Have you noticed a water stain on your ceiling? One of the most common roof repair situations we
see are leaks around vent pipes.
Also known as plumbing jacks or roof jacks, roof vents are the pipes that protrude out and let the gases in your kitchen and bathroom escape.
Although roof vents are necessary, and create a balance between air exhaust and intake, the water tight seals around roof vents can get damaged over time by excessive heat, cold or wind. When this happens, vents can spring leaks. If left unchecked, the water that seeps in can eventually cause mold and structural damage to your home.
Roof Leaks Around Vent Pipes is Relatively Common
A roof that leaks around a vent pipe is a common cause of small water stains on a ceiling or water leaking into a home. The leaking may first be seen in the attic, but if you don't catch it right away you may see water coming into the house, dripping on the floor.
Roof vents are made from different materials:
- All plastic
- Plastic and metal
- Two-piece metal
In addition, they are usually surrounded by a rubber boot that's supposed to keep water from entering the vent. All of these materials can be damaged by the sun and by the intense heat on the roof during the summer.
What Causes Leaking Around a Vent Pipe?
Here are four common problems that can cause water to leak around vent pipes:
- If the rubber boot is cracked, rotted away, or torn. When this happens, the water can seep into the house along the pipe.
- Rusty and cracked collars around the vent pipe can allow rainwater to pool and eventually drip into a building or home.
- When metal bases have broken seams, water can seep in.
- When nails loosen, they can expose a hole in the roof that lets water through.
Fixing Roof Leaking Around a Vent Pipe
Although caulking around the roof vent can fix the problem for a while, it's not a permanent solution. Moreover, this can cause more problems since it may mask the damage that's already been done to your home by the leak.
In this situation, it's best to call in a professional roof repair service to examine the roof to determine the best solution. Generally speaking, if your roof vents are damaged, it's a good idea to replace them with new ones, as well as to make sure that they're installed with rubber-washer screws and caulking.
Longhorn Expert Repair Can Help
If you have noticed stains on your ceiling or walls from water leaking into your home or business, chances are that you may have some other age-related roofing problems that could use an inspection.
Longhorn Roofing has provided expert repair and replacement of roofs in the greater Austin area for over three decades. Our professionals are happy to inspect your roof to see how we can help protect your home or business from further water damage.
