Frequently Asked Questions

Q: WHERE ARE PIPE FLASHINGS USED?
A: Pipe flashings are used anywhere where pipes, conduits, wires are coming through a metal roof, side panel or side walls.

Q: ARE PIPE FLASHINGS ONLY USED ON METAL ROOFS?
A: Although Master Flash was originally engineered for the metal roofing industry, they are also used in electrical, plumbing, heating/AC, and residential industries. Over the last few decades, they have extended the line to include other roofing materials such as shake, shingle, concrete and tile. So no, it's not just for metal anymore.

Q: SHOULD I USE EPDM OR SILICONE?
A: EPDM is the material of choice except for high temperature conditions. Check out the
Materials Specifications Chart which offers the temperature ranges of EPDM and Silicone.

Q: DO I NEED GRAY OR BLACK EPDM?
A: It is up to you. Some people swear that gray looks better than black on a metal roof. Yet others like black. Product performance is the same for both gray and black.

Q: SHOULD I USE A SQUARE BASE OR A ROUND BASE?
A: Again it is up to you. Some people prefer round and some prefer square. There may be instances in which the hole size that was made for the penetration was cut too large and the flashing base size may become more critical. Refer to the appropriate sizing chart for base dimensions when base size is an issue.

Q: WHAT IF I CAN'T SLIDE THE FLASHING OVER THE PENETRATION?
A: If you have a roof penetration that does not allow you to slide the flashing down over the top of the penetration then you might be able to use a Retrofit Flashing. Take a look at that section of our website to explore your options.

Q: WHAT MATERIAL DO I NEED TO USE IF I HAVE A STOVE OR CHIMNEY PIPE?
A: In any application where temperature is a concern you must refer to the temperature range testing to determine which boot is needed. Check out the Materials Specifications Chart which offers the temperature ranges of EPDM and Silicone. Our flashings are rated to be used with type B vents (double wall).

To summarize, any application with temperatures that consistently stay below 212º F and/or over -65º F should be able to use a standard EPDM flashing. Instances in which the temperatures consistently go above 212º F up to 437º F and below -100º F will need to use a Silicone flashing. Any applications that will reach over 437º F and/or under -100º F should not be used with any of the pipe flashings available on this site.

Q: WHAT IF MY ROOF HAS AN EXTREMELY STEEP PITCH?
A:
Depending on your specific situation, you might still be able to use a standard flashing. In any case where you have a steep pitch definitely go with one of the largest sized flashings that will fit your penetration. This will give you excess material around the base which will help to accommodate the pitch. If you think your application requires something other than a standard flashing you might be able to use the Extreme Angle Flashing.

Q: DO I NEED TO USE SEALANT AND/OR A HOSE CLAMP AT THE TOP OF THE FLASHING?
A: The standard flashing operates off a simple compression seal. Regular flashings (non-retrofit/non split items) are normally cut 20% smaller than the penetration you are flashing. This tension between the flashing and the pipe provides a water tight compression seal. Therefore, you do not need to use sealant or a hose clamp to complete the seal.

Q: WHAT TYPE OF SEALANT SHOULD I USE TO ATTACH THE FLASHING TO THE ROOF?
A: You can use any sealant that is not petro-chemical based. We sell NP-1in our Installation Kit. However, any Urethane or Silicone caulking will be fine.

Q: IS THE FLASHING PAINTABLE?
A: Yes, but only with water base paints. Please keep in mind that rubber flexes and over time the paint will chip and fall off.