A roof is the only thing that stands between you and the elements. It’s also one of the most essential components of your property, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
This article will help educate homeowners on their roof systems, including plumbing vents, how they work, what can happen if they’re not maintained properly, and how to prevent problems before they start.
Facts on Roofs
Roofs provide protection from weather conditions such as rain or snow which could damage building materials inside your home. Roofs are made up of shingles or tiles which act as insulation for your house.
Shingles should be inspected every 3-5 years depending on wear and tear. If a shingle is more than five years old it may not provide good insulation for your home.
A roof with proper ventilation can stop ice dams, reduce risk of fire in attic areas due to buildup of lint and debris, less chance for mold or mildew growth inside the walls if there are proper gutters & drains, etc.
A poorly insulated house will cost more money on energy bills because the heater will run more often to keep your home warm, especially if there is no insulation in the attic areas.
What are Plumbing Vents?
A plumbing vent allows gases from drains or vents to be released above roof level so they do not accumulate inside walls where it could cause damage and unhealthy living conditions for whoever lives in that house.
Plumbing vents are attached to roof drain or vent pipes. They also extend above the roofline and through shingles, allowing gases from drains or vents to be released outside the house.
Every plumbing fixture has a drain trap that prevents sewer gas (that contains methane, hydrogen sulfide, etc.) from coming in contact with any part of the plumbing system.
This is why it’s essential to make sure your drains and vents are connected properly because any gas that can contaminate the air inside of a house needs someplace to go, but if those gases cannot escape through proper ventilation they’ll build up causing serious damage or health risks for anyone who lives there.
Plumbing Vent Maintenance
Plumbing vents are not normally in need of maintenance. They have a straightforward purpose that doesn’t require much attention. The exception to this norm occurs in the case of a plumbing vent clog.
Because these vents are frequently exposed to air and not particularly high up from the roof, they can become clogged in a variety of ways. The most common clogging causes include:
1. Debris – leaves, branches, bird nests, etc.
2. Decaying organic matter – animals & insects; mushrooms growing on the roof are also common in some areas of North America (Seattle for example) because it’s wet and warm up there year-round.
3. Bird nest – babies will grow much faster than their parents realize.
4. Ice from snow – if you have gutters that are poorly installed, the ice can build up in areas where it does not belong.
5. Random objects – toys, tools, etc.
If any of these conditions occur within a plumbing vent, there is potential for damage to your roof and/or home.
If left unaddressed this could also lead to mold or mildew growth which can cause severe allergies (especially in children) or serious respiratory problems for anyone who lives there.
Potential Problems: Vent Pipes
Vent pipes must extend above the roofline and through shingles.
If they do not, rainwater will back up into drain lines instead of draining out which can cause disgusting odors inside your home when water finally backs up into toilets or sinks.
This is also a potential fire hazard because it creates an environment for mold growth, especially in the attic areas.
If a vent pipe becomes crushed or damaged, it can also create a serious problem because there will be no way for gases to escape from your drain lines inside of your walls if they cannot get out through roof vents which means you’ll have an indoor gas leak that could cause harmful health effects and even fatalities depending on the gas in question.
What are the Signs of Damage?
If you hear a loud gurgling noise when your shower is draining it is most likely because water cannot get out due to some kind of damage or blockage in your drain line that needs to be inspected by professionals immediately.
If there is an odor coming from any part of your plumbing system, it could mean that mold or mildew has built up in your walls and needs to be removed.
It’s also important to check around the roof for any red flags such as stained shingles, curling shingles, calcium deposits from water damage on fascia boards, etc. which means there is a problem with ventilation and the gases are not escaping out of the system.
This is why it’s so important to have your roof inspected at least once a year, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions because there could be damage that needs repair or replacement which will save money on energy bills and prevent potential hazards for anyone who lives in the house.
What Can Happen If My Plumbing Vents Are Not Cleaned?
1. If your plumbing vents become clogged you’ll have a number of issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible.
You might notice some odd smells from time to time or it may just seem like the air is not as fresh as it could be.
2. If you live in the country where very little development has taken place, there is also a chance that animals can get inside of your roof and create serious damage to your home which becomes extremely costly when repairs need to be made.
3. In situations like these it’s important to have your vents inspected by professionals who will clean them out and make sure they aren’t damaged or clogged.
4. A properly working ventilation system is essential for keeping odors from mold, mildew, animals & insects at bay which will keep your home smelling fresh all the time.
As final thoughts, it’s important to remember that there are many different reasons why your roof might need repair or replacement.
If you notice any of these red flags, make sure to contact an experienced professional right away who can offer you peace of mind and the safety standards (to protect everyone in your home) that come with hiring a qualified contractor for all roofing needs.