Leaks around vents and skylights are basically the story of my life after every big storm. I’d say 80% of the calls I get are for those spots, especially on older roofs where flashing starts to fail. Drones are awesome for a quick look, but they just can’t catch the subtle stuff—like a tiny crack in sealant or a loose fastener under debris. I’m a big believer in getting up close, especially if you’ve got HVAC units or satellite dishes up there... those penetrations are just asking for trouble over time. Honestly, skipping regular inspections is just rolling the dice with your insurance deductible.
I can’t count how many times I’ve had to explain to tenants that “no, the water isn’t coming through the light fixture because of a plumbing issue—it’s always those roof penetrations.” Our flat roof has a parade of HVAC units and satellite dishes, and every time someone installs or services one, it’s like playing whack-a-mole with leaks. We try for an inspection twice a year, but honestly, after a rough winter or a hailstorm, I’m up there sooner. Has anyone found a way to get contractors to actually reseal those flashings properly after maintenance? Or am I just doomed to keep chasing leaks forever...
I hear you on the roof leaks—flat roofs with all those penetrations are a nightmare. I’ve tried leaving explicit notes for HVAC techs to reseal, but half the time it’s like they never saw them. Ever tried tagging the penetrations with colored tape to track which ones were serviced? Not a perfect system, but at least I can narrow down the suspects when the next drip shows up...
Colored tape’s a clever idea, honestly. I’ve seen guys use spray paint dots too, but then you get into arguments about who’s responsible for the neon green mess. Do you ever get pushback from techs about “extra” steps like tagging or resealing? Some folks act like it’s not their job...
Do you ever get pushback from techs about “extra” steps like tagging or resealing? Some folks act like it’s not their job...
Yeah, I’ve definitely run into that. Some techs see tagging or resealing as “above and beyond,” especially if they’re on a tight schedule. I’ve found it helps to spell out expectations up front—if it’s in the work order, there’s less room for debate. Still, you’ll get some grumbling. But honestly, skipping those steps just leads to confusion later. It’s a headache sorting out who did what when there’s no clear marking system. Colored tape is less messy than spray paint, but either way, someone always complains about “extra” work.