A recent remodeling job inspired this creative solution for plumbing vents and we are happy to help you as well if you ask. Our design requires more work up front, but then installs just like a piece of slate and requires no flashing. We believe it's a maintenance free, lifetime solution that also looks attractive and blends right into the roof. It is now our standard practice in our roofing business.
Basically, the plumber has forever decided where vent stacks are placed. Well, that made sense 100 years ago when working with heavy cast iron pipes, but that should no longer be the case. PVC is used throughout buildings in all new construction and remodels. All cast iron will eventually be replaced. Of course, over the last hundred years the flashing rusts, leaks or copper wraps get condensation between the old pipe and the copper (which drips into the attic). Anyway, there are a dozen problems with the "current" methods of dealing with plumbing vents. So, our current standard practice has evolved to cutting the stack in the attic and moving the vent to a desirable location. Scroll down below the pictures to continue reading.
Basically, the plumber has forever decided where vent stacks are placed. Well, that made sense 100 years ago when working with heavy cast iron pipes, but that should no longer be the case. PVC is used throughout buildings in all new construction and remodels. All cast iron will eventually be replaced. Of course, over the last hundred years the flashing rusts, leaks or copper wraps get condensation between the old pipe and the copper (which drips into the attic). Anyway, there are a dozen problems with the "current" methods of dealing with plumbing vents. So, our current standard practice has evolved to cutting the stack in the attic and moving the vent to a desirable location. Scroll down below the pictures to continue reading.
Before.
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Flat black (painted) version.
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Plain stainless steel.
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The average price for a unit is $300 each (based on size, quantity, and desired finish), however shipping these unique items is expensive. We recommend that you develop a relationship with a local welding shop and use the sketch above to help them begin making them for you. We sand and spray paint ours a flat black prior to installation. Expect a small learning curve when making these pieces, but don't hesitate to contact us if you would like some tips on making them, or if you'd like to purchase them from us. Namaste.
Click on the picture if you would like to read the caption.
This 4" cast iron stack was positioned in an exterior wall and we had to position the new vent in the same location. If there is access in the attic, we prefer to make the new vent the same size as the slate and choose our desired location.
This one was made a little wider with an offset to allow for ease of re-slating. Notice the rubber fernco under the roof sheathing.
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The installer is a actually using our previously installed V-5 permanent fall protection anchor.
Plumbing Stack Rules:
Builders and remodelers sometimes ignore this rule, however, plumbing vent stacks should never be on the front of a home.
PVC through a slate roof looks terrible (even when painted) and a heavy snow load can break them. Never permit PVC on a slate roof.
Rubber/plastic flashing kits should never be permitted on slate roofs.
Copper flashing that wraps around and over the vent stack often causes condensation (as warm vent gases come in contact with the copper in the Winter). The condensation forms between the plumbing stack and the sleeve and then drips into the attic.
Solder streaks and lead that turns white over time look lousy.
All cast iron will eventually rust through, even vertical stacks.
Plumbing code now allows for a single 2" pipe to vent the entire house. However, due to proper sloping of vent pipes, most homes will require at least two plumbing vents.
Never let a plumber work on a slate roof, unless by some miracle they happen to be a member of the National Slate Association or Slate Roofing Contractor's Association.
Builders and remodelers sometimes ignore this rule, however, plumbing vent stacks should never be on the front of a home.
PVC through a slate roof looks terrible (even when painted) and a heavy snow load can break them. Never permit PVC on a slate roof.
Rubber/plastic flashing kits should never be permitted on slate roofs.
Copper flashing that wraps around and over the vent stack often causes condensation (as warm vent gases come in contact with the copper in the Winter). The condensation forms between the plumbing stack and the sleeve and then drips into the attic.
Solder streaks and lead that turns white over time look lousy.
All cast iron will eventually rust through, even vertical stacks.
Plumbing code now allows for a single 2" pipe to vent the entire house. However, due to proper sloping of vent pipes, most homes will require at least two plumbing vents.
Never let a plumber work on a slate roof, unless by some miracle they happen to be a member of the National Slate Association or Slate Roofing Contractor's Association.
A slightly aged copper plated vent pipe can be seen on this roof 6 rows down from the top and half way to the chimney.