How to Repair a Roof Vent Leak

Roof vent leaks are one of the most common roof issues homeowners encounter. When they happen, they can cause extensive damage to a home and its contents. In addition, they can lead to a dangerous mold infestation in the home if not addressed immediately.

Repairing a Roof Vent Leak

There are a number of possible causes for a roof vent leak, but most of the time they occur due to an improperly sealed pipe or flashing. While some of these problems are easy to fix, others are a bit more challenging and require the services of a professional.

How to Find a Roof Vent Leak

You can easily spot a roof vent leak by looking for telltale signs such as stains on your ceiling. Stains tend to form in dark areas and spread out from underneath the leaky area. This is a good indication that you have a leak in the vent and need to fix it quickly.

If you can’t determine where the leak is coming from, you may need to climb up on the roof. You can also inspect the entire roof to identify any spots where the shingles are buckling or curling.

How to Repair a Cracked or Faded Vent Pipe

The most basic way to repair a cracked or faded roof vent is to replace the damaged vent. Depending on the type of vent, this can be as simple as replacing a damaged vent boot with a new neoprene boot or replacing the entire vent pipe. If the problem is the pipe, you’ll need to pull off the shingle covers around the vent and pry out the old vent boot.

Alternatively, you can purchase a new vent at your local home improvement store and slide it into place. Make sure the lower section of the vent flashing rides over the shingles to stop water from leaking out. Then nail it into place with roofing nails and cover the holes with DAP Ultra Clear Flexible All Purpose Waterproof Sealant.

How to Repair a Leaking Plumbing Vent Base Plate

Another possible cause for roof vent leaks is the metal vent base plates that are tucked under the shingles on the bottom of plumbing vents. If the metal flashing isn’t properly sealed, water can leak in to the house through these holes and cause significant damage to the structure.

While these repairs can be a little tricky, they’re usually fairly simple to complete and will help prevent future leaks. If you have any questions about repairing a leaking roof vent, be sure to ask your local roofing contractor for more information and advice.

How to Repair a Roof Vent on a Flat or Low Slope Patio

If you have a flat or low slope roof, your vents will likely be located in the same location as the plumbing vents. During heavy rains, water can blow up under the hood of the vent and into the pipes inside your home.