Rubber boots around vent pipes through roof (Cary, Apex: new construction, contractor)

[n8urgrl]

Is it standard practice in residential construction to use rubber boots with a sealant around the vent pipes that protrude through the roof? Is flashing required or optional or redundant? We've discovered that rubber boots tend to disintegrate and the sealant must be reapplied or it will leak. We didn't expect to have this type of roof repair within 6 years of our new construction.

Any recommendations on a roofing contractor who works in the Cary area who can replace/repair these boots and the seals around them?

[frankpc]

Its been my experience that the vent stack boots are the first thing to fail on a roof. Its sometimes tricky to find the culprit as the rain will follow the PVC pipe for a bit before you get a drip on your ceiling. A flashlight in your attic during a rain can help isolate the leak.
You can replace the boots or seal the cracks with silicone.
When ours first leaked I sealed it with silicone to prove that was the leak before replacing the boot.
You just reminded me that my "temporary" fix is going on three years now ...

Frank

[adlnc07]

Originally Posted by n8urgrl

Any recommendations on a roofing contractor who works in the Cary area who can replace/repair these boots and the seals around them?

Ark Roofing - recommended by many posters here (myself included), and won't take you to the cleaners for this type of repair!

[MikeJaquish]

ARK Roofing out of Apex can handle it.
Repairs are their only focus, so they will not try to sell you a new roof.
BBB Review of Ark Roofing Company in Apex, NC

Neoprene pipe boots last from 9 to 15 years before rotting out, when installed correctly.
Most boots are "1 size fits all" with concentric rings in the opening that can be removed to allow the boot to go over multiple pipe sizes.
The rings are meant to be pulled out by hand, or with pliers, so the boot is not damaged.
But, a lot of roofers cut the rings out with a knife and cut into the boot, and it cracks open further, leading to early repairs.
No sealant is needed on the boots, but some guys just can't help themselves, and goop things up with various goop.

You might ask for lead pipe boots as a replacement. They cost a little more, but lead will outlast neoprene by many years. Lifetime of the roof. Unless the squirrels start to gnaw on the lead. Yes, it happens.

[n8urgrl]

All very good recommendations. Thanks!