When Split Boots Are Used in Roofing
Split boots are most often used where a pipe or mast is fixed in place, making it impossible to slide a molded boot down over the penetration. They are also used around conduit lines and similar penetrations that cannot be removed or disconnected.
On low-slope membraneMaterial - A single-ply membrane is a roof covering that uses one continuous layer of material to waterproof low-slope roofs. More roofs, split boots are prefabricated using the same membrane material as the roof. On steep-slope roofs, split boots are made of rubber with a metal base and used around penetrations such as electrical service masts.
The split that allows the boot to wrap around the penetration must be closed after installation – using sealant for rubber boots or heat-welding on low-slope membranes – to produce a watertight seal.