Midwest roofs are a battle of attrition, honestly. Sometimes you just pick your battles and hope for a mild winter... but peace of mind is tough to put a price on when it comes to water inside the house.
Ever tried any of the recycled rubber or metal vent collars? I’m curious if they hold up better with all the freeze/thaw drama. I get the sticker shock, but if it means fewer trips up the ladder (and fewer squirrel invasions), maybe it’s worth it? I’ve patched mine twice this year already and I’m starting to think the “cheap fix” isn’t so cheap after all.
Metal vent collars have actually saved me a ton of hassle, especially after a couple years of patching up the rubber ones every spring. The upfront cost stings, but once they're in, I hardly have to think about them. Squirrels seem to leave them alone, too. For Midwest freeze/thaw, I'd say metal's worth a shot—less time on the ladder, more peace of mind.
I hear you on the rubber boots—mine started cracking after just a couple winters, and patching only got me so far. I switched to metal collars last year and honestly, the difference is night and day. The install was a bit of a pain (had to trim some shingles), but since then, zero leaks and no more squirrel chewing.
One thing I’m still not sure about is how the metal holds up long-term with all the ice dams we get here (I’m in northern Illinois). Anyone notice rust or corrosion after a few years? I used aluminum, but I’ve seen folks use galvanized steel too. Also, does anyone insulate around the vent pipe itself to cut down on condensation, or is that overkill? Just trying to avoid another surprise leak in February...
Also, does anyone insulate around the vent pipe itself to cut down on condensation, or is that overkill?
I tried wrapping mine with leftover pipe insulation last winter—looked ridiculous but actually helped with the drips. Not sure it’s “overkill” if it saves me from mopping up attic puddles in February. As for aluminum, mine’s holding up fine after three years, but I’m cheap and keep an eye out for rust anyway. Galvanized is tougher but costs more... I’ll stick with aluminum till it gives me a reason not to.
Not sure it’s “overkill” if it saves me from mopping up attic puddles in February.
Couldn’t agree more—if it keeps the attic dry, who cares if it looks like you wrapped your vent pipe for a winter ski trip? I’ve seen folks use everything from foam pipe wrap to old towels (not recommended, unless you like mildew) just to cut down on that condensation. Sometimes the simplest fixes are the best, even if they’re not pretty.
If you’re getting drips, that’s a sign the warm, moist air from the house is hitting the cold pipe and condensing. Insulating around it helps a ton, especially in colder climates. I’ve even seen people double up with a layer of foam and then a plastic vapor barrier over that. Sure, it’s a little extra work, but mopping up water in February is worse. Plus, if you ever have to crawl up there in the dead of winter, you’ll appreciate not getting dripped on.
As for aluminum vs. galvanized—I get the temptation to stick with what’s working. Aluminum does fine unless you’re in a coastal area or somewhere with crazy acid rain. Galvanized is tougher, but unless you’re seeing rust or pinholes, I wouldn’t rush to swap it out. I’ve replaced a few aluminum boots after 8-10 years, but that’s usually because the rubber gasket gave out, not the metal itself.
If you ever do swap boots, here’s my two cents: do it on a dry, mild day if you can. Trying to pry up shingles when they’re cold and brittle is a recipe for cracked tabs and a lot of cursing. And don’t forget to check the flashing underneath—sometimes leaks come from there, not the boot itself.
Bottom line, if your “ridiculous” insulation job is working, I say keep at it. Sometimes the stuff that looks silly is exactly what keeps the house dry.
