When to repair versus replace a pipe collar

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Damaged roof pipe collars can lead to major leaks and knowing when to repair or replace them is vital. 

Pipe collars may not be the flashiest component on a roof but Wil-Mar knows they’re among the most critical. Sitting at the base of vent pipes, these small fittings prevent rain from seeping into roof openings. When they fail, they become silent culprits behind water damage, mold growth and costly roof repairs. 

Industry veteran W.R. “Bill” Merrin knew this problem all too well. After years of patching leaky collars with mastic and tape, only to watch them degrade in California’s intense sun, he decided to do something about it. In 1990, Bill invented and patented The Pipe Collar, a durable EPDM rubber sleeve designed to last the life of the roof. 

“Pipe collars are one of the most important accessories on your roof, because they are direct entry points for water when they rot,” Wil-Mar explains. “If they are not inspected regularly, the cost of water damage repair far exceeds the cost of fixing them.” 

When to repair vs. replace 

According to Wil-Mar Products, contractors typically face three main options when addressing pipe collar issues: 

• Full replacement: The most comprehensive fix involves removing the old collar and flashing, replacing shingles around the pipe and installing a new unit. Labor-intensive and time-consuming, this method can cost $200 to $600 depending on the roof’s condition and accessibility. Replacement becomes trickier when shingles are brittle or outdated. 
• Top-lip retrofit: This mid-tier solution involves slipping a new rubber lip over the existing collar and sealing it with caulk. It’s faster, less invasive and costs significantly less, usually under $100 in parts and labor. 
• Slide-over repair collar: Wil-Mar’s signature product simply slides over the current pipe and collar, then seals with screws and caulk. This method can be completed in under an hour, requires no shingle removal and offers a “no leak guarantee.” 

Material matters 

Traditional collars, often made of aluminum or plastic, typically degrade within 5 to 10 years. EPDM rubber, on the other hand, resists ozone, UV radiation and temperature extremes. The EPDM Roofing Association notes that “forty years of empirical experience in field applications has shown EPDM to have the roofing industry’s longest average service life.” 

What to watch for 

Routine inspections are crucial. If a collar is cracking, rusting or pulling away from the pipe, it’s a sign that action is needed. Even a seemingly minor crack can allow water to trickle in, compromising the roof deck below. 

Homeowners and contractors alike are stocking Wil-Mar’s collars in service trucks because they offer a fast, reliable fix. With cases available in bulk and smaller quantities, outfitting a crew for emergencies is affordable and efficient. 

Learn more about when to repair or replace a roof pipe collar and how Wil-Mar’s innovative solutions can save time, labor and costly water damage!