Capping an old rooftop conduit for electrical main

[FLBiker]

We had our circuit breaker replaced a couple of years ago, and it was moved to the outside wall of the house (it had been on a screen porch).  The electrician covered the top of the old main's conduit (sorry if that's the wrong word) with tar paper.  I was recently up on the roof cleaning gutters, and noticed that the paper is starting to fail.  What is the "proper" way to cap something like this?

Also, we're probably going to be replacing our roof soon, so is this a moot point?  In other words, should I just slap some more tar paper on it since we'll have a new roof in a year or so?

Here is a photo.  If any other info would be useful, please don't hesitate to ask.  Thanks!

[sokoloff]

There should be metal flashing to create a long-term, leak-free seal against the elements.

It looks like there is at the bottom, so there may be under the tar paper as well.

If he just made a tar paper "hat" for your roof, that's unconscionably poor workmanship, but it doesn't look like that's the case, given he seems to have properly flashed the bottom part.

[FLBiker]

Thanks for the quick response.  Let me explain a bit more.

My assumption is that the metal box and flashing were in place when the electrical main was there, and that when it was moved, the electrician put tar paper over whatever hole was left.  Does that make sense?  Should I remove the tar paper and take more pictures (and presumably cover it back up with tar paper in the meantime)?  It might be a little while before I'm able to do that, as we're just getting into afternoon thunderstorm season.

Thanks!

[Fishindude]

I'd remove that box all together, patch the roof deck and re-fit shingles back in place properly if you don't plan on re-roofing anytime in next couple years.  If re-roofing is in the plans, a simple sheet metal cap would be much better than what is there.

[FLBiker]

I'd remove that box all together, patch the roof deck and re-fit shingles back in place properly if you don't plan on re-roofing anytime in next couple years.  If re-roofing is in the plans, a simple sheet metal cap would be much better than what is there.

Excellent, thanks!  We are planning to re-roof soon, so I think I'll go for plan B.

And please forgive these n00b questions, I just want to make sure I understand -- you're suggesting that I get a small piece of sheet metal, cut it to fit (with flaps folded down along the side of the box), right?  How would you recommend attaching it (ie liquid nail)?  And should I caulk around the flaps once it's secured?

Thanks!

[Fishindude]

Excellent, thanks!  We are planning to re-roof soon, so I think I'll go for plan B.

And please forgive these n00b questions, I just want to make sure I understand -- you're suggesting that I get a small piece of sheet metal, cut it to fit (with flaps folded down along the side of the box), right?  How would you recommend attaching it (ie liquid nail)?  And should I caulk around the flaps once it's secured?

Thanks!

Yep, bend up a sheet metal cap with sides folded down like you suggest.  Screw through the side tabs into sides of metal box.
Wouldn't hurt to put a good bead of caulk on the top lip of box before you put the cap on, then caulk the corners and screws also.

[FLBiker]

Excellent, thanks!  We are planning to re-roof soon, so I think I'll go for plan B.

And please forgive these n00b questions, I just want to make sure I understand -- you're suggesting that I get a small piece of sheet metal, cut it to fit (with flaps folded down along the side of the box), right?  How would you recommend attaching it (ie liquid nail)?  And should I caulk around the flaps once it's secured?

Thanks!

Yep, bend up a sheet metal cap with sides folded down like you suggest.  Screw through the side tabs into sides of metal box.
Wouldn't hurt to put a good bead of caulk on the top lip of box before you put the cap on, then caulk the corners and screws also.

Excellent, thanks so much!

[paddedhat]

Yea, that's ugly. When it's reroof time, your roofer can patch that in with little effort.  Take a picture of that mess, and some measurements to a local HVAC contractor that does their own ductwork fabrication. They can quickly make you a galvanized box, of sorts, that you can slide over the top and secure with a few sheet metal screws. Good luck.

If you are reroofing soon, and don't have aesthetic concerns, you can also take a pair of tin snips and cut the side off of that flashing. Bang any loose edges flat, then just take a sheet metal patch, roughly 16" x 16" slide it up under the shingles above, cover the hole, and put a roofing nail through the two lower corners of the patch. Seal with some roof tar or silicone. Might look like shit on a white horse, as my old cowboy buddy would say, but it won't leak, and outlast the roof.

[FLBiker]

If you are reroofing soon, and don't have aesthetic concerns, you can also take a pair of tin snips and cut the side off of that flashing. Bang any loose edges flat, then just take a sheet metal patch, roughly 16" x 16" slide it up under the shingles above, cover the hole, and put a roofing nail through the two lower corners of the patch. Seal with some roof tar or silicone. Might look like shit on a white horse, as my old cowboy buddy would say, but it won't leak, and outlast the roof.

That's a good idea.  Thanks!