Re-Roofing in Minnesota After Hail and Ice Dams

A Minnesota re-roof usually needs a city permit and an inspection. In Minneapolis and Saint Paul, the new roof needs an ice barrier that reaches at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall. If ice dams were the problem, fix the heat loss from the house as well. And if insurance is paying, state law bars a residential contractor from promising to cover your deductible.

Why hail and snow shape Minnesota roofs

The state climatology office recorded hail of tennis-ball size and larger across southern Minnesota on April 13, 2026. On June 19, 2026, hail up to golf-ball size fell in northeastern Minneapolis, northern and eastern Saint Paul and nearby suburbs. State rules also size roofs for heavy snow: a ground snow load of 60 pounds per square foot in listed northern counties and 50 elsewhere.

Permits and inspections

• Minneapolis requires a building permit for all re-roofing except repairs using less than one bundle of shingles. Framing repairs need an extra permit and inspection, and a final inspection is required.
• Saint Paul's reroofing guideline says to call the inspector before reroofing starts so flashing and underlayment can be checked. Overlays need the inspector's approval first.
• Rochester, St. Cloud, Moorhead and Duluth also list re-roofing as work that needs a permit.
• Rules differ by city, so the permit for your address is confirmed before work is scheduled.

Tear-off or overlay

Minneapolis allows an overlay over one existing layer only under set conditions, and never over wood shakes, slate, clay or cement tiles. On a tear-off in Saint Paul, soffit and roof vents must meet current venting rules, and gaps in roof boards over 5/8 inch must be corrected.

The ice barrier rule

Both Minneapolis and Saint Paul require the ice barrier to run from the eave to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line. Check the requirement with your own city before the roof is ordered.

Fixing the cause of ice dams

University of Minnesota Extension explains that ice dams form when upper parts of the roof are above freezing while the lower edge stays below freezing. The main cause is heat escaping from the house, often through air leaks in the ceiling such as around light fixtures. Extension's long-term fix has two steps:

1. Make the ceiling airtight so warm, moist air cannot flow into the attic.
2. Then add insulation to cut heat loss by conduction.

Extension notes that natural roof ventilation can help keep roof temperatures even, and that only small amounts are needed once heat loss is controlled. It does not recommend mechanical attic ventilation. It also warns that working on a roof in winter risks injury and damage.

Insurance claims and contractors

• Minnesota Statutes 325E.66 bars residential contractors from promising to pay all or part of your insurance deductible, or paying you for referrals or for filing a claim.
• A contractor may not interpret your policy or adjust your claim unless licensed as a public adjuster.
• The contractor must give you a detailed estimate and written notice of these rules.
• For a roofing-only job, look for a residential building contractor, remodeler or roofer license in the Department of Labor and Industry's lookup. An active license shows a status of Issued.