Fixing Leaky Roof Vents

This is how to stop a roof leak in the rain.

Fixing leaky roof vents.

And on occasion a hard driving rain with whipping wind will cause roof vents to leak water. Moreover this can cause more problems since it may mask the damage that s already been done to your home by the leak. Small nail holes left behind from old vents satellite dish brackets or anything previously attached to the roof can allow water to enter and cause damage for years before leaking is noticed. You should always attempt a mechanical leaky roof fix whenever possible.

Use the knife blade to scrape the pipe clean and smooth. Patch the nail or screw holes by slipping a piece of roof flashing underneath the shingle. 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. Cut away the old caulk from around the vent pipe.

The immediate thing to do is to contain dripping water from the leak. For leaks around vents take off the vent and re apply the sealant before putting the vent back on. Use a pocketknife to scrape rough edges and sharp points from upper end of plastic vent pipe. This old house general contractor tom silva shows how to create a watertight seal around a vent pipe.

Rarely will caulk or roof cement cure a leaky roof at least for very long. They can also have holes put through them which is a more obvious roof leak to fix. Fix a leaky roof vent pipe with a oatey rubber gasket. Sealing tapes can be placed underneath the vent to act as an added layer of protection.

As you won t be able to fix the roof vent leak from outside emergency fix must be done from under the roof or the attic. It this is the case you need to create a breathable shield to slow the driving rain drops while still allowing air flow. See below for a shopping list and tools subscribe to. If your roof vent leaks during heavy rain the rain may be blowing up under the hood and into the vent.

Steps for fixing a leaking rooftop vent pipe. Only use caulk for very small holes and when flashing isn t an option as a leak stopper.