Roofing and plumbing are connected
Did you know that roofing and plumbing share some common ground in your home? Plumbing fixtures are connected by traps to a series of waste lines that drain into a soil vent pipe (sometimes also called a vent stack). The vent pipe connects at the drain system’s lowest point, extends up through the house, and juts out from a hole in the roof. The vent has two important jobs: it lets air in to help the drain system flow freely, and it also lets sewer gases escape out into the atmosphere.
About that hole in the roof
To prevent leaking, the area around the vent pipe is sealed by a vent pipe boot, which is a type of flashing made specifically for vent pipes, that properly directs rainwater and melting snow away from the opening.
From leaking to watertight
Here’s a peek inside a slate roof in Baltimore. Over time, the protective flashing around the cast iron vent pipe deteriorated enough to cause leaks. To solve this roofing problem, TSW Roofing Solutions fabricated and installed a new copper boot.
First, we removed slates, flashing, and roof deck from the vent pipe area. Note that the existing pipe extends from the roof only a few inches. For better performance, the pipe should extend at least 6” to 8.”
After attaching PVC pipe to add height, we replaced the board decking and applied protective Ice & Water shield to the area.
Here’s the copper vent pipe boot we fabricated. The boot’s fixed angle aligns with the pitch of the slate roof.
The new boot fits correctly over the pipe. The copper is then rolled over the top into the PVC pipe around the edge.
After the slates are replaced, the new copper vent pipe boot is ready to give the homeowner many years of protection against water intrusion.
About this blog series
Quality roofing products and workmanship will enhance your home’s comfort, appearance, and value. The TSW Roofing Solutions team wants you to understand the components of your roof system, because we know that informed homeowners make smart choices about contractors and materials.
We’re here to solve your roofing problems!