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How-To

Dress Up a Vent Pipe With a Copper Boot

Flash roof penetrations with a soldered copper pan and sleeve for an elegant detail that lasts a lifetime.

By Patrick Sheeley Issue 202

Synopsis: Vent pipes are usually an afterthought on top of a house. Roofing contractor Patrick Sheeley likes to give them a elegant look by flashing them with a copper boot. Sheeley’s custom-made boots cost less than $50 for the materials and will outlive most prefabricated models.


The prefabricated boots often used for vent-pipe flashing rely on a rubber gasket to keep out water; that gasket can break down over time. For less than $50 in materials, I make a custom copper boot that will outlive any prefabricated one and looks a lot better. It’s made by joining two pieces of 16-oz. copper sheet stock. The pan is hemmed and bent with a metal brake or a handheld folding tool. The sleeve is formed by wrapping the copper around a scrap piece of pipe or by using a slip roller. All joints are bonded with an acetylene-fired soldering iron and 50/50 solder.

vent pipe and clip illustrationsLike prefabricated boots, these custom-made ones are installed with the standard shingling procedure. Finally, if you’re wrapping a cast-iron vent pipe instead of PVC, wrap it with a bituminous membrane before installing the boot to keep the iron from corroding the copper.

tin the sleeve stock Wrap sleeve stock around a scrap of pvc tack the joint
Tin the sleeve stock. To ensure that the solder seals the joint fully once it’s formed, run a thin, smooth layer of solder along the two edges that will overlap. Spin it. Wrap the sleeve stock around a scrap of PVC that’s the same size as the vent pipe. Roll it gradually and slowly to avoid kinking the copper. Solder the joint. Tack the joint every 2 in. first to hold it together. Then run a thick bead of solder down the length of the joint.
scribe the tabs to mark their exact location seal the joint with a heavy bead of solder lock the boot in place
Test-fit the boot. Lock the sleeve to the pan with the 1 ⁄ 2-in. tabs, then slide the boot over the vent pipe. Square the pan to the shingles. Then rotate the sleeve until it sits correctly. Finally, scribe the tabs to mark their exact location. Run a heavy bead. After tacking the tabs to the pan, seal the joint with a heavy bead of solder. Work slowly, taking care not to overheat the metal. If solder starts to run through the joint and beneath the pan, take a break until the piece cools. Lock the boot in place. Use clips to lock the pan in place. Once the clips are installed, bend down the long tabs, but don’t hem them. Nailing through the pan will place stress on the joints when the copper expands.
tap the sleeve to bend
Practice on a test piece first. Cut the sleeve down until it extends only 1 in. to 1-1⁄2 in. past the vent pipe. Then, using a hammer, tap the sleeve to bend, and fold it into the pipe. Work slowly, and take care not to crimp or kink the copper.

Patrick Sheeley is a roofing contractor in High Falls, N.Y. Photos by Chris Ermides.

Drawing: Dan Thornton

From Fine Homebuilding #202


For step by step photos on how to dress up a vent pipe, click the View PDF Button below. 

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Flashing Boot Repair

Prolonged exposure to the sun and weather can compromise the rubber gasket on standard vent flashing. Use this to quickly and permanently fix failed seals or to help protect the gasket in new-construction applications.
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Fall Protection

With a 50-ft safety line and a hinged, reusable anchor, this complete safety harness kit allows you to easily protect yourself while working comfortably and efficiently.
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Flashing Boot

Adequately seal vulnerable vent penetrations through the roof with this galvanized flashing and flexible rubber collar.
Buy at Amazon

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