When doing home inspections, I find a lot of do it yourself roof repairs. It seems that home owners think that tar can be used as caulk around roof penetrations, and as a substitute for roof flashing. This is far from a good idea. Tar is only used to hold down roof coverings, and should not be used as caulk to stop water seepage. This is because tar when exposed to the weather especially in hot and cold climates like the northeast, will crack and even separate from the area it is covering. This can eventually lead to roof leaks.
In the photo below tar is used as caulk on the chimney's step flashing. If you take a Closer Look you can see some cracks at the base of the chimney where tar is used as caulk. This is a potential leak area that is noted on the report. The correct installation is embedding the counter flashing 1inch into the mortar joint. It looks like this flashing is at the end of its useful life.
Another area of concern is missing flashing where the roof and walls meet. On a properly installed roof,
this area will be flashed.
The photo above shows a potential leak area. Rain water can seep into the opening causing damage in the living space below.
Roof penetrations such as attic roof vents, plumbing vents, and combustion vents should have proper flashing. The photo below shows an improper flashing for this plumbing vent. Again the tar will begin to crack which can lead to leakage.
No home inspector can tell for a certainty if the roof will or will not leak, especially if it has not rained in some time. Only the roof installer can make that call. What inspectors will do is report on the condition of the roof and point out potential leak areas.
Closer Look Property Inspections Inc.
www.abrooklynhomeinspector.com
Comments(0)