DIY Network

Curing Those Broken-Down House Blues DIY's Finders Fixers team comes to the rescue for a in-need-of-repair California Tudor. From "Finders Fixers" episode DFFX-201

Homeowners Curt and Faleen Campbell own an eye-catching California Tudor that is in need of some serious repair. Rick Yerger, DIY's home inspector who handles the West territory, helps the couple correct a bubble in their walls, finds and seals a vent crack, patches the roof and install flashing and repairs plaster walls.

Homeowners Curt and Faleen Campbell are thrilled that home inspector...

...Rick Yerger comes to the rescue of their charming California Tudor.

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	Before — the cracked vent is in dire need of repair.
	Home inspector Rick Yerger installs a new vent sleeve.
	Figure A

Sealing a Cracked Vent and Patching the Roof

The first project for the Campbells is to seal a cracked vent and patch the roof. Gaps in your vent pipes can allow water to seep in — causing unwanted leaks. Here are some steps to seal a problem that causes cracks in a vent.

Materials:

vent sleeve
storm collar
rain cap
caulking gun
roofing cement
trowel

1. Avoid disturbing any asbestos in the lining of the pipe (figure A).

   Safety Alert: When asbestos is disturbed from its natural state, then it becomes a potential health hazard.

2. First slide the storm collar over the top of the sleeve. Slide it down low enough to accommodate room for the rain cap.

3. Carefully slide the vent sleeve into the pipe. This will take the place of the existing vent.

4. Seal the storm collar in place with caulk. Apply liberally to ensure a tight, waterproof seal. Run your finger along the seam to ensure adhesion.

5. Top off the vent with the rain cap.

6. To avoid any further leaks into your home, use roofing cement to patch up any leaks in the roof.

7. Apply a liberal amount of cement around any holes or cracks around the roof flashings.

	Roof flashing — before
	Roof flashing — after
	Figure B
	Figure C

Add New Flashing

The seal between the chimney and the roof can be a potential site for leaks if water doesn't shed away properly. Here are some steps to install counter flashing to further waterproof your roof.

Materials:

metal flashing
tin snips
measuring Tape
caulking Gun
hammer drill with masonry bit attachment
screws

1. First measure the base of the chimney (figure B) to determine how much metal flashing you'll need.

2. With the measurements in hand, cut the metal flashing pieces to size using tin snips (figure C).

3. Cut 45-degree grades at the end of each piece of flashing. This will ensure that the flashing doesn't hit the roof when you try to fold up the sides.

4. Once the pieces are in place, use the hammer drill with the masonry bit attached to drill through the flashing and stucco. Set the drill to a lower speed to avoid shearing off the head of the screw.

5. Once the flashing is screwed in place, apply a dab of caulk to each of the screw heads.

6. Fill the entire reservoir on top of the flashing with sealant.

7. Repeat the procedure on both sides of the chimney.

8. Fill any other gaps between the wood trim and stucco to further prevent water from entering your home.

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