Hey Folks,
Here in Alberta, this is a common practice used by HVAC technicians when a furnace is replaced. They run it through the old vent & seal it with the caulking. How would you guys call it out?
are you saying they disabled a plumbing vent to do this?..if so I would say that…
If it were an abandoned chimney stack i prolly would say nothing…
3 Likes
Hey James, The furnace was replaced & PVC pipes for high-efficiency furnace venting were run through the old vent & caulking was used to waterproof it.
I would say to maintain the caulking for now and then remove the old vent and redo the PVC pipes through the roof at the next re-roofing.
5 Likes
Thank You, Ryan. Appreciate your help
1 Like
I would call it out as an improperly installed vent. Anytime caulk is being used for a roof penetration, it’s the wrong way to do it.
5 Likes
I wrote this.
The observed deterioration of the caulking around the vent may lead to water intrusion. Caulking is considered a temporary measure to avoid water penetration as it deteriorates over time. It is advisable to monitor and maintain the caulking as an immediate measure. Consider removing the existing vent and replacing the PVC pipes through the roof for a permanent solution. Alternatively, engage a qualified roofer to conduct a thorough evaluation and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
2 Likes
So why did they hire you? You already advised on a repair method.
1 Like
The observed deterioration of the caulking around the vent may lead to water intrusion. Caulking is considered a temporary measure to avoid water penetration as it deteriorates over time. It is advisable to monitor and maintain the caulking as an immediate measure. Consider removing the existing vent and replacing the PVC pipes through the roof for a permanent solution. Engage a qualified roofer to make repairs.
1 Like
For some reason “roofer” always sounds weird to me when used in a report. Consider using “roofing contractor” if you feel the same.
4 Likes
Noted 
Just asking, since I’m a million miles from Alberta, what do the thousands of these installs look like over time?
I would expect there to be some evidence of leakage somewhere, unless it’s sealed some other way.
I see that here occasionally. Not a best practice, but if it is working…it’s working. Here our AHJs will sign off on it. I almost never see one leaking water into the house. If the caulk-cap will hold water (not domed to shed water), then it is more likely to allow water penetration.
Which vent? Be specific.
They are using caulk because the vent/exhaust roof penetration is wrong. Call out the roof penetration first, then describe how the materials are failing.
You could give them some advice if you choose, such as “vent boots are considered best practice.”
Just my 2 cents.
2 Likes
I am not sure that is an actual pitch pocket. I had to expand the photo. They used a manufactured galvanized steel cap with holes (possibly field cut), which they attempted to fill with sealant.
But, a proper pitch pocket could work I suppose.
1 Like
IMO it’s a lazy way to extend the exhaust and inlet pipes to the exterior, and I would call it out as improper installation.
3 Likes
Considering it’s a “pitched roof”, it isn’t an “actual pitch pocket”, rather a “modified version” of one to fit the need.
Personally, the only issue I have with it being used in this situation is the lack of proper workmanship. Needs to be reworked/resealed, and all should be good assuming annual maintenance reviews and repairs, (such as with a flat/low slope roof), requires.
1 Like