I get what you’re saying about the sun and hail—those can really chew up rubber boots. But honestly, I’ve managed a bunch of properties in Colorado and Texas, and even with the crazy weather, I don’t swap vent boots every season. Usually, I just keep an eye out for cracks or leaks during my regular roof checks. If the boots look rough, I’ll replace them, but sometimes they last way longer than five years. Maybe it’s just luck or the brand? Either way, swapping them out every year seems like overkill to me.
I’ve got a 15-year-old roof with the original vent boots still hanging in there—just a couple of small cracks I sealed with silicone. I’m in the Midwest, so we get wild temp swings too. Annual replacement seems excessive unless you’re seeing actual leaks or major UV damage. Maybe some boots are just better quality than others?
Fifteen years on the original vent boots? That’s honestly better than a lot of installs I see around here. Midwest weather is brutal—hot summers, freezing winters, all that expansion and contraction. Some boots are definitely higher quality, but even the good ones eventually dry out or crack. Did you check under the silicone for any soft spots or water stains? Sometimes a little crack can let in more water than you’d think, especially with wind-driven rain. I wouldn’t swap them out every year unless you really love climbing ladders, but keeping an eye on them every spring and fall isn’t a bad habit. Ever notice any ice damming around those vents? That can speed up the wear, too.
Fifteen years is honestly impressive, especially with Midwest weather doing its thing. I get the urge to swap them out more often, but I agree—climbing up there every season seems like overkill unless you’re seeing actual issues. I checked mine last fall and found a tiny crack, and sure enough, water had snuck in and stained the decking. Just goes to show, even small stuff matters. I’d stick with regular checks instead of full-on replacements unless you spot real damage.
I’d stick with regular checks instead of full-on replacements unless you spot real damage.
I get the logic, but I’m starting to wonder if waiting for “real damage” ends up costing more long run. Last year, I put off swapping a vent boot that looked just a little rough, and sure enough, a spring storm hit and water found its way in. Had to patch drywall and repaint—way more hassle (and money) than just replacing the boot earlier. Maybe I’m just unlucky, but sometimes those small cracks sneak up on you faster than expected. Anyone else feel like “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” doesn’t always work out with roofs?
