I actually put in one of those all-metal retrofit boots last fall after the second rubber collar in five years started leaking. The install was pretty straightforward—just had to trim the old boot flush and slide the metal one over, then seal it down. It’s definitely more expensive, but I’d say the peace of mind is worth it, especially if you’re tired of climbing up there every couple seasons. Haven’t seen a drop inside since, even with all the freeze-thaw we got this winter. If your roof pitch isn’t too crazy, it’s a solid upgrade.
That metal retrofit boot sounds like a solid move, but I’m curious—did you notice any issues with condensation or noise after swapping out the rubber for metal? I’ve heard mixed things, especially in colder climates like ours. I keep debating if the higher price is really justified long-term, or if it’s just one more thing to rust out eventually. My last rubber collar lasted about three years before splitting, so I get the frustration. Just not sure if it’s really a set-it-and-forget-it fix or another maintenance item down the road.
We switched to metal retrofit boots on a few buildings about four years ago, mostly because the rubber ones kept cracking after just a couple winters—same as you described. I was worried about condensation too, especially with how cold it gets here, but honestly haven’t noticed much difference. The attic insulation and venting probably help there. Noise-wise, it’s not really louder than before unless we get hail or a heavy downpour, but even then it’s pretty minor.
The cost was higher upfront, no question. But replacing those rubber collars every few years added up fast, plus the hassle of scheduling repairs in the middle of winter... not fun. One thing I do keep an eye on is rust at the seams—haven’t seen any yet, but I try to check them during spring walk-throughs just in case. Nothing’s truly “set and forget” around here, but so far the metal boots are holding up better than rubber ever did for us.
I’ve been debating whether to switch to metal boots myself. My house is only a couple years old, but I already noticed the rubber collars starting to look a little rough after last winter—crazy how fast that happens. I get what you mean about the upfront cost, though. I’m always torn between paying more now or dealing with annoying repairs later. Haven’t had any condensation issues yet, but I do worry about rust since we get a ton of snow melt here. Guess nothing’s really maintenance-free, huh?
Guess nothing’s really maintenance-free, huh?
That’s the truth. Even metal boots can rust out if you’ve got a lot of snow melt and salt in the mix. I’ve seen some people use a bit of sealant around the base to help, but it’s not a cure-all. Have you checked if your attic’s venting is good? Sometimes rough collars are more about heat escaping than just weather beating them up.
