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Vent pipes in your roofs require a special vent pipe cover to prevent your roof from water leaks. This is where a roof boot comes in.
Roof boots are a special type of rubber cover designed to keep your house safe and well-protected from harsh elements that may damage your roof.
So how do you keep your roof boot in tip-top condition and repair one? Furthermore, how does it manage the vent pipe in your roof? Let’s find out.
What Does a Roof Boot Do?
Before we can understand how a roof boot protects your home, let’s talk about your vent pipe.
Every home has a plumbing system installed. It serves the purpose of managing your wastewater by moving it into the sewer system.
This is possible through the vent pipes installed in your home that run from your kitchen and bathroom then run up all the way to your roof.
So, where do roof boots come in?
Simple.
Your roof boot acts as the rubber cover or product that protects your vent pipe and ensures your plumbing system removes wastewater from your home effectively.
Why is Roof Boot Important?
Without proper protection, your vent pipes become vulnerable to various weather elements, such as outdoor air, debris, and moisture.
Without a vent pipe cover to seal and protect the pipes installed in your home, your roof becomes prone to water leaks, moisture damage, and ultimately, any wastewater won’t properly move into the sewer system.
Now we all know the mismanagement of wastewater carries a serious headache of problems. So would you be willing to risk it?
How Long Do Roof Boots Last?
The average lifespan of a roof boot should be 10 years.
This may last longer with proper maintenance and depending on the weather conditions in your area.
Also, you’ll find various products or types of roof boots on the market. This may depend on where you source the products locally, or you might also find these online.
What Are the Best Boots for Roofing?
The 3 main types of boots used in roofs are:
- Copper or retrofitted
- Plastic
- Lead
Among the three, lead is the superior choice. Although plastic is a more economical option, you’ll have to replace a plastic roof boot frequently compared to lead.
Take note, though. The 3 main types are traditional boot roofing flashings. If you want specialized and custom-made boots, there are a few worth mentioning:
- Quarrix Pipe Boot – Made of uncoated galvanized or coated steel. You can purchase one in 2 pitch ranges and pipe diameters. As for the cost, the price ranges between $20 – $30.
- Bullet Boot – Made of UV-protected TPE plastic, bullet boots have good flexibility and a wide variety of pipe diameters to choose from. These cost between $11 – $17.
- Perma Boot – A stronger material compared to bullet boots. Made of high-impact TPO plastic, one can install this on their roof and fit the pipes with ease. These will cost you between $16 – $20.
- Lifetime Tool – The strongest of them all. Lifetime tool is the ultimate boot insurance for your roof and home. It’s made of silicone and has a collar to help when sealing. Then again, it’s also the most costly. These will cost you between $55 to $57.
So, which one should you go for?
The best choice for roofing would be the Lifetime Tool, without a doubt. But, this may not be a viable option for price-conscious consumers.
That being the case, Quarrix or Perma is a good, economical option.
How to Repair a Roof Boot
Before you can repair your roof boot, you’ll have to search and inspect the areas around your roof that may have water leaks or damage.
These include your shingles, kitchen, or the pain. Here are some key areas to look out for and help you identify your boot is damaged:
- The paint in your walls or ceiling is cracking or peeling.
- Your shingles around your vent pipes have a “puckered” appearance.
- The wallpaper in your bathroom or kitchen is peeling.
- Noticeable watermarks on ceilings, walls, or kitchen.
You’ll need a ladder to inspect the shingles in your roof thoroughly; however, if you aren’t comfortable, we suggest calling a professional to help you conduct your search.
Once you’ve identified the areas around your home that have water damage or leaks, it’s time to repair your boot!
You’ll need the following:
- Vent pipe flashing
- Adhesive (Silicone)
- Metal shears; heavy scissors will do
Step 1: Grab your metal shears or heavy scissors and cut the rubber portion off your flashing assembly.
Step 2: Trim your new seal to match the dimensions of your old seal. After trimming, fit it neatly over your old sealing. Note: This is a dry-fit process. Make sure no water or moisture is present.
Step 3: Grab your silicone adhesive and apply this to your old boot. Afterward, slide your new roof boot and make sure to secure it properly.
Step 4: Clean up any excess adhesive that might have squeezed out. You can use a rag for this.
And that’s it! 4 simples steps to repair your roof boot. However, this repair process didn’t require you to tear off parts of your roof.
In some cases, the damage caused by debris, water, or the weather may require you to tear off a portion of your roof to perform a proper repair.
Ultimately, we recommend consulting a roofing professional for better insight. Here is a video showing how to repair your roof boot:
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Roof Boot?
The average cost to repair a roof boot in your home would be around $75 – $150. This applies to any home with standard slope roofs.
However, if your home has serious weather or water damage, you might need a boot replacement. While costs vary depending on your roof boot type, you should expect to pay between $150 to $750.
Conclusion
We hope this review was able to help you understand your roof boot more and how to install one! Feel free to share your questions and thoughts down below!
