They’re not a forever fix, but they’ll outlast the rubber by a mile if you get another storm.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve seen those retrofit collars hold up surprisingly well, especially when folks are tired of swapping boots every season. Not perfect, but way better than dealing with water stains on the ceiling after every hailstorm.
Had a neighbor try those collars after three rounds of cracked boots in two years—central Texas sun just eats rubber for breakfast. The collars held up, but I still wonder about long-term sustainability. They’re a patch, not a solution... but sometimes you just need the patch.
They’re a patch, not a solution... but sometimes you just need the patch.
That’s pretty much how I see it too. In my experience, those collars are decent for buying time—especially if you’re dealing with relentless sun like we get here. But I always wonder: does anyone actually get more than a couple years out of them before UV breaks them down too? I’ve seen some that looked fine after a year, then suddenly split right at the seam.
I’m curious if anyone’s tried the metal retrofit covers instead of rubber. They seem pricier upfront, but maybe they hold up better long-term? I’ve also seen folks just slather on sealant every season, but that feels like a losing battle once the base boot is brittle.
Do you think swapping out boots every season is worth it, or is it just masking a bigger issue with the vent flashing itself? Sometimes I wonder if we’re all just playing catch-up with the weather rather than actually fixing the root problem.
I’ve wondered the same about the metal covers. I tried one last fall after two rubber boots split in less than three years—Texas sun just eats them up. The metal’s holding up so far, but it was a pain to fit over the old flashing. Swapping boots every season feels like a band-aid, honestly... If the base flashing’s shot, I’d rather just replace the whole thing and be done with it, even if it’s more work upfront. Sealant never lasted for me either—just ended up with a mess and still had leaks.
I hear you on the Texas sun—those rubber boots just don’t stand a chance out here. I’ve had the same issue with sealant, too. It’s always a temporary fix and just leads to more headaches down the line. When the base flashing’s already failing, I usually recommend biting the bullet and replacing the whole assembly. It’s more upfront work, but you’re not up there every year swapping out parts or chasing leaks. Did you have much trouble getting the metal cover to fit over the old flashing? Sometimes the old stuff warps and makes it a real pain...