Duluth, MN · Flat Roof

Flat Roof Contractors in Duluth, Minnesota

Commercial or residential flat roof — compare local roofing companies. 26 local roofers listed, 14 verified.

Short answer: Flat and low-slope roofs in Duluth are usually TPO ($5.50–$9 a sq ft installed), EPDM ($4.50–$8) or modified bitumen ($3–$7); the membrane lasts 15–25 years, mostly decided by how well the drains are kept clear. In Duluth: 3.7 heavy-rain days a year (1 inch+). 14 of the roofers below have a license we checked; for any other, ask for a license number and a certificate of insurance.

  • 3.7heavy-rain days a year (1 inch+)
  • 33.3 inrain a year
  • 0days a year at 90°F or hotter
  • 37%of homes are not single-family houses

How much life is left in my Duluth roof?

Typical lifespans are published ranges for each material; for a Duluth house, real life also depends on installation, attic ventilation and the weather Duluth gets.

Free flat roof quote

Your request goes to one roofer, not five competitors.

Free for homeowners · No spam · One contractor at a time

Request sent

Your request has been received. A roofing contractor who accepts it can contact you to confirm the work and availability.

Flat and low-slope roofs in Duluth must be engineered and maintained for snow load — pooling meltwater under a heavy snowpack is the leading cause of membrane failure here, and drain clearing each fall is not optional. Common flat roof systems in Duluth include TPO (heat-welded, energy-efficient), EPDM (durable rubber membrane), and modified bitumen — each with different cost, longevity, and maintenance profiles worth discussing with a local contractor.

Duluth in numbers

Public records for Duluth and its county, not estimates. Each figure shows its source.

  • #18of 209Duluth ranks #18 of the 209 cities we cover for share of homes built before 1980.
  • #23of 209Duluth ranks #23 of the 209 cities we cover for hail days of 1 inch or more.
  • #41of 209Duluth ranks #41 of the 209 cities we cover for damaging thunderstorm-wind days.
  • #166of 209Duluth ranks #166 of the 209 cities we cover for yearly rainfall (low end).

Hail reports per year in the county

Hail events per year in the county, 2017 to 2026* 22 2017 15 2018 5 2019 34 2020 22 2021 31 2022 24 2023 39 2024 6 2025 5 2026*
Hail events per year in the county, 2017 to 2026*
201722
201815
20195
202034
202122
202231
202324
202439
20256
2026*5

203 recorded events across 9 full years plus 2026 to June represented in the data, about 22.0 per represented full year. 2024 had the most events among represented full years: 39.

2026 covers only January to June: NOAA's file ends there, so it is not counted as the worst year or in the yearly average.

Source: NOAA hail events, county level · data as of 2017–2026*

Costliest storm day on record

Jun 29, 2026

14 reports that day (12 wind, 1 hail, 1 tornado); reported property damage $150,000; county FIPS 27137, 2014–June 2026

Source: NOAA Storm Events · data as of 2014–June 2026

When storms hit Duluth

Hail reports by month in the county, all years combined 0 Jan 0 Feb 2 Mar 5 Apr 28 May 78 Jun 60 Jul 32 Aug 32 Sep 2 Oct 0 Nov 0 Dec
Hail reports by month in the county, all years combined
Jan0
Feb0
Mar2
Apr5
May28
Jun78
Jul60
Aug32
Sep32
Oct2
Nov0
Dec0

Most hail reports come in June; the season runs May to September. Book inspections and repairs before that window, not after.

Source: NOAA Storm Events · data as of 2014–June 2026

Roofing trade around Duluth

  • 21 roofing companies with payroll in the county, employing about 84 people; 76% have fewer than 5 employees.
  • A roofer's median pay here is $72,860 a year (Duluth, MN-WI Metro Area).
Source: Census CBP · data as of 2023 Source: BLS OEWS, roofers · data as of May 2025

Duluth storm record: St. Louis County

What the National Weather Service logged in St. Louis County in 2014–2026. County level, because storm reports are filed by county, not by city limits.

  • 1679Founded
  • 702 ft (214 m)Elevation
  • Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du LhutNamed after

Where hail of 1 inch or more was reported in St. Louis County

1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1 in hail1.25 in hail1.25 in hail1.25 in hail1.25 in hail1.25 in hail1.25 in hail1.25 in hail1.25 in hail1.25 in hail1.25 in hail1.25 in hail1.25 in hail1.25 in hail1.25 in hail1.25 in hail1.25 in hail1.25 in hail1.25 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.5 in hail1.75 in hail1.75 in hail1.75 in hail1.75 in hail1.75 in hail1.75 in hail1.75 in hail1.75 in hail1.75 in hail1.75 in hail1.75 in hail1.75 in hail1.75 in hail1.75 in hail1.75 in hail1.75 in hail1.75 in hail1.75 in hail2 in hail2 in hail2 in hail2 in hail2 in hail2 in hail2 in hail2 in hail2 in hail2 in hail2 in hail2 in hail2.5 in hail2.5 in hail2.5 in hail3 in hail3 in hail Duluth
  • 1051 to 1.74 in
  • 331.75 to 2.74 in, golf ball to tennis ball
  • 22.75 in and up, baseball

Largest plotted stone: 3 in. Bigger dots are bigger stones.

159 reports of 1 inch or larger have coordinates; the map shows the 140 largest. Each dot is a reported location, not a storm path.

Sources: NOAA, Census county outline

Biggest hail days

DateLargest hailReports that dayWhere it was reported
July 18, 2020 3 in, about the size of a teacup 8 Shaw
September 16, 2021 3 in, about the size of a teacup 8 Saginaw
June 12, 2024 2.5 in, about the size of a tennis ball 33 Fraser
“The storms developed over north-central Minnesota during the afternoon and pushed eastward through northwest Wisconsin during the evening hours producing damaging winds and large hail as they pushed across the area.”
National Weather Service report, July 18, 2020
Source: NOAA Storm Events Database · data as of 2014–2026

Last big hail on record

June 12, 2024

Hail of 1.75 inches (golf ball) or larger fell on 10 days in 2014–2026. Our records end where NOAA's do, so a newer storm may not be listed yet.

Strongest tornado

EF1 · June 19, 2016

It stayed on the ground for 7.23 miles and was up to 250 yards wide. The tornado developed east of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad near the St. Louis River and tracked east-northeast for approximately 3.1 miles while producing sporadic pockets of low-end EF1 damage to softwood trees.

Strongest thunderstorm gust

107 mph · September 5, 2023

Numerous 12 inch plus diameter pine trees were snapped or uprooted at the location with one of the trees falling on an outbuilding. The tree diameter was estimated from photos taken during the survey.

What it means for flat roof

Flat and low-slope roofs hold hail on the surface instead of letting it bounce. With 3-inch hail on record in St. Louis County, ask what membrane and cover board the contractor specifies.

Storm data: NOAA Storm Events (public domain). City facts: Wikidata (CC0).

What it costs in Duluth

Asphalt-shingle re-roof, 2,000 sq ft home, adjusted for Duluth labor and material prices. Your quote depends on roof size, pitch and scope.

That typical price is about 4.8% of the median Duluth home value ($225,700).

Source: Census ACS (Duluth city) · data as of 2019–2023

Full Duluth cost guide by material →

What Duluth's climate means for flat roof

  • Flat and low-slope roofs in Duluth must be engineered for snow load and kept drained — ponding under a melting snowpack is the top failure point here.
  • Duluth's freeze-thaw cycling works open membrane seams and flashing laps — heat-welded TPO seams outlast taped or adhered ones in this climate.

Roofers in Duluth, MN

26 listed, first 20 shown. Roofers we verified against a public registry come first.

This list covers roofing companies generally. Confirm flat roof experience, materials, insurance and current availability with each company. A Verified badge refers to the registry check, not a confirmed specialty.

Flat Roof in Duluth: questions

How do I find a flat roof company in Duluth?
PickARoofer lists roofing companies serving Duluth, MN. This is a general roofing directory; confirm flat roof experience and availability with each company. A Verified badge describes a separate registry check, not a confirmed service specialty or insurance check. Confirm scope, insurance and availability directly. Requests go to one contractor at a time, with up to three attempts; a response or start date is not guaranteed. Free for homeowners.
Should I repair or fully re-roof in Duluth?
Ask a roofer to document the damage and compare a written repair scope with a replacement estimate. Roof condition, remaining life, materials and the extent of damage affect the decision. Confirm any inspection fee before booking.
When is hail season in Duluth?
June is the worst month: 33% of the 239 hail reports NOAA holds for the county came then. Reports run from May to September. Book the inspection before May, while crews still have open dates.
How big does hail get near Duluth?
The largest hail NOAA logged near Duluth measured 3 inches, about the size of a teacup. Hail of an inch or more fell on 48 days in the same record. The biggest day was July 18, 2020, with 8 reports. The National Weather Service calls hail of 1 inch or larger severe; the bigger the stone, the more likely it is to crack a shingle.
How old are the homes in Duluth, and does it matter for the roof?
The median home in Duluth was built in 1951, and 78.3% of homes date from before 1980 (Census ACS). A roof on a home that old has often been re-covered at least once, so ask the roofer whether there is a second layer underneath: it changes the tear-off cost. The area sees about 70 freeze-thaw days a year, which loosens flashing and sealant.
What does roofing cost in Duluth?
For an average 2,000 sq ft home we model asphalt-shingle re-roof at $6,720 to $14,880 in Duluth, around $10,800 in the middle. That is about 4.8% of the median home value of $225,700. Your quote moves with roof size, pitch and how many layers come off.
How many roofing companies work around Duluth?
The Census Bureau counts 21 roofing companies with payroll in St. Louis County, employing about 84 people. 76.2% of them have fewer than five employees, so most quotes come from owner-run crews. A roofer's median pay is $72,860 a year (BLS).
How do I maintain a flat roof through Duluth's winters?
Flat roof maintenance in Duluth centers on drainage: clear drains and scuppers each fall before the first snow. Ponding meltwater under a deep snowpack is the leading cause of membrane failure here — water weighs 5.2 pounds per square foot per inch of depth, and even a few inches of standing water adds significant unplanned load. After heavy snow events, a professional roof rake or heating cables at the drain area prevent the most dangerous pooling. Annual spring inspections after snowmelt catch seam and flashing damage before it compounds.
What is the difference between TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen for Duluth properties?
TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) uses heat-welded seams and a white reflective surface — the current industry standard for new commercial and residential flat roofs, best for energy efficiency. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a rubber membrane installed with taped or adhesive seams — very durable and forgiving, widely used on residential flat roofs for decades. Modified bitumen is a reinforced asphalt sheet applied by torch or cold adhesive — economical and familiar to many local Duluth contractors, though it runs warmer than TPO and may require more frequent coating. Cost, pitch, and building type typically dictate the right choice — a Duluth flat-roof specialist can walk you through the tradeoffs for your specific structure.
Do I need a permit for flat roof in Minnesota?
Permit requirements depend on the property, scope of work and local jurisdiction. Check with the city or county building department and confirm who will obtain any required permit before work starts.

Figures above: NOAA Storm Events Database (hail, wind, tornado; county of the city, 2014–2026), U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-year estimates (housing), NASA POWER (temperature and rain, 2014–2023). Prices: our published price method. How we collect data.