Over the years, we have tracked hundreds of mysterious roof leaks back to the same source. Roof exhaust pipes and old or damaged vent pipe boots.
WHAT DO THE PIPES ON MY ROOF DO?
There are various pipes that may vent through your roof. Plumbing vents, furnace flue pipes, and radon gas exhaust pipes are the most common. And depending on the size and configuration of your home, there may be multiple vent pipes that penetrate your roof.
TYPES OF ROOF VENT PIPES
Plumbing vent pipes are an important part of your plumbing system. These pipes safely carry sewer gases out of your home preventing unhealthy gases from becoming trapped or backed up into living spaces.
Furnace flue pipes, as you might expect, exhaust dangerous gases generated from your furnace. When your furnace burns fuel, it produces combustion gases as a byproduct. These dangerous gases represent a significant health risk if not properly expelled. If your furnace has an AFUE rating below 90 percent, it will most likely have a flue pipe that goes up through your roof.
Radon gas exhaust pipes are designed to pull dangerous radon gas from soil beneath your home, up through the radon exhaust pipe and high enough to prevent reentry. Radon gas is a leading cause of lung cancer, killing more than 22,000 each year according to the American Lung Association and the EPA.
THE EXHAUST PIPE MAY BE FINE
Often the pipe itself is not the source of the leak, though on occasion it can be, most often it is a damaged or decaying vent pipe boot securing the pipe to the roof causing the leak.
WHAT IS A VENT PIPE BOOT?
A pipe boot is a type of roof flashing used around plumbing and other pipes that exit through the roof. This is true whether the roof is sloped or flat, but the type of pipe boot depends on the type of roof. No matter the type, if a pipe boot becomes weathered or damaged, a roof leak can occur. There is also the possibility that the vent pipe can become clogged by leaves, debris, animals, ice, or snow, and the potential for gases and odors to enter your home.
DON’T LET A LEAKING PIPE VENT LINGER
Don’t put off repairs when you suspect a leaking vent pipe boot. The longer you put it off the more damage can be done to your roof, sheathing, insulation, and even living spaces. Over time, the moisture build-up can lead to unhealthy indoor air quality due to mildew and mold issues.
GOOD NEWS – THERE IS A FIX!
We are The Attic Experts – we offer fast, affordable vent pipe boot replacement services, even in winter.
Call us today for a free inspection at 630.941.3800