Water Damage 101: Fewer Holes In Your Roof = Fewer Leaks
**Our honesty policy: This post may contain affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you. Some are, some aren't--I do some comparison shopping. The important thing is you will know exactly what we are talking about. Drop a note/comment if you have any questions on the products as these are materials and tools we use on our own projects.
It’s certainly not rocket science…it is building science: if you have fewer holes in your roof you are statistically less likely to have a roof leak and thus avoid water damage.
The math doesn’t lie.
It is really exciting to take a roof down from twelve–yes, 12 penetrations–down to three.
How is this possible you ask?
Maybe this was a huge mansion? Nope, just a 3/2 just over 2,000 square feet.
Were sinks or entire bathrooms removed? No.
In fact, a second sink will be added to the master bathroom, INCREASING the number of fixtures.
Instead, the plumbing returns and air gaps were intelligently rethought and tied together. Applying intelligence when all the walls were open rather than allowing Each. Individual. Toilet. Sink. Vent fan. And. Dryer. To. Individually. Go. Through. The. Roof.
In addition to merging some of the air returns there are some significant reroutes. The bathroom and laundry vent fans as well as the new high efficiency gas furnace and new tankless water heater are all venting out of the gables.
Decreasing the number of roof penetrations is an obvious win in risk reduction. However, it might not be the most obvious when you’re in the middle of a remodel. This is one of those cases where you shouldn’t leave well enough alone. Touching plumbing returns is not something you’re thinking about when you are shopping for a beautiful new countertop for your beautiful new kitchen. It’s one of those subtle details often overlooked.
Which brings us to a secondary point…
Look at opportunities for improvement in your remodel.
Not just the finished product, but think about the systems you aren’t touching, but may make your life easier or less risky while it is cheaper.
If the walls are already open, now is the time!
If there isn’t much you can do and you are stuck with an astronomical number of roof penetrations at the moment, this is a good reminder to go up and check every half year to make sure everything is sealed up and ready for the next season.
Observation and regular checks are key.
Even if you are down to three roof penetrations you still should pull out a ladder and look for any signs of deterioration or holes–it’s statistically less likely to turn into a water loss, but it is still possible.
Henry is your friend.
*Please note Henry or caulk is not your friend if the downspout states “NO CAULK” (AKA “rain collar”). It will void the warranty. If you have a “NO CAULK” rubber gasket (rain collar), you can purchase a overlay here at Home Depot or here on Amazon.
Just replace it if you see cracking like this, which can be expected every 10-15 years.
pic
However, a bead of caulk or tape wrapping is fine as a temporary fix when you find the problem.
pic
In the end, if you are taking on a significant renovation or building a new home, remember fewer holes in your roof means potentially fewer leaks later.
