UV breakdown of PVC pipe is more of an issue at lower latitudes, where the sun's rays are stronger year-round, than farther north. Higher altitudes also receive stronger UV radiation than lower altitudes.
My home, built in 1976, has the original pvc vent pipes through the roof, and they've never been painted. I check them twice each year when I go on the roof to clean the gutters and to inspect the condition of the asphalt shingles and the flashings. After 32 years of exposure, there are no signs of the PVC vent pipes being damaged by UV, and if they were to be damaged it would be an easy fix to cut them off inside the attic and extend a new piece of PVC back through the roof.
It's rare to find it painted up here, but if it is not protected I still write it up. I don't expect folks will heed my advice to paint it, and around here leaving it unprotected probably carrys low risk of it causing problems.
Originally Posted by
Jerry Peck
Now for ... a pet peeve of mine ... which I've brought up many times before ... and for which you have opened the door ... (thank you) ... (but the others may not) ...
Anyone out there know where the 'freeze line' is and above that line which *ALL* (yes *ALL*) plumbing outside the thermal envelope of the house is supposed to be insulated?
I've posted it many times before. Yes, this is a test. WC Jerry keep quiet.
All I need to know is that it is far south of the state of New York!
P.S. our footings need to be more than 48 inches below finished grade up here. Most natural lakes and ponds are warm enough to swim only during July & August....
Gotta go out now and rake some leaves, put away the lawnmower, and tune up the snowblower.