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Cómo detectar y evitar goteras en tuberías de ventilación para techo

By Dawn Killough

29 de junio de 2023

Damaged roof vent pipe

Algunas de las partes más vulnerables de cualquier techo son los lugares en los que las tuberías y la ventilación sobresalen de la cubierta del techo. Estos lugares, conocidos como penetraciones, son los primeros lugares en los que aparecen goteras.

Por lo tanto, es fundamental reducir el riesgo de goteras en tuberías de plomería de ventilación en el techo. Para este trabajo, se requieren los materiales adecuados y la instalación por parte de un contratista de techado profesional.

Here's a look at what can cause these kinds of roof vent pipe leaks, how to determine if you have any, and the important role quality products and installation play in helping to keep your home leak free.

What Causes a Plumbing Vent Pipe Leak in Your Roof?

Roof vent pipe leaks are usually caused by damage to the plumbing vent pipe collar or flashing that surrounds the pipe to protect the junction of the roof and the penetration. These collars or flashings can become damaged or degraded when exposed to the elements or when struck by debris.

Plumbing vent pipes on the roof are particularly vulnerable to leaks when the flashings aren't installed correctly-or at all. Surprisingly, some installers just cut the shingles around the vent pipe and caulk the joint. This can quickly wear away or crack with changing temperatures or sun exposure. Ensuring quality, durable flashing materials are present and installed correctly will better protect your home from water intrusion.

How to Determine If Your Roof's Plumbing Vent Pipe Is Leaking

Several signs may indicate you may have a leak. If you see any indication of a water leak in your home, call a professional roofer to inspect your roof. Water travels and it can be difficult to determine exactly where the leak is coming from. Professionals have years of experience in diagnosing leaks and some use new technology—like infrared imaging—to see hidden water damage.

Signs of roof vent pipe leaks may include:

Ceiling Stains

Look for dark spots on your ceiling, as these often appear under a leak. If your attic space is finished, stains will be easy to spot against a white ceiling. If you have an unfinished attic, you may not notice them until you're performing other work in that space. So, it's a good idea to inspect your roof and attic for stains at least twice yearly.

Neighbors have a water leak, water-damaged ceiling, close-up of a stain on the ceiling.

Mold in the Attic

In addition to looking for stains, regularly inspect your attic for mold growth. Mold is a sign of moisture, which is unhealthy to have in your home. You'll need special treatment to get rid of it once the leak is repaired.

Rust on Metal in Your Home

If you notice rust on metal parts inside your home, this is another sign of moisture intrusion and could indicate a leak.

Missing or Broken Shingles or Seals around Vent Pipes

When your roof is inspected, there might be missing or broken shingles around the plumbing vent pipes or damage/degradation to the actual flashing/seals around the vent pipe.

Damp Spots on Your Roof

Feel around the attic ceiling or roof deck to check for soft or damp spots. Both are indications there might be a leak.

The Importance of Proper Installation and Quality Products

Using the proper products and installing them correctly is essential.

First, verify your installers have the correct flashing or vent pipe collar for your roofing system and slope. Ensure they're using ones designed to be used with the shingle type and material you've chosen and select a reputable roofer to install it.


GAF Master Flow™ Pivot™ Pipe Boot Flashing is designed to work on asphalt shingle roof systems with roof slopes 3:12–12:12. It's constructed using durable metal and has no seals or gaskets that can degrade and leak when left exposed to the elements. It even has an easy-to-use pitch adjustment for easy installation. It's warranted against leaks caused by manufacturing defects or ordinary wear and tear for up to 50 years (or the length of the warranty of the adjacent shingles)*. It's also eligible for GAF enhanced warranty coverage when installed by a contractor certified by GAF** in connection with a qualifying roofing system.***

GAF Master Flow™ Pivot™ Pipe Boot Flashing

Contact a contractor certified by GAF** for more information and to schedule a visit.


*See Master Flow™ Pivot™ Pipe Boot Flashing Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.

** Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Los contratistas pueden recibir beneficios, como puntos y descuentos de recompensa por lealtad en herramientas de comercialización de GAF por participar en el programa y ofrecer a GAF garantías mejoradas, que requieren el uso de una cantidad mínima de productos de GAF.

*** See GAF System Plus™, Silver Pledge™, and Golden Pledge® Limited Warranties for complete coverage and restrictions.

About the Author

Dawn Killough es una escritora independiente que cubre temas sobre construcción, finanzas y contabilidad. Es la autora de un libro electrónico sobre construcción ecológica y escribe para sitios web de tecnología en la construcción y construcción ecológica. Vive en Salem, Oregon con su esposo y cuatro gatos.

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