How to Replace Vent Flashing

At some point, you may need to replace the flashing around the vents in your roof. If you aren't afraid of heights, you can replace the flashing yourself. Make sure you don't fall. Also, wear gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges of the vent flashing. If you are the least bit fearful of tackling this job, hire a pro. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ladder
• Work gloves
• Pry bar
• Scrap wood
• Hammer
• Replacement flashing
• 6d galvanized roofing nails
• Asphalt roof cement
• Trowel
• Utility knife

1. Purchase the necessary supplies. Make sure the replacement flashing is the exact size and type as the old flashing.

2. Remove the shingles above the vent. Gently lift the shingles with the pry bar. Try not to damage them as you work. However, have replacement shingles on hand as well in case you do break some.

3. Insert the blade of the pry bar under the flashing. Use the scrap of wood as a lever to gently pry up the flashing.

4. Pull the flashing over the vent pipe. Use caution not to knock the vent pipe out of place. Pull any nails that remain in the roof, and fill the holes with roof cement.

5. Set the new flashing in place. Align the collar to face the same way as the old one. Use 6d galvanized roofing nails to nail the flashing in place around the vent. Cover the nail heads with roofing cement. Apply roofing cement all the way around the collar to seal it to the roof.

6. Replace the shingles, starting with the bottom row. Then cover the nail heads with roofing cement.