[taberd]

Greetings,

On about half the roofs in my neighborhood, there are these things that no one can figure out what they are. They are made of a PVC/rubber like material. They have a cap that is removable, but do not penetrate the roof, so they are not vents or roof jacks. I was thinking they are a mount or vent of some sort, but can't figure it out. On the homes that have them, they have two in various locations, some are near the ridge, some are in the middle of the roof. I have attached several pictures. Please help!

Thanks!

 

[Scuba_Dave]

Where are you located?
Is this a gated community...wired community

OR possibly it is a roofing attachment - used for a safety harness when roofing
The rubber cap comes off & exposes a circle where a safety line can be attached

 

[Ed the Roofer]

Although your material description and the photos look otherwise, they look like a more decorative variety of lightening rods to me, because on the one photo, I saw, what seemed to be a cable. The cable is also supposed to be made of copper, as is the lightening rod for highest conductivity.

I am just guessing that IF they are lightening rods, then someone installed some sort of cap cover on the top pointed tip.

The other option, is a permanent Fall Arrest Anchoring location instaled on the roofs to make it easier in the future to clasp onto.

But, I seriously doubt that they would be made of plastic or rubber.

Ed

 

[CNM Design]

Possibly an FM satellite receiver like on a car. Or a satellite receiver for a security system.

 

[ramona1210]

I tried to figure that out, too. This thing lists a bunch of roofing terminology and descriptions - but it mentions nothing along those lines...

http://totalhomeblog.com/blog/roofing-vocabulary/

 

[Ed the Roofer]

Knock on someones door and ask.

Now, I want to know too.

Ed

 

[ramona1210]

Ed's given us the best answer yet.

 

[bladesj]

At a glance, it looks like wireless Internet access antenna. If the community offers internet access or someone locally is hosting internet access this would work.

 

[Gary in WA]

The plastic part is the removable cover for the fall arrest hold-down. Under the cover, attached by the plastic zip tie, is a through the roof metal hold-down like this: http://www.westernsafety.com/amranchr.html Scroll down.

I've installed about 25 of those things, before I go on the roof. Used to cost $50 each, back in 2000. Be safe, G