Look closely at any home and you will see several pipes protruding from the roof. Most of these pipes are ventilation pipes needed for proper drainage of indoor plumbing systems.

Vent pipes are typically made from 2-inch- or 4-inch-diameter PVC or galvanized pipe. The point where they exit the roof is predisposed to leakage. Water runs down the roof and catches around the pipe; damaging the flashing, the roof, the insulation and eventually the ceiling.

A well-installed new roof vent boot can solve the problem in a flash.

Step 1: If your roof is very steep or you have an issue with heights, hire a professional to replace compromised roof vents. Otherwise, set up a ladder near the vent. Make sure the top of the ladder extends 3 feet above the edge of the roof and the feet of the ladder are positioned on solid ground away from the structure 1 foot for every 4 feet of ladder height.

Step 2: Use a putty knife to scrape away any tar or caulk around the existing vent pipe. Use a carton knife to cut back the rubber boot attached to the old flashing.

Step 3: Insert a 4-inch putty knife under the front edge of the shingles surrounding the vent pipe and pry the front edge of the shingles loose.

Step 4: Lift the top shingles slightly to locate the nail heads holding the lower shingles in place. Insert a flat pry bar under the lower shingles and pop the nails up one by one.

Step 5: Once the shingles have been carefully removed, pull out the nails holding the flashing in place. Lift the old flashing up and off the vent pipe.

Step 6: Fill the old nail holes with roof tar.

Step 7: Slide the new flashing down the vent pipe and position it into place.

Step 8: Hammer a galvanized roofing nail into each corner of the flashing to secure the flashing to the roof. If desired, hammer one or two additional nails along the top and bottom of the flashing.

Step 9: Reinstall the surrounding shingles from the bottom up, using roof tar to adhere the shingles to the flashing and to seal the shingle edges.

Step 10: For added protection, slide a second rubber vent pipe collar over the pipe to serve as an umbrella for the roof flashing.

— Questions? Linda Cottin can be reached at hardware@sunflower.com.