License #: RR806719

What to Know: Choosing a Residential Roofing Contractor

A person on a roof holds a power tool, possibly a nail gun, while wearing orange-soled shoes. The scene is outdoors under a clear blue sky.

Why Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor in Brainerd Matters

Your roof protects your family, your home, and your investment. In Brainerd, MN, homes face severe winters, snow, ice, and occasional storms—all of which can stress roofing materials. That means you want a contractor who understands the local climate, uses appropriate materials, provides solid workmanship, and is responsive to both repairs and replacements.

S.A.M. — Shingles And More is one such contractor serving the Brainerd Lakes area. They offer residential and commercial roofing, roof repairs or replacements, and assistance with insurance claims.


What S.A.M. Offers

Here are some of the services and practices S.A.M. provides, based on their site. These are features you’ll want when choosing a roofing contractor.

  • Residential & Commercial Roofing
    Whether it’s a home or a larger building, S.A.M. handles both.
  • Roof Repairs, Replacement & Shingle Selection
    They evaluate the condition of your roof, help with choosing shingles (styles, materials, colors), and perform full roof replacements when needed.
  • Insurance Assistance
    If your roofing needs are due to storm damage or other covered causes, S.A.M. supports clients in navigating insurance claims.
  • Efficient Process with Transparency
    Their process includes a thorough roof evaluation, guidance on materials, and scheduling the work—often completing a roof replacement in about 24 hours once work begins. They emphasize transparency, showing photos of the project, and direct client interaction rather than using many middlemen.
  • Additional Services
    In addition to roofing, they also advertise work on decks & patios, which shows capability beyond just roofs.

What to Look for When Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Here are some criteria to use when evaluating contractors in Brainerd (or similar regions), and how S.A.M. aligns with them:

CriterionWhy It’s ImportantHow S.A.M. Measures Up
Licensed, Insured & BondedProtects you in case of damage, accidents, or workmanship issues. State licensing helps ensure regulatory compliance.S.A.M. is licensed (RR806719), insured & bonded.
Local Expertise & Climate-Aware MaterialsSnow load, wind, freeze/thaw cycles, hail—these affect what kinds of shingles, underlayment, flashing, ventilation are best.Their focus on shingle selection, and working seasonally with knowledge of local conditions, suggests relevant expertise.
Clear Process & CommunicationKnowing what to expect (timeline, cost, progress photos, how clean-up is handled) reduces surprises.S.A.M. emphasizes transparency, communication, showing photos of progress.
Insurance Claim ExperienceStorms often damage roofs; dealing with insurance can be complex. A contractor who assists with claims can ease the burden.S.A.M. explicitly offers insurance assistance.
Warranty & Product QualityMaterials, manufacturer warranties, and quality of installation all affect the roof’s lifespan.While I didn’t see explicit mention of which shingle brands or warranty terms on the front page, their emphasis on “superior quality products” indicates they likely use reputable materials. It would be wise to ask for brands and warranty terms.
Reputation & Gallery of Previous WorkSeeing past completed roofs helps judge craftsmanship and fit for your home style.They maintain a gallery of recent projects.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & What Questions to Ask

Here are things homeowners sometimes overlook, and what you might ask S.A.M. (or any contractor) to ensure you get good value:

  • Skipping inspection after storms: Even if damage isn’t obvious, minor leaks can lead to rot or mold.
  • Not getting multiple bids: Price matters, but coverage, materials, and workmanship matter more.
  • Neglecting ventilation or flashing: These are often failure points in cold climates.
  • Assuming quick turnover with poor seal: Install must include proper underlayment, ice & water shield where needed, and flashing details.
  • Failing to check warranty details: What parts are covered, workmanship, what voids warranty, etc.

You might ask:

  • What shingle brands do you use, and what are their warranties?
  • How do you handle flashings, ice dams, attic ventilation?
  • Can you show recent work via photos / references in Brainerd area?
  • What is included in the clean-up after replacement?
  • What support do you give with insurance claims? What documentation do you provide?

External Resources to Help Guide Your Decision

To supplement your research, consider these non-competitor sources:

  • National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) — guidelines, best practices, safety standards for roofing.
  • Angie’s List / Better Business Bureau — for local contractor reviews, complaints, and ratings in Brainerd Lakes area.

Final Thoughts

Roofing is a major investment in your home’s protection and appearance. Choosing a contractor who is local, transparent, licensed, uses quality materials and supports you through insurance or repairs makes a big difference. From what the site shows, S.A.M. — Shingles And More offers many of the right qualities: local focus, strong process, help with insurance, and emphasis on both function and aesthetics.

If you’d like to get your roof evaluated, explore replacement vs repair options, or talk through shingle choices and costs, you can reach S.A.M. — Shingles And More at 218-330-9322, email info@samsroofs.com, or via their Contact page on their website.

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    About S.A.M.

    Look no further than S.A.M. - Shingles And More! We are your roofing experts, specialized in shingle selection, roof replacement, and everything in between. At S.A.M., we believe that every roof tells a story, and we're here to ensure yours is one of strength and style. So, whether it's a minor repair or a complete transformation, trust Sam's expertise to protect your home and make it look its best!

    Services

    • Roof Repairs
    • Roof Replacement
    • Decks & Patios
    • And More
    License # RR806719
    Insured & Bonded

    Contact info

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