“Penetration” is one roofing terminology that leaves many people, particularly homeowners, confused. Also, people often wonder what those things they see on roofs are. Those things are actually different types of roof penetrations. It’s easy to picture a roof with a hole or several holes when you hear “roof penetration.” When we think about it, that picture isn’t entirely wrong, except that the holes people imagine are entirely different from what they really are.
What, then, is a roof penetration? Don’t worry; you will find out shortly in this article. We will discuss roof penetrations, their functions, and their types. Just make sure you don’t skip a line as you read. At the end of reading this, you will know more than you did before.
What Is a Roof Penetration?
Roof penetration is a roofing term for any structural component or opening that spans a roof surface. It is usually integrated into a roof’s design. Such openings usually hold different elements like skylights, chimneys, or vents, ensuring they blend with the roof system easily.
Penetrations are not just holes; they are purposeful holes, not signs of wear or damage. They are included in the roofing system to perform specific roles. However, they could make your roofing system more complex than it should be. The complexity includes spending more money on a roof replacement, which adds to the costs. The more penetrations on a roof, the more labor and extra flashings your roofing contractor will need for a successful roof replacement.
Types of Roof Penetrations
Chimneys
These structural components allow gases and smoke to escape your heating system or fireplace. However, if your fireplace is gas-type, it will have a vent stack rather than a chimney. Because of their material and size, chimneys are usually the most conspicuous type of penetration.
Dormers
Dormers are protrusions that extend from a sloped roof and have what looks like a little roof. Aside from increasing a home’s architectural interest and curb appeal, it also improves its ventilation and creates more interior space.
Skylights
Skylights are big penetrations, just like chimneys. The location and installation method of the skylight determine how distinct it will look. Skylights that are curb-mounted have profiles that are more elevated than deck-mounted ones. Their function is to let natural light into your living room, diminishing your need for artificial lighting and improving your space’s aesthetics. They also aid ventilation to some extent.
Vents
Every roof has vents in different forms and shapes. They are, in fact, the most common type of roof penetration. So long as you have a furnace, gas appliance, or any gas system, your roof will have vents to exit carbon monoxide and keep it out of your home.
Plumbing vent pipes are present on every roof. They help emit gases and sustain adequate pressure in your home’s plumbing system.
Your attic’s ventilation system has exhaust vents. These exhaust vents are essential to your roof’s lifespan and the energy efficiency of your home. There are also stacks of HVAC vents that aid temperature regulation in your home, along with the attic vent.
Satellite Dishes and Antennas
Many experts regard satellite dishes and antennas as roof penetrations. Many homes have them on their roofs, though they aren’t commonly used like before. The reason why some homeowners get rid of their satellites and antennas when they are replacing their roofs is that they do not get the provided service anymore. Having penetrations that have no function on your roof is not advisable, as they expose your roof system to leaks.
Solar Panels
Over the years, solar panels have gained popularity as a roof penetration. Although they are ideal for generating power, they have some challenges. A major challenge with using solar panels is their weight. If the roof decking is endangered or the areas surrounding the mounts and fasteners are rotting before installing the panels, their weight may cause structural damage. Solar companies installing solar panels with no roofing experience is another significant challenge of installing solar panels. Hence, it is vital to consult a roofing contractor before installing anything on or drilling your roof.
Electronic Conduits
Electronic conduits are another type of roof penetration, but they aren’t common. They are a kind of cable or box that covers your home’s interior wiring. They usually come with solar panels and other electrical pieces. Although not a typical sight in residential projects, they are more noticeable in commercial roofing. As a result, many residential roofing contractors only work with electrical pieces if a licensed electrician steps in.
The primary function of most roof penetrations is to serve as a route for the escape of unwanted gases into the atmosphere. They are crucial in keeping your environment safe and habitable. Although many of these penetrations have valuable roles, dormers and skylights, in particular, are distinct because of their aesthetic value. Skylights provide an extra advantage of natural lighting.
How to Prevent Roof Leaks Around Penetrations
All homes have various types of roof penetrations passing through the roof. However, when the roofer doesn’t seal them correctly, they become prone to leaks. For extra protection against leaks, before installing shingles, roofers should install ice and water shields around the penetration. By installing the proper material, like the ones highlighted below, around specific penetrations, you can prevent leaks from occurring.
Roof Flashing
Roofers install roof flashing when the roofing materials bump into something or other parts that are leak-prone. Flashing tools accompany skylights for installation surrounding the base. If your roofing contractor installs the flashing correctly, it will keep water away from the drywall and ceiling. Chimneys also require flashing at the base. However, the type of flashing depends on the kind of material.
The siding needs step flashing, while brick and stone need counter flashing. The absence of flashing may cause your roof to start leaking, so it’s vital to hire a reliable roofing contractor.
Roof Boots on Pipes
A roofing contractor glides roof boots, sometimes called pipe boots, over the top of the plumbing vents or different pipes and installs them on the roof. This closes the pipe, preventing water from escaping into your home through the sides.
Roof Crickets
Any penetration, primarily chimneys, with a width greater than 30 inches needs a roofer to install a roof cricket at the bottom in the direction of the roof’s ridge. This practice by roofers is, in fact, a building code.
Conclusion
As we mentioned earlier, roof penetration is anything that passes through your roof. It is essential for proper ventilation. Proper maintenance and flashing of your roof penetrations help increase their lifespan. Regular inspection of those areas is vital, as doing that will help you detect problems that may weaken the water-proof seals and save you money.
Now that you are enlightened and know about roof penetrations, their types, and how to avoid leaks from occurring, no roofer can take advantage of you as some would do to uninformed customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do roof penetrations affect the cost of a roof replacement?
Yes, roof penetrations always influence the cost of replacing a roof. The cost of labor and materials needed for a roof replacement increases with the number of penetrations in your roof. Regardless of the situation, a roofing contractor always factors in the types and number of penetrations when writing a cost estimate. The bigger types, like chimneys and skylights, significantly influence the cost, while the smaller ones, like vents, are marginal.
What is roof jointing?
When a weather-proof joint is needed between different roof coverings, roofers use roof jointing. It could be a tile-to-slate or plain tile-to-interlocking one or between different tile patterns.
What is roof flashing?
A roof flashing is a thin material that roofing contractors use at any point where the roof plane joins a vertical surface to divert water from vital parts of the roof. Galvanized steel is commonly used for roof flashings and is installed around roofing components like chimneys, skylights, and vents.
