When you have a leak in your roof, you might think the problem is a bad shingle or rusted chimney flashing. However, a bad pipe collar could be to blame. Here's the purpose of a pipe collar, when to suspect a pipe collar on your roof is bad, and how a roofer can replace it.

The Purpose Of A Pipe Collar

A pipe collar is a type of flashing that covers a pipe so rain can't roll down it and leak in your roof. A collar has a flat base that slides under shingles and a top that hugs the pipe to keep water out. The collar might be all rubber or part rubber and part metal.

The Signs Of A Bad Pipe Collar

The pipes that poke through your roof are usually connected to your home's plumbing, and they are often right above your kitchen or bathroom. If you notice a water stain on the ceiling in one of these rooms, then you might suspect the problem is from a leaky collar rather than a bad shingle. When you check your roof for signs of damage, which you should do on a regular basis, be sure to look at the base of the pipes that poke through the roof. If the collar has a metal base, look for rust or lifted areas where a nail has backed out or the adhesive has worn out.

Likewise, be sure to check the rubber part of the collar, too. Rubber can crack due to sun exposure or just wear out due to age. If the rubber looks worn, call a roofer to have the collar replaced.

The Steps To Replace A Pipe Collar

A pipe collar is an inexpensive part and replacing it is fairly easy and quick as long as the roofer doesn't find hidden damage. To start, the roofer has to loosen or remove the nearby shingles so the collar can be lifted out. Then, the nails are removed from the collar so the collar can be pulled off the top of the pipe. Once that's done, the new collar is put on by pushing it down the pipe. The fit is snug so the seal is tight. The base of the collar is then slid under shingles and everything is nailed back in place. The roofer might add some adhesive to seal the edges of the base to ensure rain can't get under it.

If the roofer finds the roof has water damage around the pipe, then other repairs might be necessary. The deck and underlayment might need to be repaired, and new shingles might even need to be put on the area around the pipe.

Replacing a pipe collar is one of the easy roofing repairs, but it is an important repair to have done in a timely manner or water could leak in the attic every time it rains. For more information, contact a roofer.