Winter in Minnesota isn’t known for being gentle. When snow hits hard and temperatures dip below freezing, your roof has to do more than just look good. It has to protect everything inside. That’s why choosing the right type of roof, and more importantly, the right people to install it, becomes a big deal.
Tile roofs bring strength and long-lasting protection, but they aren’t a one-size-fits-all job, especially here in Minnesota. We’ve seen what winter can do to poorly installed roofing, and tile takes the kind of care that only trained tile roof installers can bring. If you’re thinking about adding tile to your home before winter sets in fully, here’s what you should know before hiring anyone to take on the job.
Know What Makes Tile Roofing Unique in Cold Weather
Tile roofing comes with strong benefits. It can hold up for decades when done right, and it adds a bold look to any home. That said, it’s not something you can just lay down over an old surface, especially in a cold climate.
• Tile is heavier than other materials like asphalt, so the structure beneath your roof needs to be built to handle that extra weight. Reinforcing framing may be necessary in some homes.
• Cold weather can bring problems like snow loading and ice buildup. If the tiles aren’t fitted or sealed properly, they can crack or shift. You need someone watching every piece, not rushing through the layout just to finish quickly.
• A good installer thinks beyond just tiles. They’ll look at the building underneath, check the water barrier systems, and make sure everything below is ready to support that tile through months of snow and ice.
Installing tile in winter is possible, but it has to be done with a plan. Skipping steps or rushing to beat a snowstorm usually causes more problems than it solves.
What to Look for in an Installer During Winter
Cold weather brings specific challenges to every roofing job. Not all installers are ready for it. When choosing someone to work on your roof, you want to know they’ve handled winter installs before.
• Look for people who’ve worked outdoors in freezing temperatures. Cold materials behave differently. Tile can become brittle when it’s too cold, and that means special care during transport and installation.
• Safety matters, too. Rooftop work during snow or ice requires added caution and special gear. An installer should know how to stay safe and keep the site clear.
• Most importantly, make sure the people working on your roof are familiar with Minnesota’s specific weather patterns. Snow, ice dams, and freeze-thaw cycles hit us hard and fast, and your roof needs to be ready for each of them.
This isn’t the season to take chances with shortcuts or guesses. Experience in winter roofing installations pays off in the long run.
Timing a Winter Roof Job in Minnesota
The deeper into winter you go, the harder it becomes to plan a smooth roofing project. Working around weather conditions gets tricky fast, especially when tile is involved.
• Cold surfaces, icy mornings, and short daylight hours slow everything down. Installing when temperatures are steady but not too low helps materials hold better and gives roofers a safer environment to work in.
• Getting ahead of the first deep freeze is a smart move. Prep work done early, even if full installation waits, can help avoid sudden water damage or heat loss when the weather gets rough.
• Some parts of a tile install don’t handle deep cold very well. Underlayment or adhesives may be temperature-sensitive. In those cases, it’s okay to prep what you can and schedule the finish for a slightly warmer phase of winter or early spring.
Timing takes a little flexibility, but with the right team, it can be done without cutting corners.
The Risks of Choosing the Wrong Installer
Not every installer has the same approach or attention to detail. And when tile roofing is involved, small mistakes can lead to big problems.
• If the flashing isn’t fitted correctly around chimneys or vents, cold water and melting ice can sneak in and create leaks. Once things freeze again, damage spreads fast.
• The spacing between tiles matters more than you might think. In freezing temperatures, expansion and shifting can crack or knock loose poorly placed tiles. Those openings can quickly lead to roof deck damage.
• Cold weather shortcuts like skipping steps or rushing setup might save time in the moment but can leave your roof vulnerable. A pro with real tile experience will plan ahead for solid support and proper drainage based on our local snow loads.
Investing in the right workers the first time saves you headaches in spring when the melt reveals what winter covered up.
Why Local Knowledge Matters
Minnesota winters are unpredictable. One week might bring light snow, and the next a heavy blizzard with ice. Choosing someone familiar with how our seasons move makes a big difference.
• Snow patterns change from north to south. Slope angle, roof shape, and materials all need to be chosen based on what kind of weather your area of Edina collects.
• Local installers know how to adjust work for wind chills, ice dams, or fast refreezes. They’ll look for spots where snow tends to pile and where warm air from inside might try to escape, causing problems down the line.
• They’re familiar with attic ventilation and insulation strategies for our particular climate. That matters when you want your roofing system to work with your house, not against it, when the cold sets in.
Hiring someone who understands your weather means fewer surprises all winter long.
For Edina homeowners, Act Roofing & Restoration offers free inspections to help spot potential issues before starting a tile roof installation. Our team works with general contractors, architects, and residential customers to deliver strong, weather-ready tile roofs fit for Minnesota’s toughest conditions.
Make the Most of Your Roof Before the Freeze Hits
Choosing the right tile roof installer isn’t just about making your house look better. It’s about making sure your space stays protected through some of the coldest months of the year. A strong roof is your first line of defense, especially in a place like Edina, where snow and wind are part of daily life once winter hits.
Taking the time to work with someone who understands tile, cold weather, and local conditions helps you avoid common problems and save time in the long run. If you’re thinking about adding tile, plan ahead and make sure the install is done safely, properly, and with the winter months in mind.
Planning for a tile roof this winter means getting it done right the first time. Cold temps and heavy snow mean there’s no room for mistakes, especially when your home in Edina takes the brunt of it. We’ve worked through plenty of winter installs and know what it takes to get the job sealed up tight. When you need experienced tile roof installers who understand our local weather and build for it, Act Roofing & Restoration is here to help. Give us a call and let’s talk about what your roof needs before the next storm hits.