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Installation of flashing around roof fixtures is actually a lot easier than most would think. First thoughts should always be with safety in mind. If you are uncomfortable with climbing on to your roof, contact your local roofing contractor for help with this project. Using a professional or following these general guidelines should ensure your roof does not leak. Identify the Area With consultation with your building plans and proper measurements, identify the area in the roof that will be used for the bathroom fan. Typically this is between two roof rafters. In order to view this placement, an interior view of the roof (typically from the attic) will be needed. A problem will undoubtedly arise in trying to locate the designated spot from the outside. A common tactic is to drive a nail through the roof, from the inside out. The nail is typically placed in the center of the soon to be cut out portion of the roof. Once the nail is driven through the roof, be sure to check its proximity to roof valleys, chimneys, or other ventilation pipes. Keep the area approximately 2ft. away from these obstacles. Puncturing the roof near these obstacles can cause structural issues and leaks over the roof’s life. Using the nail a centralized landmark, mark an outline on the exterior of the roof. That marking should have a diameter just bigger than the vent itself. You can use a reciprocating saw to then cut along the outline, through the roof. Prepare for Vent and Flashing On composite shingle roofs, shingles overlap each other to prevent water from leaking into the home. These same shingles must overlap the new vent and flashing to prevent leaks from forming. By “dry fitting” the vent and flashing, you will be able to identify which shingles or roofing material will need to be pulled up and placed over the flashing. Some shingles might have a nail holding the shingle down. Use a gentle flat object to lift the nail up without damaging the shingle. You may notice that the flashing for your vent does not necessarily match the shape of the shingles. Mark a new outline around the flashing to identify what shingles will need to be trimmed to fit the new flashing. Shingles can be trimmed with a box or razor knife. Install Vent and Flashing Once you have dry fitted the vent and flashing and can easily mark the articulating surfaces, lift and covering shingles up and drive a nail through the flashing. Then lay the raised shingles back over the flashing. If you choose to leave part of the flashing exposed, you will need to apply a sealant around the nail used for attachment. Only the downhill or downside portion can be exposed. The uphill or upside of the flashing needs to be covered in a manner that will facilitate rain runoff channeling into the gutters. In just a few steps this job can be completed by most weekend warriors. If you are unable or uncomfortable with climbing on your roof be sure to contact a professional roofing company to perform the service for you. They will have the knowledge, expertise, and warranty to cover all of the work. David Schulte is the president of Schulte Roofing and has served Bryan-College Station, Houston, Brenham and the surrounding areas for over 18 years. To learn more about Bryan roofing companies, visit their site at: http://www.schulteroofing.com
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