Lead flashing can be omitted for ventilation on metal roofs. Lead flashing is commonly missing on plastic and cast iron pipes. I live in Florida, and building codes only discuss flashing in general, but don’t specify flashing that covers the pipe (lead flashing).
What are you asking? Are you saying that the DWV must be covered with lead flashing?
This sounds like one of the many thousands of “nonsense” posts required or requested by some class or instruction.
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And this is an example of AI not providing the answer! 
. The OP is asking about flashing, not pipes.
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And YOUR answer to his question is where??
I don’t know about Florida, but in my area, lead flashing is typically only used with older cast iron vents. Modern PVC vents usually have a rubber boot.
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The only time I see lead flashings are on slate roofs. Which account for less than 1% of my inspections.
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About 50/50 here. My house has PVC with lead flashing and built in the mid 90’s
I personally prefer them vs the rubber boot, usually lasts longer unless you get that crazy squirrel who wants to chew on them.
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Lead boots are very common here with Tile and shingle roof coverings. Rubber boots (similar to the OP) are common with metal roofs.
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Yeah, same.
I see both Lead and plastic boots regularly. Lead boots aren’t unusual on recent re-roofs either.
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Morning, Donnis. Been awhile that you posted on the forum.
As long as the plumbing vent flashing material/s are compliant, and installed properly, omitting lead flashing would not be an issue or violation.
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Lead flashing may be omitted, its legal?
Can you clarify your question?
Do you mean legal as in lawful, or legal as in allowed by the AHJ?
Maybe this will help.?
is lead flashing legal to be used as roof flashing in Florida? - Google Search
Yes, lead flashing is legal to use as roof flashing in Florida, and it is commonly used. However, it’s crucial to handle it safely due to its toxicity and ensure proper disposal of lead waste.
Here’s why:
- Florida Building Code:
The Florida Building Code, Building, allows the use of lead flashing, particularly for roof penetrations like pipes.
- Industry Standard:
Lead flashing is a long-standing and accepted material for sealing roof systems, especially at wall and roof intersections, around roof openings, and where there are changes in roof slope.
- Alternative Materials:
While lead is allowed, other materials like copper, aluminum, and various coated metals are also commonly used for flashing.
- Safety Considerations:
Lead is a toxic metal, and proper precautions must be taken during installation and removal to prevent lead exposure. This includes using appropriate personal protective equipment and following OSHA guidelines.
- Disposal:
Lead waste is considered hazardous and must be disposed of according to regulations, often requiring recycling or disposal at a designated hazardous waste facility.
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In all other roof installations, such as shingles and membranes, they still install lead flashing, because it’s not installed on metal roofs. That’s my question.
That’s true, but if you don’t protect the pipe, it doesn’t deteriorate more quickly, potentially accelerating the process of leaks. For example, in cast iron pipes, plastic also tends to deform when exposed to constant heat. That’s my question.
My question is: Is it unnecessary to cover cast iron or plastic pipes with lead flashing on metal roofs? And why do I still use lead flashing on other recent or newly constructed roofs, such as membrane or tile roofs?
The lead boot is a flashing type, applied over the vent pipe.
It isn’t required to be lead, it’s just what many locales (especially in FL) use.
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Lead is often used on tile roofs as it is easy to form and use. It is allowed and works well, but is not required with any roof material or type of DWV. I have never seen it on a membrane roof, but I’m sure it could be used. Really no need to cover PVC pipes, spray paint will offer some UV protection. Also most of the PVC that is used now has UV protectants in the plastic.
One reason we do not see it much is that squirrels and rodents like to chew on it to wear down the teeth. It has a sweet taste and they will distroy it in short time.
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Oddly enough, I had a new “lead look-a-like” type of flashing today on a roof. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen one of these before. Galvanized metal instead of lead, but same design idea. Vent was cast.
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I’ve never thought, wow, that’s an ugly pipe flashing, until seeing this.
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