Short answer: As of September 2026, the five highest-scoring roofing contractors in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI metro on The Roofing Brief Contractor Score are Elite Exteriors LLC (85.0), Ridge Top Exteriors, Inc. (80.1), Exterior Pros LLC (79.9), Evansen Builders, LLC (78.0), Roofed Right America LLC (76.2). Every one holds a manufacturer certification that can be verified independently, every rating below has been corroborated against at least one source outside the certification registry, and no company paid to appear here.
The Roofing Brief scored 9 certified roofing contractors serving the Milwaukee metro on a published, reproducible formula, then researched each of the top five individually to confirm its record. Wisconsin issues no roofing-specific licence, but anyone pulling a residential building permit must hold a Dwelling Contractor certification from the Department of Safety and Professional Services, and the company must also hold or employ a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier. Both are required; one without the other is not sufficient, and a contractor lacking either cannot legally pull your permit. Milwaukee is also a hard freeze-thaw market on Lake Michigan, so ventilation, insulation and ice-and-water barrier at the eaves determine roof life more than shingle grade does.
Quick picks for Milwaukee:
- Elite Exteriors LLC: best for ice dam problems (TRB Score 85.0). Verified services: siding, windows.
- Ridge Top Exteriors, Inc.: most-reviewed firm (TRB Score 80.1). Verified services: roof repair, commercial roofing, siding, gutters, windows.
- Exterior Pros LLC: best multi-year award record (TRB Score 79.9). Verified services: siding, windows, gutters.
- Evansen Builders, LLC: best for supervised crews (TRB Score 78.0). Verified services: gutters, siding, windows.
- Roofed Right America LLC: best for Milwaukee commercial buildings (TRB Score 76.2). Verified services: commercial roofing.
Hail, codes and what they cost a Milwaukee homeowner
Wisconsin does not license roofers by trade, but it does control who can pull your permit. Anyone obtaining a building permit for residential work must hold a dwelling contractor certification and a dwelling contractor qualifier certification, the latter requiring approved coursework in dwelling construction. In Milwaukee, the city generally requires a permit for a full tear-off and replacement, while an overlay where one is permitted may not need one. Ask which certifications the company holds and who will be named on the permit, because that is the person the state holds responsible.
Wisconsin’s ice dam rule is unusually specific, and it is worth quoting back to a contractor. Under the state’s Uniform Dwelling Code, shingled roofs over a heated area with a slope of 4:12 or less require ice dam protection that extends at least 30 inches up the slope from the roof edge and at least 12 inches beyond the inner face of the exterior wall. Steeper roofs are not exempt from the physics, only from that clause, so ask what protection is proposed at the eaves and in the valleys regardless of pitch.
Hail is the main storm risk, and it arrives in spring. The metro logged 234 hail reports over the decade, 141 of them an inch or larger, topped by 2.75-inch stones at Cedarburg and 2.5-inch hail at Jackson on 7 April 2020. Severe wind reports number 206 and tornadoes just ten, with a gust of 82 mph measured at Timmerman Airport in June 2025. That balance argues for impact resistance being worth a quote, and for wind uplift details mattering less here than in the Ohio Valley or the Plains.
Freeze and thaw is what actually shortens roof life in this climate. Water that sits in gutters and valleys, then freezes, works at seams and fastener heads, and attic heat loss accelerates it by melting snow that refreezes at the eaves. The practical checklist for a Milwaukee roof is therefore an ice barrier at eaves and valleys, adequate intake and exhaust ventilation, insulation that keeps the deck cold, and gutters sized and pitched to drain before the next freeze. Ask for each of those to be priced explicitly.
The 5 best roofers in Milwaukee, WI
Scored 2026-09-15. The metro mean rating used as the Bayesian prior for Milwaukee is 4.789, across a pool of 9 certified contractors.
| Rank | Company | TRB Score | Certification | Rating (reviews) | Adjusted | In business since | Based in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elite Exteriors LLC | 85.0 | President’s Club | 4.8 (140) | 4.797 | not published | New Berlin, WI |
| 2 | Ridge Top Exteriors, Inc. | 80.1 | Master Elite | 4.8 (1,031) | 4.799 | 2002 | Wauwatosa, WI |
| 3 | Exterior Pros LLC | 79.9 | President’s Club | 4.6 (605) | 4.614 | not published | Sussex, WI |
| 4 | Evansen Builders, LLC | 78.0 | Master Elite | 5.0 (88) | 4.924 | 1993 | New Berlin, WI |
| 5 | Roofed Right America LLC | 76.2 | Master Elite | 4.8 (116) | 4.797 | not published | Milwaukee, WI |
1. Elite Exteriors LLC: best for ice dam problems (TRB Score 85.0)
Elite Exteriors LLC is based in New Berlin, WI, BBB profile on record, and holds President’s Club standing on the GAF certification registry.
| Score component | Points | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Certification tier | 35 | 35 |
| Adjusted rating | 31.9 | 40 |
| Review corpus depth | 10.7 | 15 |
| Metro proximity | 7.4 | 10 |
| Total | 85.0 | 100 |
Independently corroborated:
- BuildZoom score 120, in the top 1% of 94,017 licensed Wisconsin contractors. BuildZoom
- Maintained an average above 4.5 stars throughout its time on the platform. Angi
- Third-generation family owned, fully licensed, insured and bonded in Wisconsin, covering roofing, siding, windows, insulation, decks and carpentry. Company
What they actually do. Roofing, siding, windows and doors, insulation, decks and carpentry across south-eastern Wisconsin.
Services we could verify: siding, windows.
Why it ranks here. A BuildZoom score of 120 places it in the top 1% of every licensed Wisconsin contractor, computed from licence and permit history rather than reviews. Third-generation family ownership, and the insulation and carpentry capability is the right combination for ice dam remediation.
Best fit for: Waukesha County homeowners, and ice dam problems requiring insulation work alongside the roof.
Verify the certification yourself on the GAF registry listing. The number carried on that listing is (262) 641-5760, which is the registry’s contact line and is often a directory tracking number rather than the contractor’s own: take the number from the company’s own website and compare the two.
2. Ridge Top Exteriors, Inc.: most-reviewed firm (TRB Score 80.1)
Ridge Top Exteriors, Inc. is based in Wauwatosa, WI, in business since 2002, BBB a+ rating, and holds Master Elite standing on the GAF certification registry.
| Score component | Points | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Certification tier | 24 | 35 |
| Adjusted rating | 32.0 | 40 |
| Review corpus depth | 15.0 | 15 |
| Metro proximity | 9.1 | 10 |
| Total | 80.1 | 100 |
Independently corroborated:
- A+ rated and committed to the BBB Standards for Trust. BBB
- 4.8 across 816 reviews. Birdeye
- Family owned and operated since 2002, covering residential and light commercial roofing, siding, gutters, gutter guards and windows, and working with insurance companies. Company
What they actually do. Residential and light commercial roofing and repair, insurance restoration, siding, gutters and windows.
Services we could verify: roof repair, commercial roofing, siding, gutters, windows.
Why it ranks here. 1,031 registry reviews is the deepest evidence base in the Milwaukee pool by a wide margin, backed by 816 on Birdeye at 4.8.
Best fit for: Milwaukee County homeowners and insurance restoration work.
What we would want clarified. This is a multi-state operator that also appears in our Tampa list. On the Tampa side, a reviewer identifying as a former sales representative states the company is now run by private equity and has declined in quality. We could not independently confirm any ownership change. Ask who owns the business and who carries the workmanship warranty obligation before signing. We publish this because a ranking that only prints the flattering findings is an advertisement, not an assessment.
Verify the certification yourself on the GAF registry listing. The number carried on that listing is (414) 895-5758, which is the registry’s contact line and is often a directory tracking number rather than the contractor’s own: take the number from the company’s own website and compare the two.
3. Exterior Pros LLC: best multi-year award record (TRB Score 79.9)
Exterior Pros LLC is based in Sussex, WI, BBB accredited, A+ rating, and holds President’s Club standing on the GAF certification registry.
| Score component | Points | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Certification tier | 35 | 35 |
| Adjusted rating | 24.6 | 40 |
| Review corpus depth | 13.8 | 15 |
| Metro proximity | 6.5 | 10 |
| Total | 79.9 | 100 |
Independently corroborated:
- A+ rated and BBB accredited. BBB
- Ten-time Angi Super Service Award winner. Awards
- Women-owned and family operated, and described as the only company in south-eastern Wisconsin to achieve President’s Club status. Standing
What they actually do. Roofing, siding, windows, doors, baths, gutters and leaf protection across south-eastern Wisconsin.
Services we could verify: siding, windows, gutters.
Why it ranks here. Ten Angi Super Service Awards is a decade of independently measured satisfaction, and the company is women-owned, which is uncommon in this trade. It carries 605 registry reviews, the second-deepest in the Milwaukee pool.
Best fit for: Homeowners weighting a sustained multi-year award record.
What we would want clarified. At 4.6 this is the lowest raw rating in the Milwaukee top five, and some reviews note communication gaps on technical details such as flashing. Ask for the flashing approach to be explained and specified in writing. We publish this because a ranking that only prints the flattering findings is an advertisement, not an assessment.
Verify the certification yourself on the GAF registry listing. The number carried on that listing is (262) 456-3530, which is the registry’s contact line and is often a directory tracking number rather than the contractor’s own: take the number from the company’s own website and compare the two.
4. Evansen Builders, LLC: best for supervised crews (TRB Score 78.0)
Evansen Builders, LLC is based in New Berlin, WI, in business since 1993, led by Douglas A. Evansen, BBB accredited since 1 November 1995, and holds Master Elite standing on the GAF certification registry.
| Score component | Points | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Certification tier | 24 | 35 |
| Adjusted rating | 36.9 | 40 |
| Review corpus depth | 9.7 | 15 |
| Metro proximity | 7.4 | 10 |
| Total | 78.0 | 100 |
Independently corroborated:
- Accredited since 1 November 1995, a 31-year unbroken accreditation. BBB
- 5.0 across 110 reviews. Birdeye
- Established 1993 by Douglas A. Evansen, with every project led by a supervisor holding a minimum of 20 years experience. Company
What they actually do. Roofing, gutters, siding, trim and vinyl windows.
Services we could verify: gutters, siding, windows.
Why it ranks here. Thirty-one years of unbroken BBB accreditation, the longest in the Milwaukee top five, and the company states every project is led by a supervisor with at least 20 years of experience. Supervision quality is what actually determines whether ice-and-water barrier is installed correctly at the eaves.
Best fit for: Homeowners who want an experienced supervisor on site rather than an unsupervised crew.
Verify the certification yourself on the GAF registry listing. The number carried on that listing is (262) 549-9700, which is the registry’s contact line and is often a directory tracking number rather than the contractor’s own: take the number from the company’s own website and compare the two.
5. Roofed Right America LLC: best for Milwaukee commercial buildings (TRB Score 76.2)
Roofed Right America LLC is based in Milwaukee, WI, Not BBB accredited, and holds Master Elite standing on the GAF certification registry.
| Score component | Points | Max |
|---|---|---|
| Certification tier | 24 | 35 |
| Adjusted rating | 31.9 | 40 |
| Review corpus depth | 10.3 | 15 |
| Metro proximity | 10.0 | 10 |
| Total | 76.2 | 100 |
Independently corroborated:
- BBB profile on record; the company is not accredited. BBB
- 119 reviews on Birdeye. Birdeye
- Long review history on Angi. Angi
What they actually do. Residential and commercial roofing across Milwaukee.
Services we could verify: commercial roofing.
Why it ranks here. 116 registry reviews at 4.8 corroborated by 119 on a second platform, with Master Elite certification, from a contractor based in Milwaukee itself.
Best fit for: Milwaukee city homeowners, and commercial buildings.
What we would want clarified. Not BBB accredited, so there is no complaint record to read. Wisconsin’s Dwelling Contractor Qualifier credential involves a course but no trade exam, so ask for the manufacturer certification and the certificate of insurance from the insurer directly. We publish this because a ranking that only prints the flattering findings is an advertisement, not an assessment.
Verify the certification yourself on the GAF registry listing. The number carried on that listing is (414) 749-0100, which is the registry’s contact line and is often a directory tracking number rather than the contractor’s own: take the number from the company’s own website and compare the two.
Roof replacement and repair in Milwaukee, WI
Short answer: In greater Milwaukee, consider Elite Exteriors for ice dam problems needing insulation work, Ridge Top Exteriors for the deepest review record, Exterior Pros for a decade of Angi awards, Evansen Builders for experienced on-site supervision, or Roofed Right America for Milwaukee city homes and commercial buildings. The rule that matters most: whoever pulls your permit must hold both a Wisconsin Dwelling Contractor certification and a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier.
Hail is the main storm risk around Milwaukee, and it arrives in spring. The metro logged 234 hail reports over the decade, 141 of them an inch or larger, topped by 2.75 inch stones at Cedarburg and 2.5 inch hail at Jackson on 7 April 2020. Severe wind reports number 206 and tornadoes just ten, with a gust of 82 mph measured at Timmerman Airport in June 2025. That balance argues for impact resistance being worth a quote. Freeze and thaw is what actually shortens roof life here: water that freezes in gutters and valleys works at seams and fastener heads, and attic heat loss melts snow that refreezes at the eaves.
In Milwaukee the city generally requires a permit for a full tear-off and replacement, while an overlay where one is permitted may not need one. Under SPS 321.28(6) of the Uniform Dwelling Code, a new covering may not go over an existing one that is water soaked or deteriorated, that is wood shake, slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile, or that already has two or more layers. The code requires ice dam protection on shingled roofs over heated space with a slope of 4:12 or less, extending at least 30 inches up the slope and 12 inches beyond the inner face of the exterior wall; on steeper roofs it is a choice, not a rule.
Wisconsin does not license roofers by trade, but anyone pulling a residential building permit must hold a Dwelling Contractor certification, and the company must hold or employ a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier. Under Wis. Stat. 100.65 a contractor may not promise to pay or rebate your insurance deductible, may not negotiate your claim for you, and must give you a cancellation form; you may cancel within three business days of a written denial of all or part of the claim. Each violation carries a forfeiture of $500 to $1,000. Wisconsin’s claim settlement rules contain no matching requirement.
Elite Exteriors pairs roofing with insulation and carpentry, the right combination for ice dam remediation. Ridge Top Exteriors does residential and light commercial roofing and repair, with 1,031 registry reviews; ask who owns the business and who carries the workmanship warranty. Exterior Pros covers roofing, siding, windows and gutters, but some reviews note communication gaps on flashing, so get the flashing approach in writing. Evansen Builders says every project is led by a supervisor with at least 20 years of experience. Roofed Right America is based in Milwaukee and does residential and commercial roofing.
| Rule | What applies | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Dwelling Contractor certification | Required to pull a residential building permit; new applicants complete a 12-hour approved course; general liability of at least $250,000 per occurrence or a surety bond of at least $5,000. | Wisconsin DSPS |
| Dwelling Contractor Qualifier | The company must hold or employ one; renews every two years on 12 hours of continuing education. | Wisconsin DSPS |
| Reroof permit | Generally required for a full tear-off and replacement; an overlay where permitted may not need one. | City of Milwaukee |
| Recover limits | No new covering over a water soaked or deteriorated roof, over wood shake, slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile, or over two or more layers. | SPS 321.28(6) |
| Ice dam protection | Shingled roofs over heated space at 4:12 or less: at least 30 inches up the slope and 12 inches beyond the inner face of the exterior wall. | Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code |
| Deductible, claims and cancellation | No paying or rebating the deductible, no negotiating the claim; cancel within three business days of a written denial; forfeiture of $500 to $1,000 per violation. | Wis. Stat. 100.65 |
| 25 percent rule | None. Reroofing limits are set in SPS 321.28(6); the UDC covers one and two family homes begun on or after June 1, 1980. | SPS 321.28(6); SPS 320.05 |
Related guides: roof replacement cost in Wisconsin; the 25% roofing rule in Wisconsin and every other state; how to decide between roof repair and replacement; how to read and compare a roof replacement quote; how to compare roof repair quotes; what homeowners insurance covers on a roof.
The 141 inch-plus hail reports behind a Milwaukee roof
Aggregate hail counts tell you very little about a specific roof. These are the individual events: every severe-weather report logged by the National Weather Service across the 4 counties of the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI statistical area over ten years, with the dates, the stone sizes and the towns they landed on. Over that decade the metro logged 234 hail reports, 206 severe thunderstorm and high wind reports and 10 tornadoes. Reported property damage from hail, severe wind and tornado over that decade totalled $1.2 million; flood and winter-storm losses are counted separately and are not included.
The biggest hail to fall on Milwaukee in a decade
| Date | Stone size | Reported near | County |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 April 2020 | 2.75 in | Cedarburg | Ozaukee |
| 7 April 2020 | 2.5 in | Jackson | Washington |
| 7 April 2020 | 2.5 in | Kirchhayn | Washington |
| 7 April 2020 | 2.0 in | Grafton | Ozaukee |
| 15 May 2025 | 2.0 in | Big Bend | Waukesha |
| 18 April 2025 | 2.0 in | North Prairie | Waukesha |
The largest stone on record for this metro fell on 7 April 2020 near Cedarburg, measured at 2.75 inches. That is baseball sized, comfortably past the point where a roof is written off rather than repaired.
Wind. The strongest thunderstorm gust logged in the metro was 71 knots, about 82 mph, near Milwaukee Timmerman Airport on 29 June 2025. Asphalt shingles begin lifting at roughly 67 mph when they are correctly nailed, and considerably below that when they are not.
Tornadoes. 10 tornadoes touched down in these counties over the decade, the strongest rated EF1 near Utica on 1 October 2019.
What the National Weather Service wrote about it
The NWS logs a written account of each severe-weather episode. This is its description of the 29 June 2025 event near Milwaukee Timmerman Airport, reproduced verbatim:
AWOS station at Milwaukee Lawrence-Timmerman Airport measured a wind gusts of 82 mph. A small plane was tipped over. Sporadic tree damage was noted in the neighborhoods surrounding the airport along with power outages.
A roof in this metro is built against events like that one, as recorded by the agency that recorded it rather than by a contractor selling the repair.
When it happens. Severe weather reports cluster in June (98), May (85), April (80). The worst years on record were 2022 (72), 2024 (70), 2025 (54). If you are scheduling non-urgent work in Milwaukee, the months outside that window are when crews are least stretched and least likely to be triaging emergency callouts ahead of your job.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, county-level detail files 2016 to 2025, filtered to the counties of this statistical area by The Roofing Brief. Damage figures are as reported to the NWS and undercount insured losses.
What to do with this. Milwaukee sees enough damaging hail that a Class 4 impact-rated shingle is worth pricing, though not automatically worth buying. Get both quotes and weigh the premium against any insurance discount.
The checks worth making in Milwaukee
Licensing is required in WI. Wisconsin does not issue a roofing-specific licence, but anyone pulling a building permit for work on a one- or two-family dwelling must hold a Dwelling Contractor certification from the Department of Safety and Professional Services, and the company must also hold or employ a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier. An owner who lives in the home may pull their own permit.
Since 1 November 2022 the Dwelling Contractor certificate itself requires new applicants to complete a 12-hour approved course in accounting, lien law, ethics and business practice, and it needs general liability insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence or a surety bond of at least $5,000, plus workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance where required; a contractor relying on a bond under $25,000 may not take a job larger than the bond. The Qualifier renews every two years on 12 hours of continuing education. Under Wis. Stat. 100.65 a contractor may not promise to pay or rebate your insurance deductible, may not negotiate your claim for you, and must give you a cancellation form; you may cancel within three business days of a written denial of all or part of the claim. Each violation carries a forfeiture of $500 to $1,000.
Check here: Wisconsin DSPS credential verification. Ask for both credentials: a Dwelling Contractor certification without a Qualifier cannot legally pull your permit. The Uniform Dwelling Code requires ice dam protection on shingle and shake roofs only where the slope is 4:12 or less over heated space or an attached garage, running at least 30 inches up the slope and 12 inches past the inner face of the wall, so on steeper roofs it is a choice, not a rule.
For what a full replacement costs across Wisconsin, including state labor rates and permit rules, see our Wisconsin roof replacement cost guide.
Four checks to run before you sign anything, in any state.
- Verify certification at the source. Use the GAF verification tool rather than trusting a badge image on a company website.
- Get the certificate of insurance from the insurer, not the contractor, and confirm general liability and workers compensation are both active on the day work starts.
- Confirm who pulls the permit. If a contractor asks you to pull it as the homeowner, that moves liability onto you. Decline.
- Get warranty terms in writing before any deposit, and check the manufacturer warranty being promised actually requires the certification tier the contractor holds.
The Milwaukee market behind this ranking
9 certified roofing contractors serve the principal cities of the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI statistical area, of which 2 hold the top President’s Club tier. The pool carries 3,206 customer reviews between them at a mean rating of 4.789. The statistical area had a 2024 population of 1,574,452, a change of -0.02% against the 2020 census base, per the U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 estimates.
How these Milwaukee rankings were produced
Every contractor in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI pool was scored out of 100 on four published components: certification tier, a Bayesian adjusted rating, review depth and distance from the metro centre. In this metro that meant scoring 9 certified contractors, of whom 2 hold President’s Club standing and 7 Master Elite, against a metro mean rating of 4.789. The top five were then researched individually against Better Business Bureau records, state licence registers and manufacturer directories. Where that research turned up something awkward it is on the page, and no placement was paid for.
The full method, the weightings, what the GAF certification tiers actually mean, who is eligible to be ranked and what we do not claim are all set out on our roofer ranking methodology page. Last updated: September 2026. Scoring run: 2026-09-15. Corrections go to the editor and are actioned on verification.
Questions Milwaukee homeowners ask
Who is the best roofer in Milwaukee, WI?
Elite Exteriors LLC of New Berlin, WI scores highest in the Milwaukee metro on The Roofing Brief Contractor Score, at 85.0 out of 100 as of September 2026. It holds President’s Club certification with a 4.8 rating across 140 reviews. Highest-scoring is not the same as best fit for your specific job, and the four companies behind it score within 8.8 points.
What is the 25% rule for roofing in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has no 25 percent roof rule. The Uniform Dwelling Code sets reroofing limits in SPS 321.28(6): no new covering over one that is water soaked or deteriorated, that is wood shake, slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile, or that already has two or more layers. The UDC does not apply to homes begun before June 1, 1980, or to repairs and maintenance, unless your municipality adopts it for that work.
Do I need a permit to replace a roof in Milwaukee?
Generally yes for a full tear-off and replacement; an overlay where one is permitted may not need one. Whoever pulls the permit must hold a Dwelling Contractor certification and the company must hold or employ a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier, so ask who will be named on the permit.
Can I cancel a roofing contract in Wisconsin if my insurance claim is denied?
Yes. Under Wis. Stat. 100.65 the contractor must give you a cancellation form, and you may cancel within three business days of a written denial of all or part of the claim. The same law bars a contractor from promising to pay or rebate your deductible.
How do I stop ice dams on a Milwaukee roof?
Ask for an ice barrier at the eaves and valleys, adequate intake and exhaust ventilation, insulation that keeps the deck cold, and gutters sized and pitched to drain before the next freeze, each priced explicitly. On roofs of 4:12 or less over heated space, Wisconsin’s code requires ice dam protection at least 30 inches up the slope.
How many certified roofing contractors serve Milwaukee?
9 contractors on the GAF certification registry serve the principal cities of the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI statistical area as of September 2026, of which 2 hold President’s Club status.
How much damaging hail does Milwaukee get?
The Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI statistical area recorded 142 hail reports of 1 inch or larger and 6 of 2 inches or larger between 2016 and 2025 in the NOAA Storm Events Database. The largest hailstone reported measured 2.75 inches.
Did any contractor pay to appear on this list?
No. The Roofing Brief takes no placement fees, no lead fees and no affiliate commission from any roofing contractor. Ranking comes entirely from the published formula applied to public registry data, followed by an individual research pass on the top five.
What was the worst hailstorm in Milwaukee in the last ten years?
The largest hailstone logged by the National Weather Service in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI statistical area between 2016 and 2025 measured 2.75 inches, reported near Cedarburg on 7 April 2020. That is baseball sized, comfortably past the point where a roof is written off rather than repaired. Across the decade the metro recorded 234 hail reports. Reported property damage from hail, severe wind and tornado over that decade totalled $1.2 million; flood and winter-storm losses are counted separately and are not included.
When is the worst time of year for roof damage in Milwaukee?
Severe-weather reports in the Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI statistical area cluster in June, May, April, on the NOAA record for 2016 to 2025. Outside those months local crews are not triaging storm damage, so lead times are shorter and scheduling is easier.
Do roofers need a licence in WI?
Wisconsin does not issue a roofing-specific licence, but anyone pulling a building permit for work on a one- or two-family dwelling must hold a Dwelling Contractor certification from the Department of Safety and Professional Services, and the company must also hold or employ a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier. An owner who lives in the home may pull their own permit. Since 1 November 2022 the Dwelling Contractor certificate itself requires new applicants to complete a 12-hour approved course in accounting, lien law, ethics and business practice, and it needs general liability insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence or a surety bond of at least $5,000, plus workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance where required; a contractor relying on a bond under $25,000 may not take a job larger than the bond. The Qualifier renews every two years on 12 hours of continuing education. Under Wis. Stat. 100.65 a contractor may not promise to pay or rebate your insurance deductible, may not negotiate your claim for you, and must give you a cancellation form; you may cancel within three business days of a written denial of all or part of the claim. Each violation carries a forfeiture of $500 to $1,000.
What should I check before hiring a roofer in Milwaukee?
Ask for both credentials: a Dwelling Contractor certification without a Qualifier cannot legally pull your permit. The Uniform Dwelling Code requires ice dam protection on shingle and shake roofs only where the slope is 4:12 or less over heated space or an attached garage, running at least 30 inches up the slope and 12 inches past the inner face of the wall, so on steeper roofs it is a choice, not a rule.
Is Milwaukee a hard market to find a good roofer in?
Wisconsin issues no roofing-specific licence, but anyone pulling a residential building permit must hold a Dwelling Contractor certification from the Department of Safety and Professional Services, and the company must also hold or employ a Dwelling Contractor Qualifier. Both are required; one without the other is not sufficient, and a contractor lacking either cannot legally pull your permit. Milwaukee is also a hard freeze-thaw market on Lake Michigan, so ventilation, insulation and ice-and-water barrier at the eaves determine roof life more than shingle grade does.
Roofer rankings for other metros
The Roofing Brief scores certified roofing contractors in U.S. metropolitan and micropolitan areas on the same formula.
- Best roofers in Racine, WI, about 25 miles from Milwaukee
- Best roofers in Kenosha, WI, about 33 miles from Milwaukee
- Best roofers in Sheboygan, WI, about 48 miles from Milwaukee
- Best roofers in Janesville, WI, another WI metro on the same formula
- Best roofers in Oshkosh, WI, another WI metro on the same formula
- Best roofers in Raleigh, NC, a metro of comparable size
- Best roofers in Oklahoma City, OK, a metro of comparable size
See the full index of metro roofer rankings, or read how to find and vet a roofing contractor anywhere in the country.
Cite this analysis
The Roofing Brief. “Best Roofers in Milwaukee, WI: The Roofing Brief Contractor Score.” Published September 2026. Inputs: GAF certification registry; NOAA Storm Events Database 2016-2025; U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 population estimates; Better Business Bureau and independent review-platform records for each ranked contractor.