Ever had those rubber boots around vent pipes crack way sooner than expected?

Yeah, I’ve had those neoprene boots crack way before the shingles wore out too. Midwest sun and freeze/thaw cycles just chew ‘em up, no matter what the label says. I switched to the metal ones last time - more upfront, but zero issues so far.

Funny thing, I actually thought the “UV resistant” label meant something until I saw my first set of boots split right down the side after maybe five years. I’m in Nebraska, so we get those wild temp swings too. The metal ones have held up better for me, but I do wonder if anyone’s had issues with condensation or rust on those over time? I’ve heard mixed things, but so far mine look alright.

I had the exact same “UV resistant” letdown with my last house.

I actually thought the “UV resistant” label meant something until I saw my first set of boots split right down the side after maybe five years.

Switched to metal boots this time around. Haven’t noticed any rust, but I did get a bit of condensation on colder days. Nothing major so far, but I keep an eye out just in case. I put a little bead of silicone around the base and that seemed to help with the moisture. I’ve read that some folks get rust if the vent pipe isn’t painted or if the flashing gets scratched, but so far mine’s holding up.

I do miss how easy the rubber ones were to install - metal’s a bit more fiddly, but at least I’m not climbing up there every couple years.

I do miss how easy the rubber ones were to install - metal’s a bit more fiddly, but at least I’m not climbing up there every couple years.

That’s been my experience too. I see a lot of “UV resistant” boots during inspections, and honestly, most of them don’t last as long as people expect - especially in places with big temperature swings like Nebraska or here in Kansas. The label sounds reassuring, but after a few freeze-thaw cycles and some summer sun, they get brittle fast. Five years is about average from what I’ve seen, sometimes less if the roof gets full sun all day.

Metal boots are definitely more work to install and seal up right, but I’ve noticed they hold up much better over time. Condensation is pretty common on colder days, especially if there’s any gap around the pipe. That silicone bead you mentioned is a good move - it helps keep water out and slows down rust if moisture does get trapped.

One thing I always tell folks: check for scratches or exposed metal on the flashing, since even a small nick can start rusting after a wet winter. A quick touch-up with paint can make a big difference. Still, I’d take a little extra hassle at install over having to replace cracked rubber every few years...

I’ve noticed the same thing with the “lifetime” rubber boots - on paper they sound great, but in practice, Midwest weather seems to chew them up. I replaced one on my folks’ house after six years; it was already brittle and starting to curl away from the pipe. Metal flashings do seem to last much longer, but like you said, they’re trickier to install without bending or scratching them. I try to use a dab of high-quality sealant where the pipe meets the metal, just in case. The extra time upfront beats patching leaks later on.

I try to use a dab of high-quality sealant where the pipe meets the metal, just in case. The extra time upfront beats patching leaks later on.

I get what you’re saying about metal flashings lasting longer, but I’ve actually had decent luck with the newer silicone boots. They’re pricier up front, but they seem to handle wild temperature swings better than the standard rubber ones. Midwest winters are brutal, but after eight years, mine still looks flexible - no cracks or curling yet. Maybe it’s just luck, but I’d take that over wrestling with sharp metal edges any day.

I hear you on the silicone boots. I was pretty skeptical at first, but after seeing how the regular black rubber ones basically turned into potato chips after a couple of summers and winters, I figured it was worth a shot. The price tag stings a little, but not as much as crawling up there every other year to swap out cracked boots.

Honestly, wrestling with metal flashings is not my favorite part of the job either - those edges are like cheese graters if you’re not careful. Still, I’ve noticed some of the older metal ones on roofs around here (central Illinois) are still holding up after 20+ years, which is wild. Maybe it’s just luck or maybe folks were using better stuff back then.

Anyway, I’m with you - if the silicone keeps doing its thing through these Midwest freeze-thaw cycles, I’ll stick with it. Haven’t had to patch any leaks since switching over, so fingers crossed it stays that way...

- Totally get where you’re coming from with the rubber boots - those things just don’t seem to last in our weather.
- I’ve seen the same thing with old metal flashings holding up way longer than expected, but man, they are a pain to work with.
- Silicone boots cost more up front, but if you’re not patching leaks every year, that’s a win in my book.
- Midwest freeze-thaw cycles are brutal... sounds like you made the right call switching over.
- Haven’t seen any major issues on inspections since folks started using silicone, so fingers crossed it keeps working for you.

Rubber boots and Midwest winters... that combo’s like putting a popsicle in the oven. I used to swear by the cheap ones, but after crawling up there every spring to slap on more goop, I finally caved and tried silicone. Pricey, yeah, but my knees are grateful. Only thing - installing them in cold weather is a pain, so if you’re switching, wait for a warm-ish day. Haven’t looked back since.

Rubber boots just don’t hold up here, especially with the freeze/thaw cycles we get every winter. I’ve seen ‘em split right down the side after just a couple years - sometimes less if the sun’s beating on that slope. Silicone’s definitely a step up, but I’ll admit, I’m not totally sold on the price tag. Still, when you factor in how much time you save not crawling around with a tube of roof cement every spring, it starts to make sense.

One thing I’d add - if you’re set on rubber for whatever reason, at least go for the thicker ones with UV stabilizers. They cost a bit more than the bargain bin stuff but might buy you another season or two. But yeah, nothing really beats silicone for longevity. Just wish they’d make the install less of a hassle in cold weather... ever tried getting one to flex when it’s below freezing? Feels like wrestling a frozen garden hose.

Curious if anyone’s had luck with those adjustable retrofit boots? I’ve heard mixed things, but haven’t tried them myself yet.

I’m right there with you on the freeze/thaw cycles - seems like every winter here is a new experiment in what can split, crack, or otherwise fall apart on my roof. When I bought my place last year, I figured those vent boots would last at least a few seasons, but nope. The first spring thaw, I spotted a split right along the seam. Not a huge leak, but enough to make me nervous every time it rains.

I tried patching with roof cement (which is about as fun as it sounds when you’re up there in the wind), but it felt like a losing battle. I ended up switching to one of those silicone boots too. Pricey for sure, but after crawling around up there once, I decided my time (and nerves) were worth something. The install was a pain in the cold though - felt like trying to bend a frozen pretzel. I had to bring the boot inside and warm it up with a hair dryer just to get it flexible enough to fit over the pipe.

About those adjustable retrofit boots - I actually gave one a shot on my back vent stack. It was one of those “fits most sizes” types with a stainless steel base and a flexible collar. Install was pretty straightforward, but I did notice the collar didn’t seal quite as tight as I’d hoped at first. Ended up adding a bead of silicone around the base just to be safe. So far, no leaks after one winter, but I’m keeping an eye on it. Not sure how it’ll hold up long-term with all the temperature swings.

If you’re stuck with rubber for budget reasons, totally agree about getting the thicker ones with UV protection. The cheap ones are basically disposable around here. But yeah, if you can swing it, silicone’s been less hassle for me - even if my wallet complained at first.

Funny how something as simple as a vent boot can turn into such a saga...

Those freeze/thaw cycles are brutal. I had the exact same thing happen - thought the original boots would be fine for a few years, but nope, first winter and I was up there with a tube of sealant and a lot of wishful thinking. I ended up going with the thicker UV-resistant rubber boots (couldn’t quite justify the silicone cost at the time), but I doubled up on sealant around the collar and seams. Not perfect, but so far, no leaks this season. If I have to do it again, I might just bite the bullet and go silicone from the start... my knees aren’t getting any younger crawling around up there.

Yeah, those cheap boots never last as long as you’d think, especially up north where it’s freeze, thaw, repeat. I’ve noticed even the “UV-resistant” ones get brittle after a couple seasons. Silicone’s pricey but honestly saves so much hassle later. My back hates those patch jobs too...

My back hates those patch jobs too...

Man, I hear you on that. Those patch jobs always seem simple until you’re hunched over a steep roof in the wind, cursing every frozen shingle. What’s worked for me is swapping out the cheap boots for the silicone ones right off the bat - yeah, they cost more, but you only want to be up there once if you can help it. I’ve also started running a bead of high-grade sealant around the base, just as backup. It’s not foolproof, but it’s saved me a few callbacks and a lot of ibuprofen.

I’m with you on the silicone boots - they do seem to last longer, but I’m still a little skeptical. Last winter, I swapped out a “lifetime” rubber boot that barely made it five years. I always hit the base with sealant too, but sometimes I wonder if all these extra steps are just masking a bigger problem with how these things are made now. Maybe it’s just our freeze-thaw cycles up here, but nothing seems to last as long as it should.

Yeah, I’ve noticed the same thing with those “lifetime” rubber boots. Even with sealant, they just don’t seem to hold up like you’d expect, especially in areas with a lot of freeze-thaw. I’ve seen some crack right at the flex point after only a few winters. Silicone boots are better, but I’m not convinced they’re a perfect fix either - UV exposure and temp swings still take a toll. Sometimes I wonder if it’s just the newer materials or if we’re expecting too much out of them with our climate.

- Honestly, I’ve had better luck with the newer silicone boots lately - maybe it’s just the brands I’m using?
- Some of the “lifetime” rubber ones don’t seem any tougher than the old stuff, though.
- I do think install makes a difference. If they’re stretched too much or not supported right at the base, they’ll crack quick, especially where it flexes.
- Up here in MN, I’ve seen even high-end boots fail if snow piles up around them all winter... sometimes it’s less about the material and more about what they have to put up with.
- Haven’t found a perfect solution either, but flashing collars over top can help squeeze a few extra years out of ‘em.

- Definitely agree that install is a big factor. If the boot’s not sitting flush or gets over-stretched, it’s almost guaranteed to split at the flex point.
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“sometimes it’s less about the material and more about what they have to put up with.”

That’s a solid point about install making or breaking how long those boots last. I’ve seen a few where the installer just kind of forced it over the pipe and didn’t check the fit, and sure enough, they split right at the bend after the first winter. Can’t blame the rubber for that one.

“sometimes it’s less about the material and more about what they have to put up with.”

Using a bead of sealant under the lip is smart. I’ve done something similar with urethane sealants, and it definitely helps, though like you said, it’s not a forever solution. Ever try doubling up with a rain collar and a storm collar? Sometimes it feels like overkill, but on lower slope roofs it’s saved me from callbacks.

Curious if anyone’s found a boot that really lives up to the hype long-term, or is this just one of those “expect to replace every few years” kind of deals?