Please excuse my terminology if incorrect.

Getting ready for a re-roof.

I have four pipes sticking out of roof-I suppose these are pipes/traps for water flow connected to sinks. They are metal and I think they are described as lead based. At one time. they were wrapped in what appears as some form of plastic. This wrapping is in tatters-definitely from squirrels.

I am told I need new "boots". What I have seen is a plastic collar with a neoprene/rubber type gasket that slides over the pipe. This looks cheap and I can't believe it will last any length of time before it needs to be replaced.

Can the roofing experts advise what else is available that is more durable and will last rather than just become another problem/maintenance issue down the road?

Thanks for your help/advice.

 

The pipes are air vents for your plumbing.Your other choice is galvanized steel with rubber insert.

You'd have to ask a roofer which is best but obviously you can't drive a roofing nail etc through metal.Both are sold where I work and both sell well.Plastic is cheaper.I would think they'd both last as long as the other.The rubber part is the same.

 

i know in the state of florida the all plastic pipe boots are actually against code. ive seen where squirrels have actually eaten the lead boot. same case at the metal boot with the rubber at the top. so its hard to decide. being a roofer myself, i normally almost always use all lead and after the install wrap the lead boot with some type of wire mesh to prevent any animals like squirrels from chewing and eating the lead boot away.

 

J is exactly right-metal flange with neoprene gasket good,but leadpipe boot better,don`t forget to wrap in in mesh,might wanna spray them with animal poison as well

 

Sounds like a good idea. So you just wrap the top iwith chicken wire? I just had a new roof put on today and the old boots were lead, tops were chewed by squirrels.

 

Thanks for those that have replied.

I spoke to my roofer this week about the best boot.

All I am asking for is something longlasting, reasonably attractive, and will not attract or receive damage from squirrels.

I don't believe a boot like this is available. And the idea that the neoprene rubber pipe gasket can not be replaced is just ridiculous.

am I missing something or just asking too much?

thanks again

 

They make replacement boot gaskets...I've used them...though didn't have the squirrel problem you mentioned, the flange and tapered section were fine, just the rubber gasket portion had deteriorated somewhat. They slide over the pipe and are sealed down wil silicone I believe.

Lemme see if I can remember who made them....

Can't find it, but heres a page that shows what I mean. This guy is saying $8 a piece, don't remember them costing that much. I got mine at a good local hardware store, but I'm sure a roofing supply would have them as well.

http://roofrepairguide.com/contents/..._pvcpipes.html

In your situation, you'd still have to wrap them with something to keep the tree rats away.