Plumbing ventilation is important for any home, and plumbing boots are necessary fixtures around any protruding plumbing vents on your roof. Anything that extends outward from your roof’s surface and interrupts your shingling or roof covering is a potential infiltration point for water. It’s important to know the signs of problems with the protrusions on your roof, including plumbing vent pipes.
When plumbing pipes must vent through the roof, a plumbing boot helps prevent water from entering the attic around the protruding pipe. In most cases, plumbing boots are critical fixtures that require close attention. Failing to address water sealing problems with a plumbing boot can lead to expensive water damage that extends through every floor of the home and issues with the home’s plumbing system in some cases.
How Does a Plumbing Boot Work?
A plumbing vent pipe that exits through the roof of a home will interrupt the roof’s shingling pattern. Most plumbing vent pipes are made of lead or plastic. While plastic is the cheaper alternative, it is also more prone to damage and cracking from wear and tear, especially in areas with variable climates. The plumbing pipe vent is nailed into the roof bed beneath the shingles or roof covering, and the roofing material is attached around the vent’s base. The plumbing boot is composed of thin preformed metal and a rubber sealing ring that fits over the shingles to form a watertight seal around the pipe vent.
Most residential roofs require plumbing boots because most modern residential plumbing systems require roof vent pipes. If you regularly check your roof for problems, it’s a good idea to carefully inspect the seal of your plumbing boots to ensure they are completely watertight.
Signs of Plumbing Boot Damage
While metal plumbing boots typically hold up well for many years, plastic plumbing pipes may begin to pull away from the plumbing boot seal over time. Any type of plastic plumbing pipe boot will require replacement as often as every five to seven years in some areas. If you notice any cracks, chips, or pieces missing from the sealing ring of your plumbing boot, it’s best to contact a reliable roofer as soon as possible to have it inspected and replaced.
Another sign of a problem with your plumbing boot is shingle damage or discoloration around the plumbing boot. If there is a very subtle crack in the sealing ring base, water may have entered the roof below the shingles and damaged the decking. If left unchecked, you may start noticing water damage on interior walls and ceilings below the plumbing boot.
Choose a Professional Roofer for Plumbing Boot Repair and Installation
Whether you are building a new home with a brand-new roof or replacing your existing roof, it is vital to account for protrusions like electrical service masts and plumbing vent pipes. Plumbing boots are necessary water barriers, so professional installation is necessary for any residential roof.
Mr. Roof can assist with a full range of professional roofing services, including plumbing boot installation and replacement. Our team will inspect your roof and determine any issues with your plumbing boots. Contact us today to have your roof’s plumbing boots repaired or replaced.
