Case Study: Fixing a Bad Roofing Job on a Burnsville Townhouse

This particular townhouse community in Burnsville had been through a rough patch. A previous roofing contractor had taken on the job of re-roofing the entire complex, but the results were far from satisfactory. Residents started noticing water seeping into their units from multiple spots, turning what should have been a straightforward upgrade into an ongoing headache. Compounding the issue, some windows had been replaced around the same time, but those installations left much to be desired, allowing even more moisture intrusion. We stepped in to assess and resolve these issues.

Uncovering the Root Causes of Water Damage

Our team conducted a thorough inspection when we arrived on site. We found a series of common but critical errors that happen when a roofer is rushed or inexperienced. The original re-roofing had overlooked several unique architectural features of the townhouses, particularly in areas where the roof design included valleys and transitions between different pitches.

One major red flag was the handling of low-slope sections. In roofing, pitch refers to the steepness of the roof, measured in ratios like 2/12, which means the roof rises 2 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal run. Anything below that threshold requires specialized materials to prevent water pooling and leaks. Unfortunately, the previous crew had installed standard shingles in several valleys where the pitch dipped below this minimum. This led to water accumulation, which eventually found its way into the interiors, causing damage in multiple units.

Additionally, the flat roof sections (common in many Burnsville townhouse designs for added architectural interest) had been improperly installed. There were significant gaps and openings that acted like invitations for water intrusion, especially during heavy rains or snowmelt. The window replacements exacerbated the problem; improper sealing around the frames allowed water to track along the walls and into the roofing structure, creating a domino effect of deterioration.

These issues aren’t unique to this Burnsville community, but they highlight a broader problem in the Twin Cities area. Not all contractors prioritize the nuances of local building codes and climate demands. Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on subpar work, turning minor oversights into major repair bills.

Repairs and Proper Materials for a Long-Lasting Roof

We believe in doing the job right the first time. Our crew started by carefully removing the shingles in the problematic valleys where the pitch was insufficient. This wasn’t a demolition job. We methodically stripped away the faulty materials to expose the underlying issues without causing further damage.

In these low-slope areas, standard asphalt shingles simply aren’t up to the task. Instead, we installed a high-quality rubber membrane system, designed specifically for flat or near-flat roofs. This material provides a seamless, waterproof barrier that’s flexible enough to handle temperature fluctuations without cracking. It’s a go-to solution for Minnesota roofs, where ice dams and heavy precipitation are par for the course.

Next, we tackled the flat roof that had been left vulnerable. The previous installation had major openings, so we completely replaced it with a properly sealed system, incorporating reinforced edges and integrated drainage to direct water away from the structure. Throughout the process, our focus was on tying everything together seamlessly. This meant using the right roofing materials for each transition, whether from steep to low pitch, or from roof to wall.

A key element of our success was emphasizing proper flashing. Flashing is the unsung hero of any roofing project. It’s the metal or membrane strips that seal joints and edges, preventing water from sneaking in. In this Burnsville project, we installed custom flashing around valleys, chimneys, and window integrations, ensuring no gaps were left behind. We also paid close attention to material compatibility; mixing shingles with rubber membranes requires precise layering and adhesion to avoid weak points.

For the window-related leaks, we coordinated repairs to reseal the frames, integrating them with the new roofing elements. This holistic approach ensured that the entire envelope of the townhouse was protected, not just isolated sections.

Why Proper Transitions and Materials Matter

In places like Burnsville, developers build townhouses with complex rooflines to maximize space and aesthetics. Transitions between different roof pitches and materials are crucial. Using the wrong products here can lead to premature failure, as water naturally seeks the path of least resistance. For instance, on slopes under 2/12, shingles alone can’t provide adequate protection; they need to be paired with underlayments or membranes that create a continuous seal.

Our team at The Kingdom Builders always selects materials based on the specific demands of the project and location. In Minnesota, this means opting for products rated for cold-weather performance, with strong UV resistance for those sunny summer days. Proper tying-in of materials (such as overlapping shingles with membranes in a staggered pattern) creates a unified system that moves with the building, reducing the risk of cracks or separations over time.

This attention to detail fixed the immediate leaks and extended the lifespan of the roof, potentially saving the community thousands in future repairs. Residents reported immediate relief from the water issues, and the overall aesthetic of the townhouses was preserved.

Partner with The Kingdom Builders for Your Townhome Roofing Needs

Projects like this one in Burnsville remind us why we love what we do: transforming problematic situations into secure, beautiful homes. If you’re dealing with roofing issues in your townhouse or any property in the Minnesota south metro, don’t wait for things to get worse.

Contact The Kingdom Builders today for a free consultation. Whether it’s a full re-roof, repairs to low-slope areas, or integrating windows with your roofing system, we’re here to ensure your home stands strong against whatever nature throws at it.