How to Shingle a Roof Vent

On a rooftop, any seam or obtrusion is susceptible to water leaks and damage. To prevent leaking, install metal flashing along roof valleys and over vent pipes. The vent pipe flashing is a specialized building material with a tubular piece of metal attached to a wide base, or flange. On a shingle roof, vent pipe flashing should be positioned so it overlaps the lower course of shingles and is overlapped by the shingle courses above. In this way, a continuous water-resistant membrane forms over the rooftop.

Things You'll Need

Shingles
Corrosion-resistant roofing nails
Hammer
Vent pipe flashing

Roofing sealant
Pencil
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Fasten shingles to the roof until you reach the vent pipe. Nail each shingle with two corrosion-resistant nails.
- 2
  Set the vent pipe flashing in place to check the fit. Make sure the base of the flashing extends onto the portion of the shingle course it overlaps.
- 3
  Fasten the flashing with corrosion-resistant roofing nails.
- 4
  Seal the edges of the vent pipe flashing and the nail holes with roof sealant.
- 5
  Install the next course of shingles. Where the shingle pattern intersects the vent pipe, mark the shingle with a pencil. Then use a utility knife to cut a notch into the shingle so it can fit snugly around the extension of the vent pipe and flashing.
- 6
  Fold the top of the vent pipe flashing down into the vent pipe to create a cohesive, water-resistant barrier.
- 7
  Continue to fasten the roofing shingles. Maintain a consistent pattern and stagger the joints between each course of shingles.

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