5. Roof Vents: Repair or Replace?
Inspect all roof vents (the square or low-profile units):
- Cracked plastic housings
- Split or rusted seams on metal vents
- Loose or missing nails at the base
Don’t rely on caulk to save a cracked vent — it’s a short-term band-aid. The right fix is to replace the vent.
Basic replacement steps:
- Lift shingles on both sides enough to access nails.
- Remove nails at sides and across the top of the vent.
- Slide old vent out, slide new one in the same way.
- Screw the base down with rubber-washered screws.
- Run a bead of roofing sealant under the shingles on each side to hold them down and add a water barrier.

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