Common Roof Leak Repairs: Vent Pipe Repairs Done Right!

Unforeseen leaks in your roofing system can be a persistent headache, and one of the common issues are vent pipe repairs.

If you look at your home’s roof, you’re likely to see several vent pipes protruding from the flat surfaces. These vent pipes allow gases to safely exit your home. The gases originate in bathrooms and kitchens, travel up through the venting pipe, and exit the home where the pipe empties above the roof.

A properly ventilated roof creates a balance between air intake and air exhaust. Without proper attic ventilation, numerous problems with temperature and moisture can arise and the lifetime of your roof may be significantly shortened—one of them being ice dams which form when ice builds up in your eaves and gutters causing them to buckle or fall off under the weight, leading to expensive damage to your home.

Hence, maintaining a healthy vent pipe system is critical to your roof’s health—this may include ridge vents, soffit vents, gable vents, and powered attic fans.

Yet, aside from skylights and chimneys, roof vents are one of the most common causes of roof leaks. It is then critical that when trying to pinpoint the source of a roof leak, you examine your vent pipes besides other penetrations in the roof.

Common Roof Leak Repairs: Vent Pipe Repairs Done Right!

Common Roof Leaks: Damaged vent pipe collars

Typically, vent pipe leaks occur at the collar surrounding the base of the vent pipe where it breaks through the surface of the roofing material. These collars consist of a metal base, generally made out of aluminum, and a rubber boot integrated into the top of the collar.

The collar’s job is to create a tight seal, keeping rainwater and debris from getting into your attic. Over time, through exposure to the sun and harsh weather, the rubber boot may wear out and deteriorate or split. Rusty and cracked vent pipe collars will allow the water to first pool around, then seep through the interior walls of your home causing great damage.

Deterioration of the underlying metal flashing and roof cement around vent pipes is also a common occurrence.

Bottom line: If the collar is cracked or damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Common Roofing Damage: Roof Leak Around Vent Pipe

Not all collar leaks are due to bad rubber boots, of course. Water can also enter your home if the roof vent itself has been disrupted. During a rainstorm, some rain will fall directly into the open end of the vent pipe. This rainwater makes its way down the vent and ultimately to your home’s sewer line. If there are leaks in the elbows or joints on this line, water can seep out and cause interior damage.

Bottom line: Water can also get in if the roof vent itself has been damaged.

Need Help With Handling Vent Pipe Repairs?

If you are dealing with a roof leak around vent pipes, you’ll need the help of a roofing contractor experienced in roof leak repairs. Here’s what you can expect from a professional:

• A thorough inspection of your vent pipes (and often an entire roof) to evaluate the extend of the damage.
• Removal of shingles above and around the pipe followed by the removal of the old flashing base.
• Pipe collar and underlying flashing replacement.
• Application of the roofing cement to the newly installed flashing to cover small openings and cracks.
• Replacement or re-installment of surrounding shingles.

Whether you need vent pipe repairs or your roof replaced, hiring an experienced roofing contractor is key to a long-lasting roof. Contact the experts at All Roofing Solutions, your Delaware & Pennsylvania roofing specialists. We have the knowledge required to accurately diagnose and repair any issues with your vents.

Why Choose All Roofing Solutions

• Family-owned and operated Delaware & Pennsylvania roofing contractor.
• Fully licensed and insured.
• Over 25 years of experience with roofing & siding installation and repair.
• A+ rated BBB member
• Complimentary Extended Material warranty
• 30-year workmanship guarantee on full roof replacements
• Lien Waiver to protect the homeowners from material liens
• Own crew—no subcontractors!
• Full-service roofer handling all types of residential and commercial roofing, windows & siding projects.
• Most re-roofing projects are completed in one day.
• Because we are efficient we are able to offer very competitive prices compared to large contractors with bigger overhead.
• Each roofing/siding project includes a meticulously performed, post-roofing inspection. We want to make sure that your roof replacement is done correctly and that it meets your complete satisfaction.
• The company owner supervises all projects to ensure high-quality workmanship.
• Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed!