Plumbing Boot RepairsPlumbing vents are an essential part of a home’s DWV (Drain Waste and Vent) system. They supply fresh air to the plumbing system in the home, which helps with proper water circulation. Additionally, plumbing vents create an avenue for toxic sewer gases to leave home. One of the most common defects we that we find on older roofs are damaged plumbing vent boots. Plumbing vent boots are installed over or incorporated into the vents metal flashing and provide a watertight seal to help prevent moisture from leaking into the attic space.

Over time these rubber boots crack and deteriorate. This issue can occur well before the roofing material begins to fail. Rubber vent boots typically last a minimum of ten years but can deteriorate more quickly depending on the quality of the product and local weather conditions. When a vent boot is damaged it leaves an opening directly into the attic space. This is an easy avenue for moisture intrusion.

Luckily, there a several inexpensive options available for repairing this defective condition.

The first option is to install a new rubber boot directly on top of the damaged boot. A silicone adhesive can be applied to the old boot and a new properly fitting boot is installed and sealed on top of the old boot. Because the adhesive can fail over time this is considered a temporary fix. Cutting off the old boot and installing a new boot directly to the vent flashing is preferred.

Cracked plumbing bootThe next option is to replace the boot and flashing. This two in one (flashing and boot) system is more labor intensive to install but will likely provide a longer service life than replacing the boot alone. The first step is to loosen the shingles around and above the vent using a flat bar. Lifting the shingles by hand can cause tears, which would then require the shingles to be replaced. Once the shingles are loosened you can pry the flashing fasters up and pull the flashing and boot off the vent. The shingle above the vent will typically need to be removed to allow the new flashing to be fitted over the vent. Once the new flashing and boot assembly is in place a new shingle will need to be installed above the vent. The tar line for the shingles will need to be refastened and sealed as needed. Finally, three fasteners are installed at the base of the flashing. All exposed fasteners should also be sealed.

There are other products available such as the “Perma-Boot” that can be installed directly on top of the existing vent and boot. These products come in a three-part system that encloses the vent and boot and is adhered to the existing flashing.

Because climbing roofs can be a dangerous task for a homeowner, we recommend that you have your roof inspected annually to determine if repairs are needed. Qualified roofing contractors can then provide options for repairing defective plumbing vent boots.