When your roof needs attention—whether repair, replacement or storm damage remediation—selecting a contractor who understands the Minnesota climate and has a streamlined process can make a major difference. S.A.M. – Shingles & More (also marketed as “Sam’s Roofing” on their website) serves the Brainerd Lakes area, specializing in residential and commercial roofing with an emphasis on speed, transparency and local service.
In this post, you’ll find a full overview of what they provide, what to look for when choosing a roofing partner, and how to get ready for your project.
Who They Are & What They Offer
Located in Brainerd, MN, S.A.M. – Shingles & More is led by founder Sam (a teacher turned roofer) and emphasizes local, hands-on service.
They hold Minnesota contractor license RR806719.
Core services include:
- Roof inspections and minor repairs (flashings, shingle damage, hail/wind repair)
- Full roof replacements (shingle systems, metal roofing, flat/low-slope systems)
- Assistance with insurance claims for storm damage or hail events
- Commercial roofing (flat/low slope membranes, waterproofing) in addition to residential
Their process is designed to be efficient—some residential jobs are completed within 24 hours (depending on size and complexity) to minimize disruption.
What Sets Them Apart
Several key differentiators make S.A.M. stand out in the region:
- Local climate expertise: They emphasize that Minnesota roofs must withstand heavy snow loads, ice dams, hailstorms and high winds. Their blog posts address these specifics.
- Owner involvement & transparent communication: The founder remains involved, and they emphasize direct communication (you don’t deal with a distant corporate office).
- Insurance support: Many homeowners appreciate that the firm helps document damage, file claims and assist through the insurance process—especially important after major storms.
- Reputation and licensing: On BuildZoom, they carry a score of 91 (top ~37% of MN contractors) and are licensed for residential contracting.
How the Roofing Process Usually Works
Here’s the typical flow when you engage them (or a comparable contractor) for roofing services:
- Initial Inspection & Assessment
The crew visits your property, assesses the roof for damage, wear, tear, flashing/seal issues, insulation/ventilation problems. For hail or wind damage, they may provide documentation for claim support.
- Proposal & Material Selection
You receive a written estimate detailing the scope (repair vs replacement), material options (architectural shingles, impact-resistant, metal, flat systems), timeline, costs and warranty information. For example, the blog discusses impact-resistant shingles (Class 3/4) for Minnesota.
- Scheduling & Preparation
Once you approve, they schedule the work. They emphasize minimal disruption and aim to complete many jobs quickly (within about a day for standard houses) depending on size.
- Tear-Off / Installation
The old roofing system is removed (if necessary), decking and underlayment assessed, flashing/ventilation addressed, and new materials installed per manufacturer specs. Clean-up follows immediately.
- Final Walk-through & Warranty
A post-install inspection ensures you are satisfied, and you receive warranty documentation (both material and workmanship). They emphasize their service continues after installation.
- Ongoing Maintenance Advice
The blog provides tips on what to check seasonally (after spring thaw, before winter freeze) to maximize roof lifespan.
What to Ask & Consider Before You Hire
When comparing contractors, here are questions to help you evaluate S.A.M. or any roofing service:
- Are you licensed and insured in Minnesota? What is your license number? (S.A.M.: RR806719)
- Are you certified for the roofing materials you propose (shingle manufacturer, metal systems, flat membranes)?
- What is included in the estimate? (tear-off vs overlay, permits, underlayment, ventilation, flashing, gutters, disposal)
- What is the timeline and when will my project be scheduled?
- How will you minimize disruption and clean up afterward?
- Do you provide documentation and photos for insurance claims (if applicable)?
- What are the warranty terms for materials and workmanship?
- What maintenance steps do you recommend afterward?
- Are there local references or past project photographs in our region/lake property style?
S.A.M.’s blog has posts that answer many of these questions and demonstrate readiness for Minnesota-specific needs.
Why They Might Be a Good Fit for Minnesota Homeowners
- Regional focus: Serving the Brainerd Lakes area means familiarity with local weather, codes and building conditions.
- Storm-damage aware: With Minnesota’s frequent hail and wind events, having a contractor versed in insurance claims is a plus.
- Efficient service: 24-hour turnaround for many jobs reduces stress and exposure.
- Personal touch: Smaller scale operation means the owner is directly involved, not just a large out-of-state company.
- Transparent guidance: Their blog and site content show they are proactive about educating homeowners.
Considerations & What to Be Mindful Of
- While S.A.M. has a strong reputation, they are not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) as per listing, though they do have positive reviews.
- For very large or complex commercial roofing jobs (e.g., multi-story facilities, large industrial systems), check their commercial project references and ensure they have the appropriate equipment/capacity.
- Even with fast installation, weather in Minnesota (storms, cold, ice) can impact scheduling—ask for contingency planning.
- Ensure you understand the material types being used (especially if low-cost premium is being promised)—verify brand, class rating and warranty.
- After installation, remember that maintenance and inspection still matter: even a high-quality roof benefits from seasonal checks (gutter cleaning, flashing inspection, attic ventilation). The contractor’s advice in this area is a bonus.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the Brainerd Lakes region (or surrounding Minnesota lakes area) and you’re considering roof repair or replacement, S.A.M. — Shingles & More offers a strong local solution. With experience, regional know-how, insurance support and a personal approach, they are a solid option.
Use this post as a guide: walk your property, ask the right questions, compare estimates, and be sure the contractor you pick aligns with your budget, timeline and expectations. A well-installed roof isn’t just about today—it’s about protecting your home and easing future maintenance for years to come. For national guidance on roofing inspection standards and material selection, visit the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors “Roofing System” guide.
