Juneau Roofing That Holds Up to Whatever the Sky Throws Down
Southeast Alaska roofs take a beating. Heavy snow loads, constant rain, salt air, and — yes — bird damage that most contractors outside the region have never even seen. We've been working on Juneau roofs for over two decades, and we know exactly what fails here and why.
What We Do When Your Roof Needs Attention
Whether you're dealing with active leaks, missing or damaged shingles, ice and snow buildup, or a roof that's simply past its service life, we handle the full range of roofing work — repair and full replacement. We work on residential roofs across Juneau, Douglas, and ferry-accessible communities including Gustavus and Haines.
- Shingle repair and full roof replacement
- Leak diagnosis and targeted repair
- Flashing repair and replacement
- Roof deck inspection and structural repair
- Emergency snow removal to prevent collapse
- Post-storm damage assessment
- Bird damage repair (a real issue in Southeast Alaska)
- Gutter repair and integration with new roofing work
Why Southeast Alaska Roofing Is Its Own Specialty
A roof that performs in Phoenix or Portland isn't necessarily built for what Juneau
dishes out. Our climate combines high annual rainfall, heavy seasonal snow loads, persistent moisture, and salt-laden air — conditions that accelerate wear on materials that would last decades elsewhere.
We've completed over $65,000 in emergency snow removal work in a single three-week stretch. We've repaired roofs where ravens and other birds have systematically worked through the surface layer. We know which materials hold up here and which ones don't — and we'll tell you straight.
Our owner Kinnon Scharen was born and raised in Juneau and has 22 years of construction experience in this specific climate. That local knowledge isn't a marketing line. It's the difference between a repair that lasts and one that fails at the next big storm.
Recognized as Juneau's Best — Twice
Glacier Bear Construction has earned Best of Juneau gold awards in roofing in both 2024 and 2026. We're BBB accredited and licensed under Professional License #216211. When you hire us for roofing work, you're hiring a contractor that Juneau homeowners have consistently recognized as the best in the category.
What Does a Roof Replacement in Juneau Actually Cost?
Roofing costs vary based on roof size, pitch, current deck condition, and material selection. We provide free on-site estimates so you get a real number based on your actual roof — not a ballpark pulled from a national average that has nothing to do with Southeast Alaska labor and material costs. We'll walk you through your options and tell you honestly whether a repair will get you where you need to go or whether replacement is the smarter investment.
We Also Serve Smaller Southeast Alaska Communities
If you're in Douglas, Gustavus, or Haines and you've struggled to find a qualified contractor willing to make the trip, we're familiar with that problem. We serve ferry-accessible communities across the region and are experienced with the logistics of working outside Juneau proper. Reach out and we'll talk through what's involved.
Common Roofing Questions from Juneau Homeowners
How do I know if my roof needs repair or full replacement?
If your roof is under 15 years old and the damage is isolated — a few missing shingles, a flashing failure, a single leak point — repair is usually the right call. If you're seeing widespread granule loss, sagging, multiple active leaks, or the roof is approaching the end of its rated lifespan, replacement is typically the better long-term investment. We'll give you an honest read when we come out.How much snow on my roof is too much?
As a general rule, most residential roofs in Juneau are engineered for local snow load requirements, but accumulated wet snow — which is what we get here — is significantly heavier than the dry powder people picture. If you're seeing visible deflection in the roofline, hearing unusual cracking sounds, or the snow depth is substantial and the forecast calls for more, it's worth a call. We offer emergency snow removal and can assess whether your roof is under stress.Do you repair roofs in Gustavus and Haines, or just Juneau?
We do. We serve ferry-accessible communities across Southeast Alaska, including Gustavus and Haines. Scheduling and logistics work a bit differently for travel jobs, so contact us early and we'll work out the details together.What roofing materials do you recommend for Southeast Alaska?
For most Juneau homes, we recommend materials rated for high-moisture and high-wind environments. Metal roofing performs exceptionally well in our climate — it sheds snow, resists moss and algae, and holds up against the salt air. Architectural asphalt shingles are also a solid choice when properly installed with the right underlayment. We'll make a specific recommendation based on your roof's pitch, exposure, and your budget.Are you licensed and insured for roofing work in Alaska?
Yes. We're licensed under Alaska Professional License #216211 and BBB accredited. We carry the appropriate insurance for residential roofing work. You can ask for documentation at any point — we're happy to provide it.
Glacier Bear Construction is a Juneau-born, locally owned residential contractor with 22 years of hands-on experience in Southeast Alaska's rainforest climate. Owner Kinnon Scharen has built the company around honest work, fast turnarounds, and the kind of local knowledge that only comes from spending your whole life in this region. We're BBB accredited, hold Professional License #216211, and have earned six Best of Juneau gold awards across roofing, remodeling, and homebuilding. Learn more about who we are on our about page.
