Wanted to share my opinion about Lifetime Tools branded boot made from silicone and to inquire if I did it right. Purchased 1.5 and 3 inch boots as they’re advertised to be some of the best for longevity. This boot goes on the low slope roof (3.2/12), so I wanted to be sure I overkilled as much as possible to prevent water intrusion. Installed it per manufacturer instructions. One thing that is different for this item - usually most online videos recommend caulk or silicone around 3 sides of the perimeter on the roof side to bind to underlayment (except bottom part). Lifetime Tools did not have that in recommendation, so I did not caulk there. Plus caulking would make it impossible to replace in the future. However, for water protection, I did the following:
- Shingled all the way to the ABS penetration
- Applied Grace Ice and Water shield, top of it under the upper row of synthetic underlayment for shingling effect, with bottom overlapping last row of shingles to take water out onto shingles in case of a boot leak.
- Used Tyvek Flex Wrap to wrap the bottom of pipe to the Grace, then overlapping it with top end of pipe with Flex wrap. This created a continuous shield from pipe to Grace so water does not penetrate onto decking. Should it penetrate the boot, it will be carried out onto Grace, then onto shingle layer below.
- Installed Lifetime Tools boot, again top of the boot below upper level of underlayment just as Grace does. Any leaks above it will direct water over the boot base.
- installed shingles around the boot, using Masterseal NP1 Polyurethane Caulk about 1/2 inch inside of each shingle only in vertical direction to prevent blow off in high wind. This should also prevent sideways water migration. Bottom uncaulked to prevent water trapping.
- The only horizontal caulking is around circular neck of shingle on top layer above the boot, again to prevent wind blow off.
Below is the final result. Looks really nice. Hopefully will last a while. I think I paid $30-40 per boot, much more than regular store brand. Used black ABS pipe as this is what was originally done on the house. Despite PVC being more UV resistant, old ABS lasted 20 years without much discoloration or any cracking. I think both original and current are closed cell foam ABS. Rated for DWV schedule 40, so should be code compliant. Inspector did not give clear answer if ABS okay exposed.
Any opinions or Comments are welcome!
