Experts Answer 10 Commonly Asked Questions About Roof Leaks

Roof and shingles damaged from water leak

Will Roof Leak With Missing Shingles?

A roof with missing shingles is more likely to leak because shingles serve as a protective barrier against water, snow, wind, and other weather conditions. When shingles are missing, rain can seep into exposed areas leading to leaks. The severity of the leak depends on how many shingles are missing and the extent of the exposure. We recommend as quickly as possible to prevent further damaging your roof and home.

How To Fix Roof Leak

We recommend having an expert from Cardinal take a look at your roof leak. From there, we can help you determine the scope of the repair and the proper materials to use. Incorrectly assessing a roof leak can cause mold, damage, and/or electrical hazards.

Why Is Roof Leaking?

Many reasons could cause a roof to leak such as:

Damaged or missing shingles
Worn Flashing
Clogged or damaged gutters
Roof age / Wear and tear
Ice dams

Will Insurance Cover A Roof Leak?

Most standard homeowner’s insurance policies cover roof leaks if they result from sudden and accidental events, such as windstorms, hail damage, falling objects (e.g., tree branches), or fire. If you have questions, Cardinal can help you navigate your home insurance plan and have conversations with your insurance company regarding damages.

Can Roof Leak Cause Mold?

Yes, roof leaks can cause mold growth. When water from a leak enters your home and dampens materials like drywall, insulation, and wood, it creates an ideal environment for mold to grow. This can be furthered by warm attics or attics with ventilation issues. This is one of many reasons why you should address roof leaks immediately. Mold exposure can negatively impact health.

Can Roof Leak Cause Electrical Fire?

It is possible that a roof leak can cause an electrical fire. Here are a couple of ways that may occur:

Short-Circuiting: If water reaches electrical wiring, junction boxes, or outlets.
Electrical Arcing: Water could cause electricity to jump from one conductor to another by coming in contact with wires or causing damage to wire insulation.

Damage To Electrical Fixtures: Water could cause issues if it comes into contact with outlets, switches, or lighting fixtures.
Electrical Panels: If water comes into contact with a breaker box, that could cause a short circuit or overheating.
Corrosion Of Electrical Components: Even if the water itself doesn’t directly cause a fire, it can damage electronics or electrical systems making them more prone to issues.

What To Do If There’s A Roof Leak?

First, the most important thing to do is to stop the leak, even if it is only a temporary fix such as using a bucket to catch water. If you cannot temporarily stop the leak or don’t feel comfortable, Cardinal Exteriors can help. Once the leak is under control, Cardinal can help assess the damage and determine the cause. From there, we can help you select the best option for moving forward.

What Does A Roof Leak Look Like?

Some roof leaks are more apparent than others, but here are some signs that there is likely a water issue with your roof:

Signs Inside The Home

Water Stains on Ceilings and Walls
Dripping Water
Peeling or Bubbling Paint/Wallpaper
Sagging Ceilings
Mold or Mildew Growth
Damp or Musty Smell

Signs On the Roof Itself

Missing or Damaged Shingles
Cracked or Rusted Flashing
Water Pooling
Gutter Overflow or Ice Dams
Exposed Roof Decking

Signs In The Attic

Wet Insulation
Water Stains on Rafters or Ceiling
Mold or Mildew in the Attic

Roof Leak Repair Cost

The repair cost for a roof leak has a lot of variables such as the type of roof, your insurance, and the extent of the damage. When it comes to determining price it’s best to go over the various factors with a sales professional for Cardinal rather than guessing how much it will cost.

Repair Roof Leak Near Me

Homes are the largest investment for most people and one of the most important pieces of the home to protect is the roof. Whether you need a roof repair or replacement for your Minnesota home, Cardinal Exteriors And Home Services is a company obsessed with customer satisfaction. We offer a simple process, transparency, and high-quality results.

For more information, contact us or follow us on social media!