Delaware Roofing Repairs: How to Fix a Vent Pipe Leak

If you take a look at your roof, you’ll likely see one or two vent pipes protruding from it. These pipes are normally waterproof, effectively preventing rainwater and melted snow from penetrating the roof and treacherously making their way into the attic. However, as with anything on your roof, vent pipes are also subject to wear and tear. Once they become the source of a leak, you may need to call in professionals from a leading Delaware roofing company like Homecraft® Inc. to come and fix them for you.

What are vent pipes for?

Vent pipes serve two primary functions. One is to maintain neutral pressure in the plumbing, allowing for the continuous flow of fluids through the pipes and reducing the risks of back ups into fixtures such as toilets and sinks. Another is to safely vent sewer gases into the atmosphere, instead of allowing them to build up.

Roof leak inspection

When trying to locate the source of a roof leak, you’ll eventually need to examine your vent pipes. Normally, a leak in a vent pipe is caused by some type of damage in the pipe collar—a sealing device that consists of a large, flat metal base and a rubber boot that wraps around the vent pipe. Over time, the pipe collar’s rubber boot could wear out and begin to allow moisture to seep through.

Repairing the leak

If you have considerable handyman skills, then you can repair the leak yourself. An eHow.com article offers the following instructions for repairing a broken pipe collar: First, you need to pry up the shingles covering the metal base to reach the screws. After loosening them up, slide off the old boot and base from the vent pipe, then install your replacements. Reattach the shingles with adhesive, and you’re done.

Of course, not all vent pipe leaks are due to damaged pipe collars. If the roof vent itself is damaged, then water can still enter your home. Furthermore, if there are leaks in the elbows or joints in the line, water can leak out and cause interior damage.

For problems like these, you’ll need the services of a PA roofing contractor experienced in roof leak repairs, such as those from Homecraft® Inc. Contractors like them will have the knowledge required to accurately diagnose and repair any problems you may have with your vent pipes and roof in general.