By The Coffee Shops™. 

Tubos vent pipe extensions help contractors save time while achieving code compliance.  

In the article “Where plumbing meets roofing,” Kevin Morris of TUBOS outlines a critical yet often overlooked intersection between plumbing code and roofing practice: vent pipe extensions. Plumbing vent pipes are essential to a building’s drainage system, allowing sewer gases to escape and preventing vacuums that can disrupt water flow. The International Plumbing Code requires vent stacks to extend at least 6 inches above the roof, with additional height and diameter requirements in colder climates. 

During reroofing projects, however, added insulation to meet energy code requirements such as those outlined in the International Energy Conservation Code can leave existing vent stacks out of compliance. As insulation thickness increases, vent pipes must also be extended to maintain proper height above the roof surface. 

Traditionally, Kevin writes, contractors have relied on two extension methods: stainless steel sleeves or no-hub couplings with PVC pipe. Both approaches are labor intensive, require precise installation and typically cost $25 to $30 per extension in materials alone. They also can introduce fit and sealing challenges if not executed properly. 

The article highlights a modern alternative: Tubos Vent Pipe Extensions. These 28-inch PVC extensions feature an internal 6-inch splice sleeve designed to fit securely inside the existing vent stack. Installation typically takes less than five minutes and does not require special tools. Each unit can extend two vent stacks and is compatible with common 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-inch pipe sizes. 

Industry professionals cited in the article point to time savings, code compliance and improved detailing as key advantages. Contractors also benefit from distributor availability, eliminating time lost sourcing materials mid-project. In a market facing labor shortages and tighter schedules, efficiency gains can significantly impact profitability. 

As reroofing projects continue to drive insulation upgrades nationwide, proper vent stack extensions remain a small but essential detail that can affect long-term performance and code compliance. 

To learn more about vent pipe extension methods and best practices, read the full article.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Long-term field performance is reshaping how the industry views vent extensions and plumbing airflow. 

TUBOS Inc. has spent two decades refining the design of a roofing component aimed at addressing a common commercial project concern.  The product, a plumbing vent pipe extension, is designed to meet code requirements while protecting roof penetrations from water intrusion. With its long performance history, the product continues to generate productive industry discussion around airflow performance within plumbing systems. 

Founded to solve leak risks at vent terminations, TUBOS has recorded zero warranty claims or leak failures across their seventeen years of service. Co-founder and CEO Kevin Morris attributes that consistency to design decisions made through field observations rather than theory. Kevin said those early field observations directly shaped the insert’s dimensions. “The red insert was .185 inches thick. After much testing, we decided to go with .150 inches to increase the opening even more.” 

From time to time, questions arise about whether any internal sleeve could influence vent performance. Kevin noted that those concerns are typically raised during specification reviews rather than by contractors in the field. He points to plumbing fundamentals that govern vent stacks regardless of accessories. Their role is to balance pressure, protect drain traps and allow sewer gases to exit buildings without mechanical assistance. Because no powered elements drive that process, minor dimensional adjustments do not dictate system behavior. 

To illustrate the scale involved, the extension flange measures a quarter inch thick. Kevin notes the industry has long accepted lead boots that constrict pipe openings more aggressively without raising alarms. Kevin stated, “In nearly two decades in the market, we have never seen any evidence that our products negatively impact the performance of the plumbing system.” 

Beyond airflow debates, the insert serves a role by channeling water into the pipe. The design functions like a downspout, reducing the chance of moisture migrating into the roofing assembly. Compliance also drives adoption, as codes require vent extensions to rise above roof surfaces, particularly in snowy regions. Over time, real-world performance has become the standard by which these products are judged across commercial roofing markets. 

Learn more about how TUBOS addresses vent performance concerns through field results nationwide today!

By TUBOS Inc.  

A user-friendly vent pipe extension helps roofing contractors meet vent height requirements and prevent costly leaks. 

When vent stacks sit too low on a finished roof, contractors risk more than just code violations; they risk leaks, costly repairs and even structural damage. That’s why roofers and builders rely on the TUBOS vent pipe extension, a simple, effective solution designed to quickly bring vent pipe heights into full compliance with building code requirements.  

Easy to install and compatible with standard pipe sizes, TUBOS provides a durable and code-compliant way to raise vent pipes without complex fabrication or added labor. Proper vent pipe height is essential for roof performance and occupant safety. When vent stacks are too short, trapped moisture and backed-up gases can compromise both roofing systems and indoor air quality.  

The International Plumbing Code (IPC), requires plumbing vent pipes to extend vertically at least 152 mm (6 in) above a roof, per Section 905.5, "Vent Connections and Grades." Additionally, vent pipes must be at least 305 mm (12 in) away from a vertical surface. In locations known for snow, the vent pipe needs to be at least 51 mm (2 in) in diameter and 305 mm inside an insulated area of a building before extending through the roof. Vents in these locations also should extend 610 mm (24 in) above a roof. 

Advantages of TUBOS prefabricated vent pipe extensions 

• Ease of installation: No special tools are required to size and install TUBOS securely into openings of existing plumbing vent pipes. Standard hand tools (tape measure, manual or portable battery powered saw, caulk gun) are all that is needed for installation. 
• Design simplicity: TUBOS are manufactured for use with standard diameter vent pipes. TUBOS are prefabricated with integral six-inch long pipe joint splice sleeve inserts at each end of every unit. 
• Economical: Each TUBOS can be used for two installations. After one end of the TUBOS is cut and installed, the opposite end can be retained for future installation at another pipe of the same diameter. No fabrication time and minimal installation labor lets you quickly get on with your project. 
• Average time to install: Three minutes 
• Average material savings: $35 dollars each 

Original article source: TUBOS Inc.

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Take advantage of this holiday sale and learn how Tubos helps contractors win in 2026.

The final weeks of the year are one of the smartest times for contractors and distributors to invest in materials and tools that will strengthen operations in the year ahead. Whether you want to maximize tax advantages, lock in pricing, improve inventory flow or prepare for stronger project demand in 2026, strategic end-of-year purchasing delivers real business value. For contractors working with rooftop penetrations, pipe extensions and insulation requirements, Tubos brings even more advantages that can streamline jobs and help teams meet specifications with confidence.

Many contractors take advantage of year-end purchasing to reduce taxable income while stocking up for the coming busy season. Buying materials before December 31 can also lock in current pricing, which protects margins if costs rise in the new year. This approach ensures that crews are fully equipped for projects beginning in January instead of scrambling for supplies that may become more expensive or harder to find.

Year-end planning also helps companies evaluate their pipeline and make smart decisions about inventory. By reviewing trends and upcoming projects, contractors can purchase the quantities they know they will need rather than facing delays during peak season. When products offer mix-and-match pallet options with free shipping, those savings stretch even further.

Tubos pipe extensions are designed to make jobs faster, easier and more reliable. Instead of cutting and piecing together makeshift solutions on site, contractors can extend pipes cleanly and consistently using products engineered for durability and performance. Each Tubos unit includes two pipe extensions and can be cut to spec for a wide range of field conditions. This adaptability helps contractors meet evolving code requirements and insulation specifications without disruption.

Because Tubos allows installers to easily extend pipes that are too short after reroofing or insulation upgrades, it eliminates labor-heavy workarounds. Crews simply install, cut to length and move on. That means projects stay on schedule, callbacks drop and customers receive a clean finished look that aligns with industry standards.

In December, Tubos is offering special pricing options for a variety of pipe sizes including 2, 3, 4 and the new 5-inch product, all sold by the box with generous extension counts and pallet-order shipping. With free shipping no matter the case size, year-end purchasing becomes even more cost effective for businesses planning their 2026 workload.

Tubos hasn't raised pricing since 2022, and since then, they have incurred incremental increases. There will be a 5% increase the first of 2026, which gives contractors even more reason to take advantage of this year-end holiday shipping discount! Tubos is 100% made in the USA and unaffected by tariffs, so this should be the only price change for the year. The new price sheet is available upon request.

By purchasing Tubos at the end of the year, roofing contractors and builders can walk into 2026 fully prepared for reroofing, tear-offs, retrofits and any project that requires quick, compliant pipe extensions. The combination of tax benefits, pricing advantages, streamlined installations and specification compliance creates a strong operational foundation for the new year.

Tubos offers a simple but powerful value: it saves time, reduces labor, eliminates uncertainty and keeps your jobs moving. Add the opportunity to maximize year-end purchasing strategies with special discounts and it becomes a decision that benefits your business long into 2026.

By Garza Roofing Equipment & Supply.

Take advantage of a 15% online discount to stock up on this key product for your commercial roofing projects.

Roofing contractors focused on commercial projects have a chance to save money and improve efficiency this October. TUBOS Inc., one of the most effective venting solutions in the industry, will be available at a 15% discount when purchased online through Garza Roofing Equipment & Supply. This is the ideal time to stock up and experience the benefits TUBOS brings to commercial roofing jobs.  

Garza Supply makes purchasing TUBOS easy and efficient. Known for excellent service, Garza provides contractors with the ability to order products online and have them delivered when and where they are needed. This level of support is especially valuable for commercial contractors managing tight schedules and complex projects. The October discount is just one more way Garza helps roofing professionals save money while delivering quality results. 

Both TUBOS and Garza Roofing Equipment & Supply are featured in the RoofersCoffeeShop directory, making it simple for contractors to learn more about these trusted companies and connect with them directly. By ordering TUBOS through Garza Supply this October, contractors can take advantage of cost savings while investing in products and partnerships that strengthen their commercial roofing business for the long term. 

By Jenny Yu.  

Learn how one company got its start from recognizing a need and filling it. 

Have you ever had an idea for a product but figured somebody else had already made it? The story behind TUBOS is an example of how one person nurtured their idea into a problem-solving product and a successful, game-changing business.  

Kevin Morris shared the TUBOS story with Karen Edwards in this episode of Roofing Road Trips®. TUBOS is a contractor-friendly vent pipe extension that increases the height of an existing pipe that needs to meet building code requirements. Manufactured for use with standard-diameter vent pipes, TUBOS works in conjunction with any roofing systems and has become popular due to their practicality, ease of use and inventiveness. 

“I've had a ton of contractors say, ‘Oh, I thought of that 20 years ago,’ or ‘Why didn't I think of that? Of course!’ We hear that a lot,” Kevin shared. “I've never left a meeting where I feel like the contractor wasn't fully on board with it.” 

However, TUBOS didn’t have the easiest beginning. Kevin started the company in 2009, square in the aftermath of the 2008 recession. 

“It was tough starting in '09, especially selling a new product that's never been on the market. We were selling something that no one was even looking for because they didn't know it existed,” Kevin detailed. “So, as a matter of educating the contractor, specifier or everybody, just letting them know that it's out there. Distributors, too, because they don't want to stock a product if they don't have sales already. 

But Kevin knew he had something special on his hands, and he forged ahead anyway. 

“We had to get creative, and that's kind of when we learned our first big specifier was the US Postal Service on a national level,” Kevin shared. “We realized that that's what we need to go after: school districts, medical facilities, any kind of specifier architects. That's our main focus, and they sell TUBOS for us at every pre-bit. Without any competition and being in the specs, it's a win-win.” 

In finding their niche, TUBOS created a market for themselves and continues to grow a reputation in. 

Toward the end of the conversation, Kevin offered advice for anyone hoping to invent a successful new product.  

“They say that less than 1% of patents ever make money. It is something that you have to really do your research before moving forward, because getting the patent and getting the moldings — anything that you have to do — you have to test it and test it and test it. It's very time-consuming, very costly. You want to make sure you do your due diligence before running with a product,” Kevin advised. “But so many times I hear that people come up with this or that, and they don't go through with it, and it's something they'll always regret. So do your research and give it a shot.” 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about how TUBOS became the revolutionary roofing product and company it is today. 

By Jenny Yu.  

Find TUBOS at these quality suppliers across North America. 

The TUBOS vent pipe extensions are ready when you need to extend a rooftop vent stack on a new or reroofing project. They are user-friendly, easy to install and manufactured for use with standard-diameter vent pipes. Prefabricated and with 2-inch, 3-inch, 4-inch and 5-inch options available, TUBOS vent pipe extensions are designed to save contractors time and come with a warranty for the life of the roof they are installed on. They boast a zero-leak promise, supporting insulation and increasing R-values. 

‎"Tubos has invented an indispensable product that fills a huge void in the roofing industry,” roofing and waterproofing consultant Robert Whitcomb of AIA once shared. “We like the product so much that it has become a permanent line item in our project specifications."  

For over 15 years, TUBOS has worked to make their vent pipe extensions readily accessible to any contractor or homeowner who needs them. They are available at major roofing suppliers across the United States and Canada, many of which offer local warehouse pickup or direct-to-site delivery for your convenience. The next time you need a TUBOS vent pipe extension, you can purchase directly from any of the following distributors: 

• ABC Supply Co.
• Gulfeagle Supply
• SRS Distribution
• Big Rock Supply
• Roofing Supply Group (RSG)
• SPEC Building Materials Corporation
• Ferguson
• Roofing Direct
• Protech Products
• Mid-Atlantic Roofing Supply
• Fastenal
• Duro-Last
• QXO
• Amazon
• Roofmart (Canadian distributor)

Learn more and order your vent pipe extension through TUBOS’s website.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Before buying, people look for proof of quality. Here's what they're finding. 

In a world where consumers are more informed and cautious than ever, testimonials have become a critical part of the buying journey. According to multiple studies, the vast majority of buyers — over 90% in some surveys — read reviews or testimonials before making a purchase decision. Whether it’s a new product or a service, hearing directly from those who have used it provides reassurance, builds trust and helps potential customers envision how the product will work for them. 

For businesses, authentic testimonials are more than just nice-to-have quotes on a website. They are powerful marketing tools that speak to real-world application, value and performance in ways traditional advertising cannot match. In industries where trust and performance are non-negotiable — like construction, roofing and home improvement — testimonials often tip the scales. 

One such product making waves through strong customer feedback is TUBOS, a solution designed to address one of roofing's persistent headaches: raising vent pipes efficiently and securely during reroofing and insulation projects. 

"TUBOS is an excellent product that we use on many of our reroof projects," said Brent McFarlin, vice president of operations at KPost Company. "Whether we are increasing insulation thickness to meet additional R-value requirements, adding tapered insulation or pouring a new lightweight insulating concrete deck, there is always a need to raise the height of existing vent pipes. TUBOS is a quick, easy and inexpensive way to raise vent pipes that will not leak and meets roof consultant and membrane manufacturer requirements." 

That ease of use is a recurring theme. "Your product is amazing, we have been using it for some time, I wish I had thought of it!" said Darrick Gockerell, president of PSI Roofing & Restorations, who noted that TUBOS is "a lot easier, less expensive and faster than the old method of a PVC coupling." 

The value of a product often becomes clear when it solves a universal pain point. "TUBOS has invented an indispensable product that fills a huge void in the roofing industry," said Robert Whitcomb, a forensic architect and roofing consultant. "We like the product so much that it has become a permanent line item in our project specifications." 

Contractors appreciate not only the solution but also the company behind it. "We have worked with the TUBOS team since their inception," said Adam Smith, estimator at McMullen Roofing. "The product has made a tremendous impact on our roofing projects by saving us labor and providing a unique solution to a common problem. We have received excellent support and customer service from TUBOS and we highly recommend this product." 

In an industry where cutting corners is never an option, having a product that meets both consultant and manufacturer requirements — while also making life easier for crews on site — is a standout. 

Some testimonials even capture how indispensable TUBOS has become in everyday operations. "TUBOS, are you kidding me?" said Geoffrey Hagan of Tecta America Central Florida. "You cannot do a re-roof or a recover without them. Thank you, TUBOS, you have created a must-have for us." 

The broader takeaway? People trust what other people say. Real experiences, real feedback and word-of-mouth remain the cornerstone of business growth. Whether it’s a homeowner seeking peace of mind — like Tom Farrell in Massachusetts, who said, "I do not want to worry about any leaks at the soil stack and with the 6-inch insert on TUBOS I know that it is virtually impossible to leak or be installed wrong," — or distributors seeing repeat customers because of a product's performance, testimonials provide the social proof needed to influence decisions. 

Read more about TUBOS and see why contractors, consultants and homeowners are calling it a must-have solution.

By Jesse Sanchez. 

Why pros are swapping out old-school plumbing vent workarounds for this purpose-built solution. 

For contractors tired of wrestling with mismatched pipe sizes and pricey custom parts during roof jobs, a small piece of plastic might be the biggest time-saver they didn’t know they needed. 

TUBOS, a specialized PVC insert designed for reroofing projects, is cutting through the confusion and cost of connecting modern plumbing vents to older cast iron systems. The product has gained traction not just for what it is, but for what it avoids. 

A quick look through TUBOS’ FAQ section reveals a clear pattern: professionals are frustrated with makeshift solutions. The most common question? Why not just use standard PVC couplings. The answer: they don’t fit. TUBOS states, “You cannot buy PVC couplings that will fit on a cast iron pipe (inside or out) that will convert to fit onto PVC.”  

Even no-hub couplings, the kind with hose clamps on each side, can create new problems. According to TUBOS, using those requires a larger lead boot, adds extra cost and forces installers to “squeeze all the extra lead into the smaller existing pipe.” Plus, there’s the added labor of sourcing and transporting multiple parts. Something TUBOS eliminates by shipping everything directly to the site. 

For those rooftops already using PVC vents, there are still some challenges. TUBOS explains that external couplings still require a larger, more expensive boot. And since cast iron vent stacks dominate older buildings, “90% of your reroof jobs will be cast iron.” 

While some have asked about stacking two differently sized PVC pipes and gluing them together, TUBOS explains, “The inside and outside diameter of TUBOS is one of a kind,” The measurements are intentionally engineered. The design lets the insert anchor into both cast iron and PVC, while the outer lip keeps it from slipping through the PVC stack. 

For roofers navigating various plumbing materials and modern requirements, TUBOS makes a case for being more than a product. It’s a calculated answer to a recurring jobsite problem. And for many, it might be the difference between a frustrating patch and a professional finish. 

Learn more about how TUBOS is helping contractors cut costs, save time and provide a solution to the cast iron to PVC connection problem for good!

By Emma Peterson. 

Explore the top ten May articles from The Coffee Shops™! 

This past month we saw a variety of articles make it onto our top ten list! From sharing heartwarming stories about brands giving back to their communities to informational articles about products and industry shifts, here at The Coffee Shops we’ve made sure to keep you up to date on everything happening in the industry.  

Making an appearance multiple times on our top list for the month are articles from our incredible president and industry expert Heidi J. Ellsworth. You don’t want to miss out on the chance to read about her experience at the April 2025 Roofing Alliance Member Meeting. This dynamic and productive gathering offered meaningful updates, great networking opportunities and renewed motivation for the year. Her insights about the 2025 National Roofing Partners (NRP) Leadership Summit are also a must-read! 

In addition to Heidi’s articles, our top list features articles from a variety of Coffee Shop writers, including Jesse Sanchez’s article about TUBOS Inc.'s innovative plumbing vent pipe extensions that prevent water intrusion at roof penetrations (and look good while doing it). There’s also Emma Peterson’s article that dives deep into the meaning and tests behind impact-rated shingles if you want to learn more about roofing products.  

And coming in at our number one spot for the month is a timely article from Justin Shirley of the Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW) about protecting your employees and business as tariffs and immigration policies continue to shift around us.  

Read all the top articles! 

Five honorable mentions to note: 

10 - Building the future, one skill at a time by Lauren White, The Coffee Shops 

9 - The Roofing Alliance continues to give back by Heidi J. Ellsworth, The Coffee Shops 

8 - Donating time, money and more by Emma Peterson, The Coffee Shops 

7 - The product that's busting myths about vent extensions by Jesse Sanchez, The Coffee Shops 

6 - Project profile: MacArthur Park in Oklahoma by Emma Peterson, The Coffee Shops 

And be sure to check out the top five from the last month: 

5 - RoofersCoffeeShop® announces opening of 2025 Roofing Industry Trends Survey

4 - The National Roofing Partners Leadership Summit brings top roofing companies together by Heidi J. Ellsworth, The Coffee Shops 

3 - Drew Buchanan joins MuleHide as Blue Ridge territory manager

2 - What is an impact rating and why does it matter? by Emma Peterson, The Coffee Shops 

1 - When ICE shows up unannounced by Justin Shirley, Roofing Contractors Association of Washington (RCAW)