Unpredictable Texas weather can take a toll on your home, especially your roof, thanks to heavy hail, strong winds and torrential downpours that can wreck your roof and venting systems.
This combination of less than ideal weather makes roof repairs routine and necessary (especially in Summer months). Have you recently had a roof installation or repair?
If so, it’s important that you check your water heaters and heaters for problems left behind by roofers. There are two common issues after a roof repair that can pose a serious problem to your home:
- Felt paper or shingles are not installed with the required minimum 1” clearance and touch the vent pipe, which is a fire hazard.
- Vent pipes have become disconnected and vent CO gas into the attic or garage.
Improperly vented gas fired appliances can be a fire hazard and potentially cause carbon monoxide entrapment in your home. Consider installing a CO detector, even after an inspection.
Most roofers will perform an inspection after a reroofing or installation, but you should perform one yourself to ensure you and your family’s safety by reviewing your:
- Water heater
- Furnace
- Stove and other gas appliances
While this is a serious topic, it doesn’t have to be a source of stress or worry. There are some things you can do to ensure your home is safe.
Preventative Measures
It’s important to note that inspection of your water heater, heater, and vents should be checked regularly, especially after heavy storms, not just reroofing. Stay on top of any potential problems in your home by frequently reviewing:
- Venting exit on the roof for debris or blockages.
- Venting systems for a puncture, this is serious, and you should not attempt to patch yourself. Improper patching can lead to a CO build-up in your home.
- Flue vent piping from gas appliances (especially your water heater) to ensure pipes have not become loose or disconnected.
After checking for any issues, you can also clean and dust your gas appliances after turning them off and letting them cool down; routine upkeep will also ensure a smooth-running appliance.
Professional Assessment
So, you’ve reviewed your gas appliances, and you’re not sure what you’ve found, or you’d feel better with a professional opinion.
Here are some examples of the in-depth items you can expect a professional inspector will be looking at when they come to your home:
- Proper installation and correct ventilation of appliances.
- Air pressure fluctuations or airway blockages.
- Misaligned vent stacks, common after construction projects.
- Pipe joints are connected and air tight to prevent leaks.
- Proper clearance as mandated by building codes.
- Flue pipes have proper labeling.
- Flue clearance from combustibles is sufficient.
- Gas clothes dryers are vented with proper, inflammable material.
- Safe venting of combustion products from the water heater.
Have any doubts or questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us today and let us give you the peace of mind that your home and family is safe from any fire or CO hazards. We’ll see you in 48 hours or less!