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COMMON ROOF ISSUES
How to Fix Roof Vents
A pipe jack roof is a waterproof roof preformed flashing used around plumbing drain pipes that penetrate and exit through the roof, just like those vent and electrical service mast pipes. By reading the roof pipe jack definition above, maybe you have had a slight idea about what a roof pipe jack is. Roof pipe jack can protect a vulnerable spot on your rooftop and prevent leaks dripping from your roof because of the cracking, corroding, or even squirrels.
Check for cracked housings on plastic roof vents and broken seams on metal ones. You might be tempted to throw caulk at the problem, but that solution won’t last long. There’s really no fix other than replacing the damaged vents. Also look for pulled or missing nails at the base’s bottom edge. Replace them with rubber-washered screws. In most cases, you can remove nails under the shingles on both sides of the vent to pull it free. There will be nails across the top of the vent too. Usually you can also work those loose without removing shingles. Screw the bottom in place with rubber-washered screws. Squeeze out a bead of caulk beneath the shingles on both sides of the vent to hold the shingles down and to add a water barrier. That’s much easier than renailing the shingles.
Improperly Driven Nails
It’s not unlikely to have a nail or two on your roof that has missed its mark. Generally, if the nail hits solid wood and holds tight, then it should be golden. If one of the nails on your roof isn’t driven in far enough or at the wrong angle, it will cause the head to creep back up through the shingle. Since the nail is not tightly driven, water can follow the nail right inside your home.
This type of leak can happen anywhere in your home. Therefore, if you find a leak in your ceiling, try tracking the place on your roof that aligns with where the leak is to see if your nail is sticking up. If you find that it is, you will probably need roof repair.
Another improperly driven nail you can find is a roof shiner. This is one that missed the rafter when being driven in and now protrudes into the attic. Cold nights can frost up the nail, and the next day, the frost melts and leaks onto your ceiling, causing one of those annoying brown spots. These shiners may also indicate that your attic is not insulated or ventilated properly, and you must correct this to protect your roof deck.
Around the Chimney
The chimney is one of the main culprits of a roof leak. Most of the time, it’s due to cracked or damaged flashing. These are thin strips of metal installed around the roof, which provide a seal in areas where the roof intersects. Chimney flashing is bent at a 90-degree angle with one side laid under the shingles and the other side nailed into the chimney. The top of the flashing is then sealed with caulk, which will fail over time. If the flashing isn’t properly sealed or nailed into place, water can intrude and enter your home. Even the flashing itself can wear down over time after prolonged exposure to bad weather, so it’s important to have your chimney inspected once a year.
Around Windows and Skylights
Skylights can be a beautiful addition to your home, whether you want to see the stars from your bedroom at night or brighten your living room with more natural light during the day. However, they can also cause headaches if they start leaking. There are two main causes for this type of leak: improper installation or worn weather-sealing along the skylight edges. With a poorly fitted skylight, leaks can sprout down the sides and the rubber seal around the glass, ruining the water barrier. Most skylight leaks occur due to flashing issues or poor installation, not the glazing that comes with the skylight.
