Roofs are where many mechanical items go in and out of a structure. A hole must be made in the roof sheeting for each of these items. It is at the transition between the roof and appurtenances that leaks happen. Openings cut into the roof need to be properly sealed. Seal Roof Openings to prevent water intrusion.
Pictured here is an air conditioning unit with its electrical and condensation lines properly sealed. Check the perimeter base and reapply sealant every two years.
Skylights let in natural light; seal the roof side of the skylight. Additionally, check skylights yearly to make sure that the sealant hasn’t cracked or come off.
Skylight Sealing
Roof Jacks
This picture shows cracked sealant at the base of a roof jack. This open crack is where water gets in and causes a ceiling leak. Check and seal around the base of roof jacks yearly before the rains.
Roof Aesthetics
Sewer vent pipes, furnace and water heater vents stick out of the roof and are called appurtenances or roof jacks. For pleasing roof aesthetics, they should be painted a color that blends in with the roof materials.
Rusty Roof Vents
Pictured above are rusty roof vents. These roof appurtenances need regular maintenance and painting. Check and seal their bases for openings that let water into the attic. Seal cracked bases of roof jacks with tar. Give them a finished look with primer and two coats of paint matching the roof material color. This gives your roof an important and easy refresh.
