Basic Roof Vent Flashing Installation Tips

DoItYourself Staff

Roof vent flashing is a necessary component of your roof structure. It prevents the accumulation of moisture and rain in and around the vent. Roof vent flashing is fairly easy to install as long as you are comfortable with heights, and the idea of getting on your roof to finish the installation doesn't scare you too much. Here's how to get the job done.

Know When to Repair or Replace

Never let a problem get too big. Always repair or replace your roof vent flashing when you notice signs of a leak. For example, if there is water dripping from your roof, take a look at the flashing and get it repaired as quickly as possible. The problem areas you always need to keep a watchful eye on are vents around skylights, vents around chimneys, vents around soil stacks, vent fans, and roof valleys with venting.

Seek Out a Professional

When in doubt, always ask a professional for their advice when it comes to installing roof vent flashing. You don't want to tackle this project unless you have a good grasp on the basic principles. Done wrong, you could end up with larger problems on your hands.

Maintenance Checks

Check your flashing every time you clean the gutters. Pay attention to the condition of the shingles around the vents.

Fasten Nails

When installing the roof-vent flashing, fasten the nails properly, covering the exposed nail heads with a little bit of roofing tar. This helps to prevent the nails from popping up over time due to the effects of weather.

Caulk

Caulk around the edges of the flashing. Make sure you create a good seal along the edges.

Careful with Shingles

If you are reinstalling a new set of flashing, be careful with the shingles. Carefully lift them up and put them away for safe keeping. Then, after adding the flashing, put them back, making sure to properly overlap them. If you fail to do so, you may end up with additional leaks.

Paint the Flashing

Newly installed flashing is usually nice and shiny. To avoid making your house an eyesore, paint the flashing so it matches the color of your roof shingles. First, coat the flashing with a zinc-based primer. Second, add rust-preventative metal paint to the surface of the roof vent flashing. Once it dries, you'll not only have a great looking roof but one that is safe from leaks.

Related Articles