There is a potentially dangerous and costly problem lurking in our neighborhoods. It has to do with what we call a “roof boot.” They are the coverings that go over the vent pipes that stick out of your roof. Many of them have been allowing rain and melted snow to leak into homes.
Every home has plumbing vent pipes. These pipes run up from a kitchen or bathroom and out through your roof. The problems arise when the coverings around these pipes peel up or get shifted with the natural movements that occur on your roof from expansion and contraction. Some roof boots can move with your roof – but not the type that most builders put on homes. In fact, the ones used on many are the cheap, ineffective kind. That means that it’s not a matter of “if,” but “when” these roof boots fail and water starts leaking into your home.
If your roof boot covering fails, rain water will leak into your home and travel along the vent pipe. This is where the problems begin. The average amount of damage to homes from water is about $5,000! Damage can occur to expensive hardwood floors, walls and ceilings, and to “hidden” areas behind walls, such as insulation and drywall. Not only could this run in the tens of thousands of dollars to clean up and repair, but it promotes the growth of mold and mildew, which can have dangerous health consequences.
Routine roof inspections will identify the health of your roof boots and allow for replacement before leaking occurs. This is an inexpensive proactive measure to save you lots of worry and potentially money. Give us a call to schedule an inspection. Let us make sure your roof boots are functioning properly, as well as inspect the entire roof.
