Roof vent leaking is always a problem. When water leaks through the roof, it can cause significant damage to the roof and attic structure, exposing your family to the risk of collapsing structures and possible mold infestation.
The roof vent pipe, installed and cut through the roof, is surrounded by rubber boots to provide a watertight seal between the pipe and the roof.
Roof Vent Leaking
Addressing a leaking roof vent is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the entire roofing system, ensuring that it remains functional and safe over time.
Many possible parts of the roof potentially leak, but one of the most common ones is the roof vent area. The roof vent pipe is installed and cut through the roof, and around the pipe attached to the roof is surrounded with rubber boots as insulation for the gap between the pipe and the roof.
Read also: How to Choose the Best Sealant for Metal Roof Leak
Also in some cases, the cause of a roof vent leak can be traced back to loose or rusty roofing nails, which should be inspected and replaced if necessary.
Unfortunately, rubber boot damage often becomes the main cause of roof vent leaking. Sun exposure and heat, especially during the summer, can cause the rubber boot to crack, creating space for water to leak in. Other causes of leaking roof vents include broken seams on the metal base, loose nails, and rusty metal collars around the vent pipe.
Read also: Tips to repair a leaking roof vent pipe collar
When the roof vent is leaking, the actual cause must be identified first. Given the most common cause is a cracked or damaged rubber boot, the ideal solution is to remove it and replace it with a new one. For this, it is better to hire a professional roofer to handle the work. However, a leaking roof vent usually happens at the worst time.
You notice a dripping sound from the attic during the heavy rain and find dripping water allegedly from the roof vent leaking. Dealing with roof vent leaks during heavy rain can be very challenging.
You can’t call a roofer to come, and you can’t even try to climb to the roof to find the cause and fix it. It would be hazardous to do. What you need is an emergency solution to contain the damage and prevent it from getting worst.
Quick Fix from Inside
As you won’t fix the roof vent leak outside, an emergency fix must be done from under the roof or the attic. This is how to stop a roof leak in the rain:
Contain dripping water
The immediate thing to do is to contain dripping water from the leak. Across the joists, lay a piece of plywood and put a bucket to contain the water and if necessary, prepare a second bucket to replace the first when already full. Use a sponge to absorb any standing water. It is important to prevent water from damaging the ceiling.
Find the water entry point
The water entry point may not always be the same as where the water drips. Follow the water trails until you can find the entry point. You may need to cut and remove a few or some parts of the insulation layer.
Make a Temporary Patch
Once the leaking water entry point is found, make a temporary patch to close the entry point. You will need tar, blocking material (could be a piece of roof shingles or a piece of rubber sheet), a putty knife, and a towel.
First, cut the insulation to expose the entry point. Dry the area with a towel. Apply tar to the area and press blocking material into the layer of tar to cover the leak. Apply more tar over blocking material, especially on the edges. Let dry.
The patch would be able to stop the water from dripping through the leaking roof vent. But that’s only a quick and temporary fix, not a permanent one.
Rea also: Methods of Temporary Fix for Leaking Roof
While addressing roof vent leaks, it’s also advisable to inspect other potential leak sources, such as the top of the chimney, to ensure comprehensive roof maintenance.
Be sure to call the professional roofer to repair the roof vent and fix the permanent solution’s leaking part once the rain stops.
