water shield along eaves and valleys as a second layer of defense.
What roofing brands do you install?
Our primary brands are TAMKO and Owens Corning. We also install CertainTeed and GAF depending on the project and homeowner preference. All four are industry leaders with products built for northern climates. As certified installers, we can offer extended manufacturer warranties beyond standard coverage. We recommend specific brands and product lines based on your roof’s design, your budget, and what level of warranty protection matters most to you.
How does your insurance claims process work?
After a storm, we inspect your entire exterior and document every area of damage with detailed photos and measurements. We meet your insurance adjuster on-site and walk the property together, pointing out damage patterns that support the scope of the claim. When the initial estimate comes back short — which happens more than it should — we file supplements with additional documentation. We’ve managed hundreds of claims across Ramsey County and know exactly what carriers require. You don’t have to navigate any of it on your own.