A Dallas-Fort Worth homeowner dealing with insurance-covered water damage from an HVAC condensate backup says another installation issue may have shown up in the attic: a visible opening around the furnace vent where it exits through the roof.

Here's what to know

The detail that prompted the online question was daylight visible around the vent opening. In a Reddit post, the homeowner wrote that there was "probably a one to 1.5 inch gap all the way around" the roof penetration. 

The same post said the Dallas-Fort Worth-area resident had already experienced trouble after a full HVAC replacement, including a drip pan that "wasn't secured properly and sagged down so the shut off valve never activated."

Commenters treated the gap as a serious problem rather than a cosmetic quirk. 

"That gap should absolutely not be there," one person wrote, adding that flashing around a pipe boot "is supposed to seal tight to the pipe." Another commenter focused on the likely correction, writing, "The collar needs to be down to the roof jack and caulked like the other one."

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More background

According to the post, the condensate backup happened while the homeowner was away, and the resulting flooding was "going through insurance."

Even a roof vent flaw that looks minor can turn into a much bigger problem. If water gets into the attic, it can lead to insulation damage, mold risk, drywall issues, and repair costs that eat into the financial benefits of a newer HVAC system.

Efficient heating and cooling equipment can significantly reduce energy use, particularly in hot climates where air conditioning does heavy lifting for much of the year. Still, the promise of lower bills is strongest when the system is installed correctly, sealed properly, and maintained consistently.

What can be done?

Before arranging repairs, commenters urged the homeowner to document the issue with photos. The discussion also suggested that both HVAC professionals and roofers could be involved, since the installer may have created the problem while the roof penetration and flashing are typically roofing work.

The thread offered different starting points. One commenter suggested contacting the installer first, while another wrote, "Call a roofer. It almost looks like the HVAC guys just pushed up the B-Vent when they were changing out the equipment." Sorting out who is responsible for the venting and the flashing — and getting that answer in writing — can help clarify the repair.

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The homeowner did not sound eager to tackle the repair personally. Replying after a commenter described it as an easy fix, the original poster wrote: "It's a furnace. Maybe easy for you! It's way the heck up there on a steep pitched roof: I'll call someone."

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