Got a call from a homeowner (1 1/2 weeks) two rains and a tornado after cleaning, explaining how his roof was now leaking and the water was coming down through the vent pips boots.
His air conditioning man went up to check his condensation pan and saw light coming through the vent pipes and concluded our roof cleaning chemical must have eaten the rubber.
Air conditioning guy? Roof is 14 years old, we had the largest snow and ice strom in years, followed by long drought and 50+ mile an hour winds and tornados. Could'nt be any of that!
Anyone else ever hear of such? We have taken care of the home owners and they are happy with both the cleaning and the customer service. They have even been very complimentary towards us on face book since.
Our roof cleaning solution will NOT damamge rubber. 14 years old, they were probably dried out and brittle. May have cracked when got hit by the solution.
I dressed my trailer in rubber not a chance, soaked a piece for 3-4 days in pure SH not one ounce of degrading. Boots after 14 years can wear out and crack. depends on the boot manufacturer.
I agree always take before and after pictures, I also try to inspect all vents, skylights etc, if I see something of concern I let the home owner no about it. Now if that rubber or caulking is 14 yrs old then that is your problem its old. You can offer to re caulk the leaking area, and recommend all the vents be re-caulked because of deterioration to them. Try to up sell this service also. If they don't believe you just show them the pictures. I have even painted roof vents for people. I always do a free roof inspection on each job, mainly to cover me, and the home owners like it also. So good luck and offer to re caulk the leaking area for a price of course since you didn't do it.
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Coastal Roof Cleaning Long Beach , Ilwaco, Ocean Park, Naselle WA
Would like to thank Tom and Chris for helping me with this situation last week. I was not on the premium side of this thing and both of you were a great help.
Always inspect the rubber collars around the vent pipes. I'd say 7 out of 10 roofs we clean need these collars replaced. Invest in a case of Rain Collars. They should be an easy upsell for your roof cleaning business.
Troy, they make adjustable ones that cover a few different size pipes. You want to carry the 1 1/2" - 3" and the 3" - 4" ones. Check with your local roof supply house. I buy them buy the box. I think there's 20 to a box.
They are a one piece design and to replace them is an easy thing.
Kim R
Why would you go through removing shingles and replacing the entire vent flashing, when you can slide on a new collar in a few seconds. We carry the ones I posted the link for. They work great. Get the 1 1/2" - 3". You just punch it out to the right size and slide it over the vent pipe. Done.
They are a one piece design and to replace them is an easy thing.
Kim R
Why would you go through removing shingles and replacing the entire vent flashing, when you can slide on a new collar in a few seconds. We carry the ones I posted the link for. They work great. Get the 1 1/2" - 3". You just punch it out to the right size and slide it over the vent pipe. Done.
I agree compltley! After changing way too many boots over the years, the Rain Collars Barry & Chris posted are the only way to go!
Never knew about the rain collars and Sure, the rain collars would be the better way to go, but you have to take into consideration Randy has done roofing for 28yrs and can do these in his sleep, But that does not help anyone else, SO Boot Collars it is !
I installed lead collars on my vent stacks. Come to find out, the dam squirells use them to sharpen their teeth. Had to replace them again and coated them with a layer of roof mastic. 1 year later, seems to have worked. Either that or they got lead poisoning!
-- Edited by Macky on Friday 10th of June 2011 11:09:34 AM