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Replace Roof Vent Gasket

PHOTO

Figure A
Few things can cause more problems around the house than water damage, and a roof leak is usually the way water damage occurs. If you find that you have a leak, the first place you should check is the gaskets around the various vents in your roof. If the gasket is worn or cracked, this is probably the source of your leak (figure A). Fortunately, it's an easy fix. All you have to do is replace and reseal the gasket that surrounds the vent.

Materials:

gasket, less than $10 at home improvement centers or hardware stores
caulk gun with high-quality 100% silicone sealant caulk
pry bar
utility knife
ladder
painting supplies
safety glasses

Steps:

  1. Safety is the biggest concern in this project. Use caution when accessing the roof on a ladder, and be sure to wear shoes with good soles for a sure step on the roof. It's also a good idea to have someone with you to help hold the ladder steady.

  2. Measure the outside diameter of the vent pipe so you'll know what size gasket to buy before you remove the old one.
PHOTO

Figure B
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Figure C
  • Use a pry bar to loosen and lift roof shingles away from the gasket. You just want to give yourself room to work, so try not to damage the shingles. You can place a block of scrap lumber underneath to hold them up and out of the way while you work (figure B).

  • Use a utility knife to cut through the sealant that holds the gasket to the vent pipe (figure C).

  • Remove any tacks or nails that hold the existing gasket in place.

  • Then just work the gasket loose, freeing it from the shingles and lifting it off the vent pipe.

  • Clean up the old vent pipe, scraping off any sealant or roofing cement that might remain. You'll want to start fresh with a clean, even surface for a tight fit.
    • PHOTO

    Figure D
    PHOTO

    Figure E
    PHOTO

    Figure F
  • Run a bead of silicone sealant around the lip of the new gasket (figure D).

  • Slide the gasket over the vent pipe. Then lift up the shingles and set the gasket in position (figure E). Remove the scraps of wood you used to keep the shingles up, and work the gasket into place, pressing firmly to help the sealant adhere properly.

  • Run a bead of sealant around the joint of the vent pipe and the gasket (figure F).

    That's all there is to it! Check the shingles to see if any of them need a new tack or two to hold them in place, and make any repairs necessary. Now that you've fixed the problem on the outside, you might have water damage to contend with on the inside.

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