“Not sure swapping them out every season is worth the hassle, but I get why people do it.”
I’m with you—changing boots every year feels like overkill, but those hairline cracks always sneak up after a cold snap. Have you looked into silicone or metal flashing boots? I’ve seen some folks claim they hold up better in extreme temps, but I wonder if they’re really worth the extra cost. Also, does constant sun exposure make rubber degrade faster than just the cold? My south-facing roof seems to eat through materials way quicker...
I keep wondering if the hassle is really about the boots or just the materials we’re using. I’ve had rubber ones on a couple properties, and yeah, the south-facing sides always seem to crack first—sun seems way harsher than cold, at least here in Colorado. But I tried a silicone boot last year and honestly, it’s holding up better than I expected. Still, the upfront cost was double. Is it actually saving money long-term, or just delaying the same problem? And does anyone else notice metal flashing can get weirdly noisy when temps swing?
Is it actually saving money long-term, or just delaying the same problem?
That’s the million-dollar question. I’ve swapped a lot of old cracked rubber boots for silicone over the years, especially where UV is brutal (like here in Denver). Silicone ones do seem to last longer in direct sun, but I’m not totally convinced the higher cost evens out unless you’re planning to stay put for a while. About the metal flashing noise—yeah, it can sound like popcorn some days. Have you noticed if it’s worse with certain roof pitches or just when temps really swing fast?
I get what you’re saying about the cost vs. longevity. I’m in a similar boat—after swapping to silicone boots last year, I haven’t seen any cracking, but they were definitely pricier up front. I figure if they last even twice as long as the old rubber ones, it’s probably worth it, especially since I don’t love climbing up there every couple years.
The metal flashing noise drives me nuts too. On my place (pretty steep pitch, asphalt shingles), it seems worse when the weather flips fast—like those sudden spring cold fronts. Not sure if the angle makes it louder or if it’s just the temp swings making everything expand and contract. Either way, I’d rather deal with a little noise than surprise leaks.
Honestly, if you’re planning on sticking around for a while, I think spending a bit more now to avoid future headaches is worth it. But if you’re moving soon, maybe not. Just my two cents.
Honestly, if you’re planning on sticking around for a while, I think spending a bit more now to avoid future headaches is worth it.
That’s a solid point. I’m skeptical about “lifetime” claims, but silicone does seem to hold up better in wild temps. The upfront cost stings, but climbing up every few years is worse—especially with a steep pitch. I’d rather deal with some flashing noise too than risk water sneaking in and wrecking the decking.
