The Dangers of a Damaged Roof Vent Boot

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

It is essential to inspect your roof after a storm passes!

Roof vent boots need to be checked multiple times throughout the year for damages.  

The roof vent boot is a significant part of your home's ventilation system. It protects the vent from debris and animal intrusion and prevents water from entering and damaging the interior of your house during a storm.

If you notice that a roof vent boot has been damaged or removed, it should be replaced immediately to avoid serious problems down the road. The following are some reasons why we recommend replacing a damaged roof vent boot as soon as possible.

While roof vent boots are important for maintaining a balance between air intake and exhaust, extreme heat, cold, or wind may weaken the watertight seals around the roof vent boots over time, causing a roof vent boot leak.

Leaks around vent pipes are one of the most frequent roof storm damage issues our team encounters. The leakage will start in the attic, but if you don't notice and treat it right away, you may see ceiling water damage or water dripping on the floor within the house. When left unattended, the water will inevitably cause a secondary water damage issue.

After a storm passes, check your roof for a damaged vent boot.

The changing of the seasons is pleasant, but it is not so great for your roof vent boot pipes' ability to repel water. Summer heat or winter cold will wear down the flashing on your roof vent boot pipes, reducing their ability to reflect and divert water away from your house. 

The normal contraction and expansion that roofs go through when the weather changes are what commonly causes harm to roof vent boots. Your roof's movement will cause the boot to break or separate from the roof. Roof vent boots can also deteriorate with time due to sun exposure or harsh weather conditions.

A broken roof vent boot, in any case, would allow water to reach your home and cause costly water damage. Hence, check your roof for a damaged vent boot whenever there is a storm or heavy rainfall.

What is a roof vent boot?

A roof vent (also considered a vent pipe cover in the roofing industry) is the rubber cover surrounding your roof's vent pipe and helps seal the area of the roof surrounding the pipe from debris and water. 

The cover of a roof vent boot is usually made of rubber or urethane, and it typically has a metal base that encases the pipe.

The boot, through its design, ensures airtightness by preventing rain from coming in contact with your roof's membrane, which could cause leaks if water accumulates on the surface. 

Signs of a damaged roof vent boot

Depending on the condition of the material and the weather in Alpharetta, Georgia, the rubber boots on the vents can last at least ten years, if not longer.

Here are some of the most common signs that a roof vent boot is damaged:

• Small holes in the boot
• Missing pieces of plastic or rubber from the edges of the vent cover
• Signs that water has been leaking into your property for a prolonged period.
• Mold damage in areas of your roof that are exposed to water leakage

If you notice any of these signs, it's important not to wait. Give us a call, and one of our restoration experts will provide you with the best assistance possible.

Even if there are no visible signs of a leak, you should get your roof and roof vent boots inspected continuously throughout the year to ensure that it is working properly and keeping water out of your house.

When to repair a vent boot

Roof vent boots of higher quality are made to "move" with the roof. The issue is that not all home builders install high-quality roof vent boots. To save money, many roofing contractors use low-cost roof vent boots that are likely to malfunction, and in the worst situations, cause water damage.

Early signs, like small holes in the boot, will serve as a warning of an incoming disaster. It is always wise to fix these problems early on and not leave them untreated. 

Call SERVPRO for any roof causing water damages. 

No water damage is the best sort of water damage. SERVPRO technicians are experienced in identifying and repairing all types of water damage, from a leaky roof vent boot to a pipe burst.

SERVPRO of North Fulton is a preferred water restoration vendor that believes in providing quality services with respect, honesty, and integrity. We will always be upfront with you about the process of repairing your home's water damage. With years of experience behind us, we know how to get things done quickly and efficiently so everyone can continue with their lives just like they were before disaster struck!

Contact SERVPRO of North Fulton today at (770) 992-2777 if you need help getting rid of any unwanted water damage.