Repairing Pipe Flashing on a Steep-Slope Roof

Summer heat and sun exposure is extremely hard on the rubber fleshing used to seal off metal pipes on your roof, and as a result over this past summer, the flashing on your roof may have begun to crack or break. If it has, you may notice a new leak in your roof has developed when it rains. Repairing this flashing is actually somewhat simple; those who are reasonably handy can perform this repair on their own.

Before attempting this repair, it is important to know this repair is for sloped roofs, and before venturing on to your sloped roof, you should always be on the lookout for damaged or broken shingles, weakened or sunken areas, and other potential hazards that could collapse underneath you while walking.

Step 1 - Install roof deck protection around the exposed pipe. This is a highly-suggested step from GAF®, and we always make sure to do so on every repair job to provide an extra layer of protection from wind-driven rain or high-pressure washing.

Step 2 – Cut a piece of leak barrier. Ideally, you want at least a 20-inch square for this application to make it as difficult as possible for water to reach any potential entry points.

Step 3 – Center the barrier over the top of the pipe and cut two slots. This doesn’t have to be exactly accurate to the center, but the closer you can get it, the better. Cut the two slots in the shape of an X, but make both slots slightly smaller than the diameter of the pipe itself for a tighter fit.

Step 4 – Lower the barrier around the pipe. Be sure that you don’t stretch or tear the barrier any further in order to maintain a tight, optimal seal.

Step 5 – Flatten the barrier. Press the leak barrier flat on the roof as much as possible to eliminate any gaps that may allow water in.

Step 6 – Place new shingles down over the leak barrier. Cut them to fit as need in order for them to sit flat around the pipe itself.

Step 7 – Install new flashing around the pipe. Be sure to fasten it down.

Step 8 – Cut the shingles as needed and seal them down. Be sure to use a generous bead of sealant between the flashing base and the overlaying shingles.

This is a doable job, but can be difficult for those inexperienced in home repair. If you need assistance repairing a leak in your roof, either around flashing or any other type of leak, contact the GAF® MaterElite™ Colorado Springs roofers at Divine Roofing, Inc. Our award-winning company takes pride in providing our customers with top-quality repairs, performed efficiently and within your budget.