Minnesota rules and seasons
- Contractor license
- Contractors who work for homeowners in more than one skill area need a state license as a building contractor, remodeler or roofer, and roofing alone needs one too. License numbers begin BC, CR or RR. Look up a license
- Insurance
- Licensed contractors must carry liability insurance. Hire an unlicensed one and you lose access to the state's Contractor Recovery Fund.
- Snow load
- The state building code sets a design ground snow load of 60 pounds per square foot in 29 northern and central counties and 50 in the rest.
Services in Minnesota
Minnesota by area
-
Twin Cities
1,102businesses 11 services -
St. Cloud
72businesses 10 services -
Rochester
68businesses 9 services -
Faribault & Northfield
67businesses 8 services -
Duluth
57businesses 9 services -
Mankato
38businesses 7 services -
Brainerd Lakes
35businesses 8 services -
Owatonna
27businesses 5 services -
Moorhead
24businesses 8 services -
Albert Lea
18businesses 5 services -
Red Wing
18businesses 6 services -
Austin
17businesses 5 services -
Alexandria
15businesses 4 services -
Hutchinson
15businesses 5 services -
Bemidji
14businesses 5 services -
Grand Rapids
10businesses 4 services -
Winona
9businesses 3 services -
Iron Range (Hibbing & Virginia)
8businesses 3 services -
Willmar
8businesses 3 services -
Fergus Falls
6businesses 2 services
Guides for Minnesota
- How to Prevent Ice Dams in MinnesotaSeal the air leaks in the ceiling first, then insulate the attic to at least R-50 where space allows, as the Department of Commerce advises. Keep the natural vents open and skip powered ones. Until the work is done, rake snow off the lower roof from the ground after big storms.
- How to Remove Ice Dams in MinnesotaIf water is coming in, hire an ice dam removal service that uses steam, as the Minnesota Department of Commerce advises, and skip chipping, chemicals and open heat. If the house is dry, rake snow off the lower roof from the ground. Then seal the attic air leaks that cause ice dams.
- How to Use a Roof Rake in MinnesotaRake the lower roof from the ground after heavy snow, and leave an inch or two of snow on the shingles. Keep the pole 10 feet from power lines and never use it from a ladder. If the roof sags or creaks, or the snow is out of reach, stop and hire a professional.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Do roofers need a license in Minnesota?
Yes. Roofing for homeowners needs a state license from the Department of Labor and Industry, even when roofing is the only work a business does.
How do I check a contractor's license in Minnesota?
Use the Department of Labor and Industry's online license search or call 651-284-5069. A number starting with IR is only a registration, not a license.
What snow load are Minnesota roofs built for?
New buildings are designed for 60 pounds per square foot of ground snow in 29 northern and central counties, such as St. Louis and Crow Wing, and 50 in the rest.