How Can Your Pipe Boots Save or Cost You Thousands of Dollars?

While hearing “pipe boot” may conjure up hilarious images of a tobacco-smoking foot accessory, it is in fact a common fixture on roofs. In the roofing industry, “pipe boot” is another term for a vent pipe cover and refers to the covering around your vent pipe (which runs from the kitchen or bathroom up to the roof to allow air to circulate). Its purpose is to seal the roof around the pipe to prevent water and debris from getting in. As simple as it may seem, pipe boots play a critical role in the lifespan of a roof.

Now, here’s the problem. As temperatures change through the year, roofs naturally expand and contract. This can create problems if pipe boots shift, peel up or crack. This is a common cause of leaky roofs!

Some telltale signs of leaks caused by faulty pipe boots are stains on the ceiling, cracked or peeling interior paint, “puckered” shingles around vent pipes, or water marks. If you see signs such as these, it is wise to call a professional such as YES  right away to get the issue repaired.  However, because these leaks occur around pipes and therefore often travel behind walls and in corners, they can potentially go undetected and lead to a host of severe problems (such as rot, mold, mildew, and destroyed insulation) which can be very expensive to repair. And that’s on top of the cost of repairing damage to the roof!

The best way to avoid spending thousands of dollars on expensive repairs is to hire a qualified roofing professional who will install high-quality pipe boots. Higher-quality pipe boots are designed to shift with your roof’s fluctuations. Problem is, not all contractors install quality roof boots. To keep costs down, many builders install inexpensive roof boots that are almost guaranteed to fail and often fail quickly.

Here at YES, we are dedicated to being Your Exterior Solution and SOLVING problems rather than creating them. For reliable, lasting pipe boot installation, contact YES at 423-764-8276.