5 Best Roofing Companies in Rochester, MN — 2026 Storm Season Guide
18min Read
Posted 4.18.2026
Rochester just got the worst of an ugly afternoon. The NOAA Storm Prediction Center logged an official 1.75-inch hail report (golf-ball size) 4 miles north of Rochester at 2:13 p.m. CT on Friday, April 17, 2026. Earlier in the afternoon, a second 1.75-inch stone was reported 1 mile west of Hayfield in Dodge County at 1:36 p.m. CT. The same supercell line also produced a confirmed tornado in Olmsted County, with documented damage to homes and buildings in the Rochester area.
A Tornado Watch covered southeast Minnesota (plus parts of Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin) for most of the afternoon, and today’s storm was the first severe storm event of the 2026 season to put tornado and large-hail impacts in the same county at the same time. For context: this is the same weather system that produced 3-inch hail in Rice County on April 13 — so if you’re reading this, your roof has likely been hit at least once in the past five days.
Tornado-driven wind adds a second kind of damage
Here’s what matters about today being a combined hail-plus-tornado event: hail damage and wind damage show up differently, and you need an inspector who knows to look for both. Hail strikes leave round impact bruises; tornado-driven wind lifts shingles, cracks their seal strips, shifts flashing at roof penetrations, and can tear off ridge caps even where the visible surface of the roof looks fine. If your neighborhood was in or near the tornado path, a proper inspection needs to cover both.
Hail impact bruising
Round dark spots where granules have been knocked off the shingle. Often missed from the ground. A trained inspector’s first target.
Mat fractures
Even when the shingle surface looks intact, 1.75-inch hail can split the fiberglass mat underneath. This is what actually shortens the life of your roof.
Wind-lifted shingles
Tornado-edge wind breaks the seal strip between shingle courses. Shingles that look down may pop back up in the next storm.
Soft-metal damage
Dents in gutters, downspouts, roof flashing, gas vents, AC condenser fins. The fastest “tell” any insurance adjuster uses.
Figure 1 — The four damage patterns to expect after a 1.75-inch hail and tornado event.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Company | Base | MN License | Top Credential | BBB | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Owl Roofing | Shoreview (Twin Cities) | MN DLI licensed | GAF Certified | A− | Family-owned, local |
| Ryan Roofing of Rochester | Oronoco | BC008077 | GAF Systems Plus Certified · President’s Club | Accredited | 35+ |
| Priority Construction Services | Rochester | MN licensed GC | GAF Systems Plus Certified | A+ | Est. 2005 |
| Gary Kline Roofing | Rochester | BC676913 | CertainTeed & Owens Corning authorized | A+ (since 1997) | 45+ |
| Ronningen Roofing | Rochester | MN residential license | Factory-trained: OC, GAF, CertainTeed | Not accredited | 27+ (est. 1998) |
Figure 2 — Credentials comparison grid for the five best Rochester-area roofers. Verify any MN license at the Minnesota DLI lookup tool.
#1 Owl Roofing
Shoreview, MN · Family-owned · 5.0 on Google · 651-977-6027
Owl Roofing is a Shoreview-based, family-owned contractor that built its reputation in The Twin Cities on one stubborn policy: they answer the phone. That sounds like a small thing until you’ve spent two days trying to reach a roofer after a storm. Owl has been scaling storm-response crews into southeast Minnesota since the April 13 event and has an active queue of inspections already booked across Olmsted, Dodge, and Goodhue counties this week.
Owner Noah Bergland holds a Minnesota general contractor license (passed the Qualified Builder exam) and has been project-managing roofs for five years. The team is GAF certified — which means qualifying installations are eligible for GAF’s 50-year material warranty and, on qualifying systems, the Golden Pledge. They carry full MN DLI residential roofing licensing, general liability, and workers’ comp. All of which are worth verifying before anyone puts a ladder on your house.
Why Owl makes sense for Rochester homeowners right now isn’t that we were born in Olmsted County — we weren’t. It’s that local contractors are about to be buried. Every Master Elite and Platinum Preferred shop in Rochester will have a three-week wait by Monday. Owl has crews who just finished the Rice County restorations, and we’re rolling the same storm-response playbook — drone documentation, direct adjuster communication, and no deposit until materials are ordered — straight into Olmsted County this week.
- Minnesota DLI licensed residential roofer (verify at dli.mn.gov)
- GAF Certified — qualifies for GAF 50-year material warranty and Golden Pledge
- BBB A− accredited
- 5.0-star average on Google
- 10-year workmanship warranty on every install
- Carries general liability and workers’ comp (certificates provided on request)
What customers are saying:
“Did an excellent job with our roof and windows, and the entire experience was straightforward from the beginning. He communicated clearly, showed attention to detail, and delivered high-quality work. His team was professional and the results look great. We’d happily recommend Owl Roofing to anyone looking for reliable, quality work!”— Brian E., verified BBB review, Feb 10, 2026
“Noah and the team were incredibly responsive from start to finish. Clear communication, quality workmanship, and the job came in on time.”— John Wharton, Google review
“High-quality work and genuine attention to detail. Noah kept us informed every step of the way and the final result speaks for itself.”— Brian Edge, Google review
Best for: Rochester homeowners who want fast, documented storm response and can’t afford to sit on an inspection queue for three weeks while the damage weathers.
#2 Ryan Roofing of Rochester (Ryan Windows & Siding)
Oronoco, MN · serves Olmsted & Goodhue counties
Ryan Roofing of Rochester — the roofing division of Ryan Windows & Siding — is one of the very few GAF Master Elite contractors in southeast Minnesota, a tier held by fewer than 2–3% of roofers in the country. They’ve also earned GAF’s President’s Club Award, which is given annually to the top-performing Master Elite contractors based on volume and quality metrics. For perspective: Ryan is in the top 2% of roofers nationally by GAF’s own ranking.
The company has 35+ years in the exterior remodeling business and holds Minnesota Contractors License BC008077. On qualifying installations they can offer the Golden Pledge Limited Warranty — up to 50 years of labor and materials coverage, which is as strong as residential roofing warranties get in North America.
- GAF Master Elite contractor · President’s Club (top 2% nationally)
- Minnesota Contractors License BC008077
- 35+ years in exterior remodeling
- Golden Pledge warranty available on qualifying systems
- Fully licensed and insured in Minnesota
Best for: homeowners who want the strongest possible manufacturer warranty and a local-ish crew with a long track record in Olmsted County.
#3 Priority Construction Services
Rochester, MN · family-owned since 2005 · BBB A+
Priority is the only Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor in southeast Minnesota — a tier held by fewer than 1% of U.S. roofers. Platinum Preferred status unlocks the Owens Corning Preferred Protection Roofing System Limited Warranty, which extends both labor and material coverage beyond what non-Platinum contractors can offer. Priority is also a Platinum Pella Certified Contractor (for windows), which matters if your storm claim includes window damage from wind-driven debris.
The company has been family-owned and locally operated since 2005, carries an A+ BBB rating, and is an EPA Lead Safe Certified firm (important on homes built before 1978). They offer a limited lifetime product warranty directly from Owens Corning, plus a 10-year labor guarantee on their own work.
- Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor (top 1% nationally)
- Platinum Pella Certified Contractor (windows)
- EPA Lead Safe Certified firm
- BBB A+ rating
- Minnesota licensed general contractor
- Family-owned & locally operated since 2005 (15+ years in Rochester)
- Limited lifetime Owens Corning product warranty + 10-year labor guarantee
What customers are saying:
“These guys are the best! We had a very complicated situation and they were diligent and patient to make sure we got the best deal. They are super friendly and easy to work with.”— Sarah M.
“Everything Priority did was excellent from start to finish! They showed up on time, did a superior job and finished when they said they would. The clean-up was also very good and thorough.”— Tom O.
“I would highly recommend Priority Construction! Jeff V. and all the staff I worked with were great.”— Julie S.
Best for: homeowners who want the top Owens Corning warranty tier and a combined roof + window restoration under one contract.
#4 Gary Kline Roofing, Inc.
Rochester, MN · 3021 43rd St. NW · (507) 289-6686
Gary Kline is the long-tenure Rochester option. The company has served the Rochester community for more than 45 years and has been BBB Accredited since March 11, 1997 — a continuous accreditation record that’s nearly impossible to fake. They hold Minnesota Residential Contractors License BC676913 and are an authorized CertainTeed and Owens Corning contractor, which matters for warranty stacking. Their work comes with a lifetime manufacturer warranty on shingles plus a lifetime workmanship warranty — the strongest combination on this list.
Kline is a higher-volume shop with a 4.9-star rating across 107+ reviews on Birdeye, a permanent Rochester address at 3021 43rd St NW, and a full BBB profile. They’re the kind of contractor you hire when you want a stable, boring, been-here-forever operation that will still be here in fifteen years when your roof needs warranty service.
- Minnesota Residential Contractors License BC676913
- 45+ years serving Rochester · BBB Accredited since March 1997
- CertainTeed & Owens Corning authorized contractor
- Lifetime manufacturer warranty + lifetime workmanship warranty
- 4.9-star average, 107+ Birdeye reviews
- Permanent Rochester office at 3021 43rd St NW
Best for: homeowners who prioritize long-term business stability and want multiple shingle brands on the table for color-matching and warranty options.
#5 Ronningen Roofing, Inc.
Rochester, MN · serving southeast MN since 1998
Ronningen is a 27-year-old, locally owned shop in Rochester that installs roofing from all the major manufacturers — Owens Corning, GAF, CertainTeed, Malarkey, and IKO — as a factory-trained installer. They hold a Residential Contractors license with the Minnesota license board, verified active as of March 2026.
They aren’t BBB accredited and the BBB profile shows mixed customer reviews, which is worth weighing against the length of time they’ve been in business and the breadth of their manufacturer relationships. For straightforward installations and homeowners who prefer multiple material options, they’re a reasonable local choice; for complex hail-plus-tornado insurance claims we’d recommend one of the top four above.
- Minnesota Residential Contractors license (active, verified March 2026)
- 27+ years in business (since 1998)
- Factory-trained installer: Owens Corning · GAF · CertainTeed · Malarkey · IKO
- Residential & commercial roofing
- Locally owned & operated in Rochester
Best for: homeowners who want the widest material selection and are doing a straightforward replacement rather than a complex insurance claim.
What to Ask Before You Sign Anything
The combination of golf-ball hail plus confirmed tornado damage is going to bring out every storm chaser between Des Moines and Duluth in the next 72 hours. Some will be legitimate crews from licensed Minnesota contractors. Many will not. These seven questions protect you:
- What’s your Minnesota DLI license number? (Format: BC####### for a residential building contractor.)
- Can I get a certificate of insurance — general liability and workers’ comp — directly from your insurer, not from you?
- Do you have a physical local address I can drive to?
- What manufacturer certification do you hold, and what warranty tier does that unlock?
- Will you put the full scope, shingle brand, color, and underlayment spec in the written contract before I sign?
- Does your contract include the 72-hour right-of-rescission required by Minnesota Statute §325E.66 on insurance-paid work?
- Who is actually installing my roof — your own employees, or a subcontracted crew?
What Today’s Storm Will Actually Cost
For a typical 1,800–2,400 square-foot Rochester home with asphalt architectural shingles, a full replacement runs $13,000 to $24,000 depending on roof pitch, existing layer count, decking condition, and your material choice. If your insurance claim is approved — and at 1.75-inch hail plus confirmed tornado wind, approval rates are high — you’ll typically pay your deductible plus any optional upgrades you select.
The most common upgrade at this stone size is a swap from standard architectural shingles to Class 4 impact-resistant shingles. GAF Timberline AS II, CertainTeed NorthGate ClimateFlex, and Owens Corning Duration Storm all qualify. The upcharge is typically $600–$1,500, and Class 4 shingles qualify you for an annual homeowner’s insurance premium discount with most Minnesota carriers — often recovering the upcharge within 5–7 years.
If damage is partial and only a repair is approved, plan on $500–$3,500 for targeted shingle replacement, flashing repair, or damaged vent replacement.
What Owl Roofing Customers Actually Say
Real, verified Google reviews from real customers Owl Roofing maintains a 5.0 Google rating with 30+ five-star reviews.
Noah is the real deal. After our insurance denied our roof claim and the first roofer walked away, Noah showed up the next day and said he thought he could get us a new roof. He delivered. He got us a roof covered by insurance after it had already been declined. We came up with a nickname for him: “The Roof Whisperer.”
— Tyler Moberg, verified Google review
I am an Independent Insurance Agency owner and have worked with Noah on several roof projects. The homeowners have been extremely satisfied with the quality of work and craftsmanship Noah and his crews have provided. From filing the claim to replacing the roof and cleaning up the job site, Noah and his crew are the best!
— Fred Zappa, Independent Insurance Agency Owner
We used Owl Roofing for a repair on our roof in Brooklyn Park, and I was blown away by how good they were. Every member of the team communicated well about the process. Their price transparency was super helpful. They got the work done very fast, and the team was professional and very kind.
— Matt Brown, Brooklyn Park (verified Google review)
Noah and his team are outstanding! His clear communication, professionalism, and workmanship are top-notch. I recommend Owl Roofing to all my clients, friends, and family.
— Christine Westlund, verified Google review
It didn’t feel like dealing with a big company — it felt like working with people who actually care about the homes and community in the North Oaks and Shoreview area. Great people, great communication, and really solid work.
— Cody Warren, verified Google review
Frequently Asked Questions
Did hail really hit Rochester on April 17, 2026?
Yes. The NOAA Storm Prediction Center logged a 1.75-inch hail report (golf-ball size) 4 miles north of Rochester at approximately 2:13 p.m. CT and a 1.75-inch report 1 mile west of Hayfield at 1:36 p.m. CT. A confirmed tornado also caused damage in Olmsted County the same afternoon.
How fast do I need to file an insurance claim?
Most Minnesota policies require reporting damage “promptly” — practically within 12 months, but insurers prefer 30–60 days. Because a confirmed tornado was involved, wind damage may also be in play. Document first, file second.
What does 1.75-inch hail do to a roof?
Golf-ball hail is roof-replacement territory. Expect fractured mat, cracked shingles, heavy granule loss, dented soft metals, and potential punctures on skylights and ridge vents.
Do I also need to worry about tornado wind damage?
Yes. NWS confirmed tornado damage in Olmsted County today. Wind damage shows up differently than hail and needs a separate inspection focus — lifted shingles, broken seal strips, shifted flashing, torn ridge caps.
How do I verify a Rochester roofer is licensed?
Look for a BC####### number and confirm it at dli.mn.gov/license-and-registration-lookup.
How much does a roof replacement cost in Rochester?
$13,000–$24,000 for a typical 1,800–2,400 sq ft home. With an approved claim, you pay your deductible plus any upgrades.
Owens Corning Platinum Preferred vs regular Owens Corning certified?
Platinum Preferred is the top tier, held by fewer than 1% of U.S. roofers, and unlocks the Preferred Protection Roofing System Limited Warranty. Regular “certified” or “factory trained” is a lower tier.
Are impact-resistant shingles worth it after this storm?
After 1.75-inch hail, almost always yes. Class 4 shingles qualify for an insurance discount with most MN carriers and typically pay back the $600–$1,500 upcharge within 5–7 years.
Some Related Reading from Our Blog
- How to tell if your roof was actually damaged by hail
- Hail size damage guide — what each stone size does to a roof
- Our full storm-damage service page
- The statewide list: Best Roofing Companies in Minnesota (2026)
- When should you actually replace your roof? A decision guide
Want us on your roof this week?
If you’re reading this and your gutters are dented, that’s not a coincidence — that’s a covered claim waiting to be filed. We’re running free inspections across Rochester, Byron, Stewartville, Pine Island, and the broader Olmsted County area through the end of April. No deposit, no pressure, and we talk to your adjuster directly.
Or just call us — we actually answer the phone. 651-977-6027.
Sources & references:
NOAA Storm Prediction Center Apr 17, 2026 storm reports ·
NWS Twin Cities Apr 13 event summary ·
Minnesota DLI license lookup ·
Post Bulletin — Olmsted County storm damage ·
GAF certified roofers in Rochester
Recent Articles
Explore The Blog
