Roof jacks have two meanings to roofing professionals. First, it’s a sheet of material that protects certain parts of the roof, especially vents and pipes. And second, it’s a tool used for support when maintaining sloped roofs.
Let’s answer to what is a roof jack in order for each of the meanings. After reading this article, you will never be confused again!
#1 Roof Jacks as Sealing Against Water
A roof jack is a fixture used to protect any pipe or vent that runs through your roofing from water intrusion. Essentially, it is an additional covering for your roof and pipe joints. Moreover, this unit can regulate the pressure within plumbing pipes.
What is a roof jack for vent pipes
You may find different names for roof jacking, such as pipe jack, pipe boot, plumbing boot, or roof flashing. But in either case, it is a preformed flange mounted on the vent pipe.
Venting and plumbing pipes are always elevated above the roof surface. This ensures that the systems are properly pressurized and exhaust bad gases away. However, wind and with it debris can get inside the pipe, upsetting the pressure balance and clogging the system.
Roof jacks provide double protection
First, a roof jack seals the gaps around the pipes where the pipe passes through your roof to seal your attic from snow and rain. Second, it covers the entrance to vents and plumbing so that wind and water do not interfere with the functionality of utility systems.
So, a roof jack is a metal structure that is installed on top of a vent pipe. It has a small pad as a base to close the gaps between the shingles and the pipe itself. It also has a cover or cap on top for weather resistance.
Various types of pipe roof jacks
For sloping roofs, roof jacks are produced in an angled form, so that the base repeats the slope of the roof, and the pipe still goes up. For flat roofs, the base of the roof jack is also flat, and the pipe part is strictly vertical.
Made of stainless steel or other waterproof material, a roof jack can last for decades – as long as the roof it seals from outside moisture. Rubber roof jacks last much less, and they’re not the best choice unless you’re raring to install a new one in five years.
Pipe jack installation
When you need your pipe flange replaced, you can start by removing the previous one and buying a new one based on this design. Favor durable materials so you don’t have to climb on top too often.
Replacement is best done in dry weather, wearing non-slip shoes and having a companion nearby for safety. Tiles that meet your path can be temporarily removed so as not to cause further damage.
#2 Roof Jacks as a Repair Footing
Now, let’s understand what roof jacks are as a handy tool vital to anyone working on a sloped deck.
A sloping surface is very difficult to fix and maintain. Worse, when rains and ice make it slippery and you can’t take a step farther than your ladder. And as luck would have it, it is the highest roof ridge that requires special care. By the way, what is a roof ridge we have already covered a little bit earlier.
What is a roof jack for roofing maintenance
Inspecting and even more so roof repairs require safety precautions to be taken. Naturally, boots with non-slip soles and a companion to help are strongly advised. So, a roof jack is a secure footing platform used to stand on and reach the steepest and hardest parts of the rooftop.
Roof jacks are used by professionals all the time, from the initial shingle installation to periodic repairs. A roof jack can also come in handy if you’re wondering how to get rid of a wasp nest. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you’re sure to find a thousand uses for this tool.
How a roof jack is constructed
Roof jacks are used on steep roofs as movable supports for roofers. The roof jack includes three parts – two fixing metal brackets and one support step fixed to the brackets.
Sometimes a whole ladder is installed on the roof brackets, not just one cross step. In this case, make sure that the roof brackets can support the weight of the working craftsman, his tools and the ladder in addition.
Ease of use of roof jacks
Roofing jacks are very convenient, because the same tool can be used repeatedly. If you follow the instructions, you will not pierce the shingles or damage any decking. In addition, the cost of such fasteners is much lower than a long ladder or scaffolding.
Notice that the jacks should not be attached to the roof deck or shingles, but to the rafters or other secure element of the roof. For extra helpful tips you can look at the Canadian Roofing Contractors Association article.
Make roof jacks on your own
Start installing the jack by finding a suitable location. The first rule is that you can only install your jack where the roof rafters or sheathing pass through. If you place the jack simply on the roof deck, the material will simply not support your weight and it could be a disaster.
You can detect the rafter lines or sheathing by the nail heads where the roof deck was attached. If your roof is tiled, you need to look under the shingles by bending them up.
The second rule of thumb is to use a reliable oversized fastener, at least two 16d nails per bracket. Regular roofing nails are designed for fastening shingles, not roof jacks, so don’t use them in a brace installation.
Finally, the third and final rule is to always screw the cross board to the brackets. Simply inserting it into the grooves is not enough. This will cost you a few minutes, but will significantly increase the reliability of the entire construction.
FAQs
What is the purpose of a roof jack?
Roof jacks also known as roof flashing are designed to keep dangerous weather events from entering your plumbing vents. They also bridge the gaps between vent and water utilities and roofing, increasing the overall durability of the roof.
How do you use roofing jacks?
Since many roofs run you the risk to simply slide down, extra precautions should be taken when standing on them. Install a roof jack for your safety in the area to be worked on. Use at least two 16d nails per bracket to secure your roof jack. Nails should be driven into the rafters or other secure structural member.
Are roof jacks safe?
Roofing jacks are really safe because they are made of metal materials. All you need to do is to properly install your jack by carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions.
How long do roof jacks last?
When it comes to roof jacking as a roof element covering a vent pipe, it usually lasts as long as the roof itself. However, improper installation or bad weather conditions can shorten the life of roof jacks, even if they are made of benign materials. Consider to replace your pipe jacks if you see moisture along vent.
Final Considerations
So, in the final account there are two types of roof jacks: one is part of the roof, and the other is a tool used by workers during installation, replacement, or repair. Hope, this article has helped you dig into the topic and now you know a little more about the roofing industry.