Skylights look great, but they’re one of the biggest sources of leaks in any roof.
The same is true of vent pipes. Let’s look at this issue and what you can do about it.
Why Are Skylights and Vent Pipes So Prone to Leaks?
Skylights and vent pipes might not seem very similar, but they have things in common that can make them the scourge of your roof. Any projecting feature on your roof is weaker than the surrounding surface, and these projections need to be specially reinforced. The roof’s integrity depends on it.
Skylights and vent pipes can start to leak as a result of wind or hail strikes since they are more vulnerable to weather damage than the rest of the roof. But sometimes, these leaks spring up “out of nowhere” just because the pipe or the surrounding metal flashing has become warped over time.
That’s caused by shifting outside temperatures, so there’s not much you can do to avoid it.
What to Do First if You Have a Leaky Skylight or Vent Pipe
If you notice leaks with a skylight or vent pipe, the first thing you should do is control the situation by making sure you have a bucket or a towel covering the affected area on the floor. After that, you can asses whether a repair is possible or if you need help from an Austin roofing contractor.
If you have a leaky skylight, look closely for signs the glass itself is cracked. Glass repair requires a specialist. Even what seems to be a hairline crack can be big enough to let rain through, and you will probably need full replacement on the cracked pane. Check with your Austin roofing contractor to see if skylight repair is available.
If there’s no sign of cracks in the glass itself, then the flashing is most likely to blame. Flashing is metal material that reinforces the point where a projecting element joins the roof. Generally speaking, you’ll need to replace the flashing around any element every 3-5 years.
If you have a leaky vent pipe, check to see if you notice any bends in the flashing. Remember, flashing is the cause in 90% of cases. What about that last 10%? You might need an all-new vent pipe – so call up a plumber!
Contact Longhorn Roofing today for the help you need!
