Most roofs have at least one pipe that passes through the surface. These openings may be ventilation systems for furnaces, plumbing or exhaust fans. To protect the cutout where the pipe protrudes through the rooftop, a vent collar is used. Made of rubber in the shape of a cone, the collar fits all the way around the pipe and works to keep out moisture. As an essential part of a roofing system, the collars require some occasional maintenance like caulking. Most homeowners can perform this brief task on their own, although steeply pitched roofs or tall rooftops may necessitate some professional assistance from a local Sugar Land roofing service.
Any roof work should be done on a clear, dry day with low humidity levels to let the material dry. To caulk around the vent sleeve's opening, supplies including several clean rags, a caulking gun, a tube of silicone based outdoor caulk, a knife and sealant for flashing are needed. The homeowner should also wear work gloves and a safety helmet while working on the roof. A person nearby on the ground can act as a spotter.
To begin, any leaves or dirt around the rubber vent collar should be wiped off. The edges around the bottom of the collar should also be wiped clean of any grime or dust that has accumulated.
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Caulk will adhere better to surfaces that are clean and dry.
An inspection of the rubber vent sleeve should take place at this time. If the rubber is showing signs of deterioration like cracking or flaking off the rubber, it will need to be replaced. Worn out rubber could allow condensation or water to make its way through and cause damage to the roof's wooden decking.
The easiest way to apply caulk is with the help of a caulking gun. Once the tube of caulk is loaded into the gun's holder, it can be opened with the knife. The tip of the caulking tube should be directed at the intersection of the rubber and the roof's surface. Steady and even movement of the caulk while pulling the gun's trigger help to ensure an even distribution of the sealant.
Once there is caulk all the way around the vent collar's outer perimeter, the homeowner should use a gloved finger to ensure that every spot is covered and that the caulk is fully enclosing the seam for optimal waterproofing performance. The caulk will require dry conditions for about 24 hours to completely set.
