How to Repair a Roof Vent Leak

Your roof is only as solid as the seals around the vents and other protrusions.

The ridge vent that rests along the peak of your roof allows your house to breathe. The ridge vent saves money in your cooling bills by preventing heat from building up in your attic. Unfortunately this helpful fixture is also a possible source for roof leaks. A quick soak with a water hose and inspections of the ridge vent on the roof and the underside of the vent in your attic will tell you exactly where repairs are needed.

Things You'll Need

• Water hose
• Tape measure
• Caulk gun with tubes of roofing cement
• Extension ladder

Instructions

1. Go into your attic while a helper sprays water onto the ridge vent from the ground. Locate the spot(s) where water breaches the vent. Measure from two adjoining walls to the leak with your tape measure.

2. Climb to your ridge vent with your caulk gun. Measure from the same adjoining sides of the house to find your spot. Do not forget to account for space taken up by walls and overhangs outside when taking these measurements.

3. Apply a thick coating of roof cement to the seam around the vent. Apply cement to exposed nail heads, cracks in the vent and damaged areas of surrounding shingles. Apply cement to any area that is obviously damaged or discolored.

Tips & Warnings

• Always familiarize yourself with ladder safety procedures before climbing.

• Always use the 3 point rule; keep 3 points of your body in contact with the ladder at all times.

• Watch your footing on the roof and observe the 3 point rule there as well.

• Wet shingles are extremely slippery. Use extreme caution when wetting your roof to find leaks.

References

• Danny Lipford: DIY The Search for Hidden Roof Leaks