Roof vent boot replacement costs between $150 and $500 for labor and parts
If you’ve got a leak over your bathroom or kitchen, a cracked roof boot could be the cause. Inexpensive as this product may be, functional roof vent boots go a long way towards keeping water out and maintaining your roof.
Roof vent boot replacement is a project you can DIY (so long as you’re very careful and not afraid of heights) or that a local pro will be happy to help you tackle. Go into the project with confidence by learning about the different factors that go into roof vent boot replacement costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Roof Vent Boots?
The typical cost to replace roof vent boots is between $150 and $500, with an average cost of around $275 for product and installation on a standard-sloped roof. However, this number could be influenced a bit if you’re doing other roof work or replacements simultaneously, have a roof that’s difficult to work on, have several boots to replace, or opt for a higher-end lifetime vent boot product.
What Roof Vent Boots Can I Get on My Budget?
Replacing your roof vent boot is one of those projects that is possible on nearly any budget—but you may just have to put in some elbow grease.
<$50
Roof vent boot replacement is totally plausible on a shoestring budget, so long as you’re comfortable with tackling the project yourself. You can purchase inexpensive vent pipe flashing at home improvement stores, typically for $5 to $10 each. These are rated to last at least 10 years and sometimes as much as 30. Besides replacement parts, you’ll likely only need a few tools (nails, hammer, nail remover) to complete the job.
Please note: Working on your roof can be dangerous and result in injury if you aren’t careful. Make sure you know what you’re doing and take adequate safety measures before replacing roof vent boots yourself. Never go up in wet weather and always wear proper footwear, just to name a few precautions.
$50 to $250
You can replace a single roof vent boot—possibly two—on a standard roof using silicone or rubber boots at this price range. If one area in your home, such as the kitchen or bathroom, is leaking, you can likely hire a pro for a single replacement at this cost.
Roofing companies typically charge between $55 and $75 per hour for labor—though some companies have a service call minimum and charge by the project. A handyperson might save you some money, but hiring someone who’s licensed, bonded, and insured to work on a roof is always a good idea.
$250 to $500
Replacing two to four roof vent boots in this price range is possible. Labor costs are generally between $200 and $400 for the whole roof. So long as you’re installing new silicone or rubber boots, under $500 is reasonable.
$500+
For $500 or more, you can replace all your roof vent boots—most new construction houses have eight of them. You might also consider installing lifetime pipe flashing instead of a rubber boot. Made of lead and other heavy-duty materials, these products cost between $50 and $200 each but come with a guaranteed lifetime warranty.
“Lead boots are wonderful and last for a long time,” says Ami Feller, Expert Review Board Member and owner of Roofer Chicks in New Braunfels, TX. “The only downfall is that if you live in an area that has a lot of squirrels, they tend to like to gnaw on the lead pipes. There are also boots that are made out of siliconized rubber, and they last around 30 years. Both lead and siliconized rubber boots come pre-fitted to fit the PVC pipe, so you will want to make sure you get the right size if you are doing the repairs yourself.”
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Roof Vent Boots Yourself?
You can definitely save several hundred dollars by replacing roof vent boots yourself. That said, working on your roof can be dangerous. If your home has a steeply sloped roof or was recently damaged by a storm, leaving this job to a local roof leak repair specialist is a better option.
Properly installed roof vent boots are pivotal for keeping water out of your home, so make sure you do lots of research on properly installing new flashing. If you’re looking for a short-term solution, consider the option of installing an inexpensive rubber sleeve that slides over the pipe. They’re easy to install and effective at keeping water out. Just know that they won’t pass a home inspection if you’re putting your home on the market.
Roof Vent Boots Replacement Cost Breakdown
Labor and materials make for a pretty straightforward final price tag, although some circumstances could change that.
Materials
Roof vent boots range from $4 to $80 per boot, depending on your chosen material.
Labor
No matter where you live, $250 to $400 is a pretty good labor cost estimate for most roofs, which may need three or four roof vent boot replacements.
Tools
If you’re tackling this replacement job yourself, you’ll need tools such as a crowbar or nail remover, a hammer, and nails. If your new rubber boot isn’t the same size or shape as the old one, you may also need to cut shingles to make it fit. In general, to properly make repairs on a shingle roof, you’ll always need to have a few new shingles handy. It's usually necessary to tear off old shingles when you remove the old boot, because the previous roofer likely used sealant around the pipe during installation.
Additional Roof Work
If you’re dealing with a leak, roof boot replacements might be just one component of your project. A roofing leak specialist might recommend upgrading, such as adding caulking or roof cement to seal the area.
Ask a local roof sealing specialist for advice in this area if you’re unsure.
Roof Inspection
A leaking roof could signify something more serious than cracked or damaged roof vent boots. If you just had a storm or have a serious leak, hiring a local roof inspector might be necessary. Roof inspections start at around $200.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Roof Vent Boots by Type?
Labor makes up the bulk of the costs when replacing roof vent boots, but you could save a few bucks in the short term by opting for certain materials.
Silicone/Rubber Boots
Home improvement stores carry several different types of plastic, rubber, and silicone vent boots and pipe flashing. They cost between $4 and $10.
If you’re doing the job yourself, it might help to look at what pipe flashing is already installed before you go shopping. Shingles are often cut or arranged to accommodate the boot, so this way, you can find one that matches.
Steel Boots
Galvanized or coated steel is a heavier-duty option for your roof. These products start at $20 to $30 but could easily cost $50 or more.
Lead Boots
Lead is a flexible material, which helps the contractor adjust the boot’s base to the roof pitch and bend its top into the pipe end for a weathertight seal. Lead boots cost between $26 and $37 each.
Lifetime Roof Vent Boots
These products are typically made of thick galvanized steel, cast iron, copper, or extra thick silicone and cost between $50 and $80 per boot. Many come with a collar that seals to the vent, helping to protect it from damage.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Replace Roof Vent Boots?
Besides material, the roof’s slope and installation costs will influence the final price of replacing your roof flashing.
Roof Slope
Pretty much any roofing project will cost more if your roof has a steep slope or poses dangerous conditions for a contractor. Many pros add money to the overall cost of the job for steepness and height. Some will tack on as much as $100 per hour when working to account for additional safety measures they need to take or extra groundwork needed to complete the job safely. Standard roof pitch is between 4:12 and 9:12—steep charges usually start at 7:12, but can go up to 13:12 or more.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Hiring a pro is the safer bet, but doing the project yourself could save you up to $400 in labor costs. Again, use caution here.
FAQs about Roof Vent Boots Replacement
Should you install rubber or lead vent boots?
Rubber and silicone roof vent boots do a fine job of keeping water out, but lead is heavier duty and rated to last longer. If you just replaced your roof or you’re installing a new one, opting for a metal or lifetime product can help preserve the life of your roof for many years to come.
