Your roof does a lot of work to keep your home sheltered and dry. When storms hit your area, leaks can form around roof venting. Your roof usually will have several vents, such as those for water heaters, sewers and furnaces. If the flashing around those vents deteriorates, water can leak and cause major damage in your home.
Roof jacks are used to divert the water from the vent area and send it down to the gutters, where it can safely run off away from your home. Roof jacks are also used to provide flat, stable work surfaces for tasks like outdoor AC installation and repair in Ruston, LA.
Roof jacks for water leaks
Roof jacks for water leaks are a type of flashing that wraps around your venting. Over time, they can deteriorate. Sometimes the tar or mastic that helps the jack adhere and prevent water intrusion breaks down. The tar or mastic can be replaced or added to, which helps keep it in working condition for a while longer. Usually, this type of repair needs to be done every two to five years.
Other times, the metal flashing has been moved (often by wind) and needs to be adjusted to keep diverting water appropriately. This is often a quick, easy fix that takes just a few minutes to complete.
If you don’t already have roof jacks to divert water, they can be easily installed by your local roofing contractor, or you can do it yourself. However, make sure to take all appropriate safety precautions before working on your roof, as it can be quite dangerous.
Roof jacks for work surfaces
The other type of roof jacks are similar to metal brackets, attached to your roof and spanned by planks. When you need to make repairs to your roof, you put the planks on top of the jacks, which creates a step-like flat surface. Then you or your roofing or HVAC contractors can use the planks as a place to stand, sit or kneel while working on the roof. We recommend two-inch thick, 8” x 10” planks for maximum stability.
This type of roof jack is adjustable depending on your roof pitch, and is usually made from steel. They’re nailed to the roof directly over the rafters to provide a strong, stable base that will support an adult’s weight.
Never space your roof jacks more than 48 inches apart. If there’s a space where you can screw the planks into the jacks, you should do so to increase the stability.
If you’re interested in installing roof jacks to prevent water intrusion, contact J & B Air Conditioning, Heating and Gutter. We are a local HVAC contractor and sheet metal company in Ruston, LA. Let our techs custom-cut and install your roof jacks before you see damage. Call us today so you’ll feel comfortable riding out hurricane season. We offer numerous colors, materials and styles, so you’ll be sure to get a roof jack that blends in with your roof.