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FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I consider replacing my roof?

Consider replacing your roof after major Twin Cities hailstorms, widespread shingle damage, recurring leaks from ice dams, or if it’s 20 to 25 years old. Minnesota’s freeze and thaw cycles can accelerate wear beyond typical lifespan expectations.

In many Twin Cities markets like Minneapolis and St. Paul, buyers expect the roof to reach its full lifespan. If it’s near 20 years old, replacing it before listing it for sale can improve offers, speed up inspections, and reduce negotiation pressure.

In the Twin Cities, a new asphalt roof starts around 12,000 to 15,000 dollars for an average-sized home. Larger roofs range from 18,000 to 25,000 dollars or more. Factors like hail damage, pitch, and ventilation choice all impact the final investment.

In the Twin Cities, minor roof repairs typically range from 400 to 1,200 dollars, depending on the issue. In Minneapolis or St. Paul, most service calls start around 350 to 500 dollars for targeted shingle or flashing repairs.

In Minnesota’s harsh climate, asphalt roofs typically last 20 to 30 years. Between heavy hail, strong winds, and freeze-thaw cycles in the Twin Cities, shingles often wear out faster than in milder regions, making proper installation and ventilation especially important.

Most homes in the Twin Cities take 1 to 2 days to complete. In Minneapolis or St. Paul, larger homes or complex rooflines may take 2 to 3 days to replace, weather permitting.

To prepare for roof replacement, clear vehicles and patio items away from your home and protect valuables inside. In Minneapolis and St. Paul, we handle required dumpster permits and coordinate local requirements so your project stays compliant and on schedule.

In Minnesota’s harsh climate, architectural asphalt shingles are typically the best choice. For Twin Cities homes, impact-resistant shingles perform well against hail, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles while offering long-term durability.

The cheapest roof we offer is a standard three-tab asphalt shingle system. Three-tab shingles provide a lower upfront cost, though architectural shingles typically offer better long-term durability in Minnesota weather.

In Minnesota’s demanding climate, metal roofing lasts the longest. Standing seam metal systems installed in the Twin Cities can last 40 to 70 years with proper installation, making them one of the most durable long-term roofing options available.

Not sure whether you need roof repair or replacement? We offer free inspections for Twin Cities homeowners, checking for hail damage, shingle wear, and structural concerns. We then provide clear, honest recommendations based on your roof’s actual condition.

We install asphalt roofing from GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning, including architectural and impact-resistant shingles. We also install standing seam metal and solar roofing systems. These options are built to perform in Minnesota’s harsh weather conditions.

For Twin Cities homes, architectural asphalt shingles are typically the best roofing material. They balance durability, cost, and strong performance against hail, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles common across Minneapolis and St. Paul.

To choose the right roofing material in the Twin Cities, consider Minnesota’s weather, your home’s architectural style, and any HOA requirements. Many neighborhoods in Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs require color or style consistency to match existing homes.

Yes. Solar roofing systems and energy-efficient asphalt shingles are among the most eco-friendly options we offer. Certain GAF shingle lines also support better ventilation and reflectivity. They help Twin Cities homeowners improve energy performance while withstanding Minnesota weather.

A manufacturer warranty covers defects in the roofing materials themselves. Our workmanship warranty covers installation quality and labor. At Krech Exteriors, qualifying projects also include a Lifetime Labor Warranty, giving Twin Cities homeowners added long-term protection beyond standard material coverage.

Roof warranties vary by tier. Most asphalt shingles include a limited lifetime manufacturer warranty, with upgraded system warranties available through GAF and CertainTeed. We also provide a Lifetime Labor Warranty on qualifying installations for added long-term protection.

A roof warranty covers specific issues after installation. Manufacturer warranties protect against material defects, while our workmanship warranty covers installation quality. If a problem arises, we inspect it and complete any covered repairs according to your warranty terms.

Homeowners insurance often covers roof replacement when damage is caused by hail or wind. We regularly work with Twin Cities insurance adjusters, helping document storm damage and guide homeowners through the claims process from inspection to approval.

When choosing a roofing contractor, look for a company that has served the Twin Cities since 1988. Local tenure, proper licensing, strong manufacturer certifications, and a proven track record with Minnesota weather make a significant difference in long-term results.

We Understand Your House As A System

Krech Exteriors recognizes that unless you are a professional Minneapolis roofing contractor, you are going to have questions about our process. Here are the questions we are most frequently asked by our clients.

How can a homeowner recognize when their roof has problems?

All too often, roof problems are discovered after leaking or other serious damage occurs. Periodic (twice-a-year) inspections can often uncover cracked, warped, or missing shingles, loose seams and deteriorated flashings, excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts, and other visible signs of roof problems. Indoors, look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard, and peeling wallpaper as signs of damaged roof areas.

What are my options if I decide to reroof my Minneapolis roofing system?

You have two basic options. You can choose a complete replacement of the roof system, involving a tear-off of the old roof, or a re-cover over the existing roof, involving only the installation of a new membrane and surfacing. If you’ve already had one recover over your original roof, check with the professional roofing contractor Minneapolis trusts first- Krech Exteriors- to see if your deck can support a second recover.

My roof leaks. Do I need to have it totally replaced?

Not necessarily. Leaking can result because some flashings have come loose or because a section of the roof has been damaged. A roof failure, however, is generally irreversible and results from improper installation or choice of materials, or from the installation of a roof system inappropriate to the building.

Can’t I just do the work myself?

Most work should not be do-it-yourself. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace a roof. Novices can harm a roof with improper roofing techniques and severely injure themselves by falling off or even through a roof in need of repair or replacement. Homeowner maintenance should be confined to roof inspections in both the fall and spring to check for cracked or curling shingles, and to cleaning rain gutters filled with dead leaves and other debris.

How long can I expect my roof to last?

The condition and lifespan of your roof will depend on the type of roof you have, the effects of your local environment and the maintenance, which the roof has received. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, asphalt shingles generally last 15-20 years; wood shingle/shakes, 10-40 years; clay/concrete tiles, 20+ years; slate, 30-100 years; metal roofing, 15-40+years.

How much will a new roof cost?

The price of a new roof varies widely, depending on the material selected, the contractor doing the work, the home itself, area of the country, local labor rates, time of year, and more. To get a good idea of the cost for your roof, get three of four estimates from reputable contractors in the Minneapolis area. Keep in mind that cost is only one factor, and it must be balanced against the quality of the materials and workmanship. Krech Exteriors will give you more bang for your buck.

Do you use subcontractors?

Yes, most general contractors and remodeling companies utilize subcontractors. Most of our subcontractors have been with Krech Exteriors for many years. We check all of our subcontractors out with the Minnesota Secretary of State and DOLI (Department of Labor & Industry). Company that claim they have only employees doing their work are most likely “truck & ladder” contractors who are small enough to stay in business today, but are unlikely to be around tomorrow.

What type of products do you install and what warranties do you offer?

We install almost any product from any manufacturer you want, although we are certified by many of the nation’s top companies. This allows us to offer strong manufacturer warranties on most products and materials we install. On top of that we also offer a 10-year workmanship warranty.

STORM DAMAGE & INSURANCE FAQs

I don’t see any damage. Why should I have my insurance company come out to my home?

Unless the storm produced baseball size hail or larger, you most likely will not be able to see hail damage to your roof from the ground. Even smaller size hail is hard to detect standing on the roof. The best recommendation is to call a company that has professional inspectors, Krech Exteriors. Our inspectors will come out to your home and thoroughly inspect all of your property for any damage. If there is damage, we will give you the proper guidance how to go about filing a claim with your insurance company. If there isn’t any damage, you will have the peace of mind that your home is OK. The best part is that it does not cost you a dime to have us inspect your home – our inspections are free.

I have a contractor who says they will cover my deductible by placing a sign in my yard and calling it “advertising.” Does Krech Exteriors offer that same promotion?

Krech Exteriors does not “cover” deductibles. State insurance authorities are diligent about enforcing the deductible policy. From providing estimates and inspecting homes through the years we have heard from homeowners that other companies have offered to place a sign in their yard, calling it “advertising promotion” or something along those lines. They offer this promotion to the homeowner, allowing for their business yard sign to be placed in the customer’s yard. Typically and insurance deductible is $1,000 or more. If a contractor is paying a customer to place their sign in the yard for advertising purposes and the customer’s insurance deductible is more than $600, the contractor must file a Federal Tax 1099-MISC form for the customer, reporting it as income. Most, if not all, of the contractors who have made this offer do not file the appropriate paperwork – committing tax fraud. Other contractors may submit information to your insurance company with false numbers on their invoice to help pay for your deductible. That is insurance fraud. If you sign a contract with them you are also committing this fraudulent practice.

I was told to get three estimates to repair my home. Is that necessary for insurance claims?

Typically an insurance company will only ask you to get two or three estimates if: 1.) there is a need for a reinspection of your property; or 2.) they are a small, independent insurance carrier (who usually don’t operate the same way as the major insurance companies).

Your insurance company will send out an adjuster to evaluate the damage to your property. He will write a full scope of damage with an estimate to repair your home. This amount is called the replacement cost value (RCV), and is the amount the insurance company is willing to pay. If another contractor comes in and estimates your project to be higher or lower, the insurance company will adjust the payment accordingly.

Your insurance company will write the homeowner two checks in most cases. The first check is your actual cash value (ACV). This check is used as a deposit to get the repair work started. The second check is your recoverable depreciation. Your insurance company releases this check once the work is done and the contractor has submitted an invoice to the insurance company.

Let’s say the insurance company agreed to pay $10,000 and you have a $1,000 deductible. Contractor A bids your project at $9,000. Contractor B bids at $11,000. If your first insurance company check was for $5,000, then your recoverable depreciation will be $4,000. But if Contractor A submits an invoice for $9,000, your recoverable depreciation will be $3,000. If Contractor B submits an invoice for $11,000 he must explain why his estimate is different.

Some homeowners may think that by getting an estimate and choosing a contractor whose bid is less than what the insurance company estimated they will be able to avoid paying some or all of their deductible. But, as you can see, the insurance company sets their payment structure to eliminate this. There is no benefit for the homeowner to go through the hassle of getting estimates. It is better to simply select the contractor who is right for the job, and right for you.

Krech Exteriors’ professional team of skilled tradesmen knows this industry better than most.

I don’t want to make a claim with my insurance company because I was told that my policy could be cancelled if I make more than two claims, or that my rates will go up. Is that true?

The insurance industry is regulated by state and federal laws. It is unlawful for your insurance company to cancel or not renew your insurance policy due to natural causes such as hail, lightning, or wind. (Minnesota reg. 2008.0200) They cannot raise your rates as an individual. However, they may raise rates for a group or region as a whole, because your neighbors as making claims and getting their homes repaired. You pay a premium every month for homeowner’s insurance – don’t be afraid to take care of your home. You have two years from the date of loss (storm date) to make a claim.

I received an estimate from another contractor and they came in $1,000 less than the

insurance company. That will cover my deductible with no out-of-pocket expense. Why

should I use Krech Exteriors if you said you are going to work with my insurance proceeds? Then I will have to pay for my deductible.

This is the most common issue we face in this industry. If you are working with a contractor that is willing to do this, you should be very cautious. First, it sounds like the contractor is not educated about how the insurance industry works. You will still end up paying your deductible when your final payment is due to your contractor. This is a strategy some contractors use to get your business. Your insurance policy is most likely and RCV (replacement cost value) policy. If your insurance company assessed your roof replacement to be $10,000, they will depreciate your first check (ACV – actual cash value) based on the age of your roof. If it is 14 years old, your insurance company may depreciate this check by approximately 50%. Your ACV check will be $5,000. The depreciation (final) check from your insurance company would be $4,000. This is called recoverable depreciation. Totaling the two insurance company checks ($5,000 + $4,000) and your $1,000 deductible adds up to the $10,000 replacement cash value. Once the work is completed an invoice for the total work amount must be send to your insurance company by the contractor. If the contractor agreed to work with your insurance proceeds, and they falsify this amount, they are committing fraud. If their invoice is $1,000 less, they must submit that number to the insurance company and the insurance company will adjust their numbers accordingly. The insurance company is always going to adjust the recoverable depreciation based on your deductible.

I have been with my insurance company for years. I know and trust that they will treat me fairly. Why do I want Krech Exteriors out here with my insurance company?

You may have developed a great rapport with your insurance agent, but the individual who will be evaluating your property damage is an insurance adjuster who has been hired independently or works directly as a staff adjuster for your insurance carrier. If you have 10 adjusters assess your property damage you will get 10 different answers! Our intent is not to do the insurance adjuster’s job, but to give our professional opinion of what should be replaced due to the damage caused by the storm.

I want to hire a contractor who is going to replace ALL my damaged items, including soffit, fascia, pressure washing, staining, air conditioning, garage doors, etc. Does Krech Exteriors do that?

Yes! Krech Exteriors is a great choice for your home restoration. Our company is set up to take care of ALL of your exterior needs.

How long does the insurance process typically take?

The insurance process usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your insurance and/or mortgage company. Once we receive your ACV check Krech Exteriors can get your work done efficiently, usually within 1-2 weeks, depending on the extent of the job. We want your home to be restored as quickly and effectively as possible.