I’ve seen those “lifetime” silicone boots hold up better than the standard rubber ones, especially in spots with big temp swings. Upfront cost is higher, but if you’re already climbing up there every year, it might save you some hassle long-term. Curious—has anyone tried the retrofit collars that go over old boots? Wondering if they’re just a band-aid or actually buy you a few more years.
Wondering if they’re just a band-aid or actually buy you a few more years.
Honestly, those retrofit collars are like duct tape for your roof—sometimes they’ll get you through another season, sometimes not. I tried them on an older rental and still ended up with a drip in the attic after one bad freeze. Maybe okay as a quick fix, but I wouldn’t trust ‘em for the long haul. The silicone boots are pricey, yeah, but at least you’re not up there every spring cursing last year’s “shortcut”...
I get the appeal of a quick fix, especially when the weather turns and you’re just trying to keep things dry till spring. But long term, I’m skeptical. I’ve seen those retrofit collars hold up for maybe a year or two at best on steep asphalt roofs here in the Midwest, but after two freeze-thaw cycles, the sealant starts to crack. Has anyone here tried the newer eco-friendly flashing options? Curious if investing in something like recycled rubber boots actually pays off durability-wise, or if it’s just another version of a temporary patch...
But long term, I’m skeptical. I’ve seen those retrofit collars hold up for maybe a year or two at best on steep asphalt roofs here in the Midwest, but after two freeze-thaw cycles, the sealant ...
I hear you on the freeze-thaw cycles—Midwest winters are brutal on anything with a seal. I tried the recycled rubber boots last year, actually. They’re holding up better than the old PVC ones so far, but I’m still watching for cracks. Not sure they’re a forever fix, but at least they’re not crumbling after one season. The eco-friendly angle is nice, but I wouldn’t call them bulletproof.
I’m with you—Midwest weather is like a stress test for anything on the roof. I swapped out my cracked boot for one of those “lifetime” silicone ones last fall. Not holding my breath, but it hasn’t split yet... which is more than I can say for my patience crawling around up there. At this point, I’m convinced nothing survives more than a couple winters without at least some TLC.