Which is better for repairing a roof leak at the tube vent: a new sleeve or tube replacement??

My roof has a leak at the vent tube.  I received an estimate of $250 for a tube repair.  When I asked about alternatives, the roofer mentioned a sleeve, but also indicated that he could not guarantee that the sleeve would last until the shingles need replaced, which is in 6 to 10 years by his estimate.  He quoted $150 for the sleeve. What are your thoughts on whether a sleeve or tube replacement is a better idea?  -- Affton, Mo.

A leaky roof vent is not uncommon, especially if you have squirrels nearby. For some reason, they seem to enjoy chewing on the metal flashing, also called "the jack," which surrounds roof vents.

The two options presented by your roofing contractor -- replacing the vent tube or fitting a sleeve over the tube -- are among the most common ways to address a leaking roof vent. Whether to repair or replace can sometimes be a tough call.

If the vent has been leaking for some time, there may be significant or noticeable damage to the shingles or the decking around the vent. In this case, you should opt for vent tube replacement. This usually requires ripping up some shingles around the vent, laying new roofing paper, attaching a new jack and then re-shingling. A professional roofing contractor should find this job pretty straightforward. If the decking around the vent is showing signs of rot, you might have a larger project on your hands.

As for repairing the leaky roof vent with a sleeve: If you caught the leak early, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of damage surrounding the vent, this is a reasonable, less expensive option. It is something you will have to keep an eye on to make sure the sleeve is working and the problem area stays leak free. One thing this repair can do is give you time to inspect remaining vents and make sure they're watertight. Assuming no additional leaks and only minor repairs, this option can win you some time before an expensive, re-roofing effort is required.