Roof vents require a specific vent pipe cover to prevent water leaks from your roofs. A roof boot is a waterproof barrier that can be used to seal off the top of your roof from rain. Roof boots are a type of rubber cover intended to keep your home secure and safe from harsh weather conditions that can damage your roof. So How long do roof vent boots last?
Furthermore, How does it keep your roof's vent pipe operating smoothly? Let's have a look.
How long do roof vent boots last?
Depending on the quality of the material and your local weather, your rubber boots on your plumbing vents might last anywhere from ten to twenty years. However, water can drip into the roof when the rubber begins to break away. If you notice water stains developing on your ceilings on the top floor of your property, the vent boot is a possible source.
Fortunately, replacing the vent boots is not a difficult or expensive procedure. To reach the roof, you'll need a ladder, some caulk, and a new boot to insert into place. If you don't already have them, you'll need a pair of long-nose pliers and a hammer, as well as any other tools specific to the job. The procedure is very similar if your vent has metal flashing rather than a rubber boot.
What Does a Roof Boot Do?
Let's start with your vent pipe before we can understand how a roof boot protects your home. Every home has a plumbing system used to transport wastewater into the sewer system. This is accomplished via your home's ventilation pipes, which run from your kitchen and bathroom to the top of your roof.
So, where do roof boots fit in?
Simple. If your roof boot is damaged, it will not only leak but also act as a protective cover for your vent pipe, ensuring that your plumbing system cleans wastewater effectively.
Why Should You Have Roof Boots?
Your vent pipes are highly fragile without adequate protection, and they're susceptible to various weather conditions such as outside air, trash, and dampness.
If you don't have a vent pipe cover to keep the pipes in your house from getting wet, they'll get moldy, damaged by moisture, and ultimately block any wastewater from reaching the sewage system.
Now that we all understand how much trouble wastewater management can be, wouldn't you be interested in taking a chance?
What Are the Best Roofing Boots?
The three most common types of boots used in roofs are:
- Copper or retrofitted
- Plastic
- Lead
The best option, in terms of cost, is lead. Lead is superior to plastic when it comes to longevity. Although plastic is a less expensive alternative, you'll have to replace a plastic roof boot much more frequently than you will a lead roof boot.
However, keep in mind that there are three primary types of boot roofing flashings. The most common ones are traditional boot roofing flashings. If you're looking for unusual and one-of-a-kind boots, here are a few worth considering:
- Quarrix Pipe Boot – A pipe ventilator is made of welded steel or galvanized iron and has a smooth surface. You may get one in two pitch ranges as well as pipe diameters. The price varies between $20 and $30, depending on the size.
- Bullet Boot– The bullet boots are made of UV-protected thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) plastic and have excellent flexibility. These range in price from $11 to $17.
- Prema Boot- The Perma Boot has a more durable material than bullet boots. This is constructed of high-impact TPO plastic and may be installed on your roof with no difficulty fitting the pipes. These will run you anywhere from $16 to $20.
- Lifetime Tool – The Lifetime Tool most durable and robust of them all. Lifetime tool is the greatest roof and house boot insurance available. It's composed of silicone and comes with a collar for easier sealing. It's also the most expensive, ranging from $55 to $57 per pair.
So, which one should you pick?
The Lifetime Tool is, without a doubt, the most acceptable option for roofing. However, this may not be an affordable choice for buyers on a budget.
How to Fix a Roof Boot
You'll have to search and examine the areas around your roof that may have water leaks or damage before you can repair your roof boot.
Your roof, kitchen, and pain are all possible locations for the cause of your discomfort. Here are some key indicators to look for to help you determine whether or not your boot is broken:
- Your walls or ceiling are chipping or flaking.
- Your vent pipes are encircled by shingles that have a "bumpy" look to them.
- The wall paper on your bathroom or kitchen is peeling off.
- Watermarks on the ceiling, walls, or inside of the kitchen.
If you're not comfortable inspecting your shingles, we recommend getting help from a professional. However, if you don't have a ladder on hand, you'll need to call one in.
After you've located the regions of your house with water damage or leaks, it's time to repair your boot!
You'll need the following items:
- Vent pipe flashing
- Adhesive (Silicone)
- For cutting wires, you'll need heavy scissors or a pair of wire cutters.
Step 1: Grab your metal shears or heavy scissors and snip the rubber portion off your flashing assembly.
Step 2: Trim the new seal to match the dimensions of your old one. After cutting, make sure it fits neatly over your prior sealing. Note: This is a dry-fit installation procedure. Make sure there's no water or moisture nearby.
Step 3: Remove the old boot using a knife or razor and place it on your new one. Apply the silicone adhesive to the old boot, then place your new roof boot on top and ensure it's secure.
Step 4: Remove any remaining adhesive that has been squeezed out. A cloth might be used for this.
That is all there is to it! All you have to do now is follow these four simple steps. However, this repair operation did not involve the removal of parts of your roof.
In some situations, the damage caused by debris, water, or the weather may necessitate you to remove part of your roof to repair it properly.
How Much Does Roof Boot Repair Cost?
The cost of replacing a roof boot in your house will generally range from $75 to $150. This covers any essential slope roofed home.
However, if your home has severe weather or water damage, the boots may need to be replaced. Although the costs differ depending on your roof boot type, you should budget $150 to $750 for them.
We hope that this post was able to assist you in understanding your roof boot and how to install one! Please leave a comment below if you have any questions.