If you live where we do in Kalispell Montana, you know that we are no strangers to heavy snow loads and precipitation. When it comes to Kalispell roofing, the system and attention to the small details is critical for a safe and long lasting roof. Twenty five percent of roofs we inspect have a pipe flashing that looks like the image below.
On some occasions, the homeowner calls because they notice stains on the drywall ceiling. Others have no idea the insulation in the attic is starting to get wet and would soon either mold or have enough water get in and make its way to the drywall ceiling. Why are these pipe flashings failing? Is there another way to avoid these expensive repairs? We answer both of these questions below.
1: Why are these pipe flashings failing in Kalispell?
Most Kalispell roofing contractors are using the standard pipe flashings that you can buy at your local hardware store. The base of the flashing can be plastic or metal. Shame on any roofing contractor using the flashings with a plastic base. Around the plumbing vent is a rubber boot on the standard pipe flashing and it comes in a ‘one size fits all’ that is cut to size or simply inserted and stretched over the pipe. The benefit to a contractor is price and convenience. You can pick one of these up for around $10 and because one size fits all you don’t have to measure the pipe prior to install. All of the reasons contractors use these pipe flashings are the reasons we recommend against these products. The price, you get what you pay for and the quality is simply not there. The one size fits all, once the rubber is stretched it is more susceptible to sunlight and in approximately 10 years ends up cracking from exposure allowing water to enter around the plumbing pipe and into your attic. The same concept applies to a rubber tire when you let it sit outside and bake in the sun, it deteriorates. Here is the main problem we have with these products – why would you install a roofing system that is rated for over 20 years knowing your pipe flashing is likely to fail in half of the time causing expensive service calls and repairs. Thankfully, there is a better way.
2: Is there another way to avoid these expensive repairs?
Lifetime Tool® solved the problem with the Kynar Coated Ultimate Pipe Flashing®. For $50 more you can avoid the headache of having to call a professional to service your roof or take the risk of doing the repair yourself. The good news is if you do want to try your hand at installing one of these pipe flashings there are great ‘How To’ videos to walk you through it. We recommend the video below. The beginning of the video also talks about why the use of the Lifetime Tool® Pipe Flashing is the way.
Unlike your standard pipe flashing, the Lifetime Tool® pipe flashing is ordered to fit the plumbing vent size eliminating the possibility of an inaccurate cut and stretching rubber. The boot is made from silicon and has a 50 year warranty. Yes, 50 years! Say goodbye to worrying about cracked and leaking pipe flashings. We use this product on all of your roofing systems and will never quote a roofing system without these. For us, it is an area we feel there is never a good reason to go with a product that isn’t the absolute best.
If you live in Kalispell Montana and your roof is over 15 years old, it is a good idea to have it inspected and catch an issue like a cracked pipe flashing before it causes damage. Contact us and our expert team will be happy to help.