[Hambone8780]

Howdy! I goofed when I planned my plumbing venting because I was unaware of the UPC aggregate venting rule. I've got a 1.5" vent and a 2" vent coming through the roof, and will need to add another hole or increase the size of one of the vents to meet this code section. Increasing the 1.5" pipe to 2.5" should do it. I'll confirm with my AHJ before I actually do anything. Luckily I figured it out before doing any other work inside!

I'm trying to figure out if I'm better off replacing the boot or trying to widen the hole without removing the boot. Here are the questions I think I should be asking:
First, is it hard to remove a boot and the adhesives/sealants on a metal roof? (picture below of exactly what I have)
Second, is it reasonable to carefully remove the existing pipe, and widen the hole to put larger vent pipe through the existing boot? I'm thinking a multi-tool and go really slow and carefully.

Any thoughts or other options I should be considering?
Cheers!

 

[Half-fast eddie]

Have you looked closely at the boot? Is the rubber collar pliable enough for the larger pipe?

 

[Hambone8780]

Great question! I can touch it this weekend to be sure. Does the rubber lose pliability quickly? This was installed 1.5 years ago, almost two full winters.

 

[chandler48]

It should still be pliable. There also may be adjustment rings around where the pipe exits, now. If so, you may have to cut a ring out for a larger pipe. I'd try it without cutting anything first.

 

[Domo]

Could, maybe, if - those words won't make a perfect fit.

Field engineering is fine for some things, however if that "little project" is what's keeping my home from water damage I think I'd prefer getting parts that are already made for the job.

Are you married? If the answer is yes - I'd heartily suggest you put the right boot on the roof and then install the right pipe. Your future depends on it - after all, "I goofed" is never the way you want to start a conversation with your beloved.

 

[chandler48]

It appears he has this boot which is adaptable to 5" or so by cutting rings.

#3 8-1/4 in. x 4 in. PVC Pipe Boot 6769313000 - The Home Depot

This Pipe Boot can be used to flash pipe diameters of 1/4 in. to 5 in. Designed for metal roofing. The flexible base fits tightly to any panel configuration and roof pitch. This design has proved to deliver

www.homedepot.com

 

[Missouri Bound]

Well IF you have to cut the existing collar and your fit isn't as good or tight as it should be, you can still get a storm collar to make it watertight.
Just a suggestion.

 

[Randy Bush]

If that picture is of your , and it is not split cut the boot to the right. You want a snug fit with it.

 

[Hambone8780]

Could, maybe, if - those words won't make a perfect fit.

Field engineering is fine for some things, however if that "little project" is what's keeping my home from water damage I think I'd prefer getting parts that are already made for the job.

Are you married? If the answer is yes - I'd heartily suggest you put the right boot on the roof and then install the right pipe. Your future depends on it - after all, "I goofed" is never the way you want to start a conversation with your beloved.

True, true!
I think I've got a situation like chandler48 says, where I can cut the rings to accept a larger pipe. If that doesn't seem to be the case I'd definitely wave off. I still have to cut the hole larger from inside without damaging the boot.
Do you think I'm better off to remove the old boot entirely and put a new one on? I don't have a sense of what's involved with that. Do I need to get bunch of chemicals, or just scrape off the old stuff as best I can and smother it with new sealant?

 

[chandler48]

Do I need to get bunch of chemicals, or just scrape off the old stuff as best I can and smother it with new sealant?

The boot is not leaking, now, right? Don't gob on any sealants, and don't remove it. The pipe will self seal in the rubber boot. If you cut it, just make sure it leaves a really good, snug fit for the pipe.

 

[Domo]

True, true!
I think I've got a situation like chandler48 says, where I can cut the rings to accept a larger pipe. If that doesn't seem to be the case I'd definitely wave off. I still have to cut the hole larger from inside without damaging the boot.
Do you think I'm better off to remove the old boot entirely and put a new one on? I don't have a sense of what's involved with that. Do I need to get bunch of chemicals, or just scrape off the old stuff as best I can and smother it with new sealant?

@chandler48 is clever and resourceful but I worry about the UV exposed old boot. In 73 years I don't think I can recall a single task when re-using old material was the best decision. (Yes, I've even straightened bent nails at times and have re-installed baseboards, etc. - but you get my point, I'm sure.)

The boot-to-pipe seal is what will keep water out of your home. Once water gets inside just think of what can be affected. Ceilings get's stained - now you're sealing the stain and repainting the ceiling or worse cutting out mildew and repairing the sheetrock.

The roof is like the tires on your car - that's where "the enemy" can attack the family - either a blowout for a tire or a leak from the roof penetrations.

You sound savvy, but if not confident with roof work, hire a roofer who is licensed and insured and get the top-notch job you and the home deserve.

 

[Hambone8780]

The boot is not leaking, now, right? Don't gob on any sealants, and don't remove it. The pipe will self seal in the rubber boot. If you cut it, just make sure it leaves a really good, snug fit for the pipe.

Thank you Chandler48! The boot is definitely not leaking now. I'll give what you describe a go.

 

[Hambone8780]

@chandler48 is clever and resourceful but I worry about the UV exposed old boot. In 73 years I don't think I can recall a single task when re-using old material was the best decision. (Yes, I've even straightened bent nails at times and have re-installed baseboards, etc. - but you get my point, I'm sure.)

The boot-to-pipe seal is what will keep water out of your home. Once water gets inside just think of what can be affected. Ceilings get's stained - now you're sealing the stain and repainting the ceiling or worse cutting out mildew and repairing the sheetrock.

The roof is like the tires on your car - that's where "the enemy" can attack the family - either a blowout for a tire or a leak from the roof penetrations.

You sound savvy, but if not confident with roof work, hire a roofer who is licensed and insured and get the top-notch job you and the home deserve.

I'm humbled by the time folks like yourself, Chandler48, and many many others share with folks like me. This is definitely in the realm of, "I know I don't know it." I appreciate having a few viewpoints on how to tackle this. Thank you Domo!

 

[chandler48]

It's not that we are smarter than the average bear, but we have just BTDT, and have experiences, either good or bad to draw from. Thanks for the accolades.

 

[bfrabel]

It's hard to tell from your picture, but to me it looks like that existing boot isn't installed correctly in the first place. The metal ring part is made of soft, flexible lead and is supposed to be formed around the corrugations. I'm not sure how it's not leaking now how it is. Here's a picture that kind of shows what I'm talking about...

 

[Javiles]

We usually don't have to worry about the VTR. seal the Roofer. takes care of the seal. if you do it you own it.

 

[Hambone8780]

It's hard to tell from your picture, but to me it looks like that existing boot isn't installed correctly in the first place. The metal ring part is made of soft, flexible lead and is supposed to be formed around the corrugations. I'm not sure how it's not leaking now how it is. Here's a picture that kind of shows what I'm talking about...

I'll have a good hard look next time I'm on a ladder up there, well before I commit. Thank you!