Code alert for Denver contractors!

By Emma Peterson. 

Avoid failed inspections and stay compliant by reviewing manufacturer instructions relating to painted pipe jack boots.  

Recently, the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA) released an advisory article about a key code change in the City and County of Denver – Painting of the neoprene or EPDM portion of pipe jack flashings should be halted and manufacturer instructions assessed immediately. The CRA Building Code and Standards Committee explained: 

Painted pipe jack boots are being identified during inspections as improper installations within the City and County of Denver. These conditions are resulting in failed inspections, required corrective work and additional labor costs. 

Although this requirement may not be explicitly stated in local code language or published on the City of Denver’s website, compliance is enforced through manufacturer installation instructions. These instructions are considered part of the adopted building code and do not require separate policy adoption. 

The manufacturer installation instructions in question clearly state that elastomeric collars must not be painted. This is because paint products (like acrylic and synthetic latex) often contain components that damage neoprene and EPDM materials. For example, IPS Roofing Products’ instructions specify, “Do not use petroleum-based mastics, sealing compounds, or paints on the collar portion of all flashings, including hard-base, flexible, or rain collars. Do not use paint on elastomer collars [due to the risk of premature failure].” 

For contractors in the Denver, Colorado area, it is imperative that your team reviews manufacturer installation instructions closely and update standard operating procedures accordingly. The CRA recommends using pre-painted pipe-jacks, covering pipe jack boots prior to spraying and/or removing protective coatings after spraying is completed as alternatives to stay compliant.  

Read the full advisory article.