No sense fixing what isn’t broken, but don’t ignore the signs either.
That makes sense. I was actually thinking about just swapping mine out on a schedule, but now I’m second guessing it. My place is only a few years old, but the boots look fine—no cracks or anything obvious. I guess it’s smarter to just check them every fall and spring, especially since I’m in Minnesota and the weather’s all over the place. Didn’t realize moss could hide damage, though... might have to get up there with a flashlight next time.
Checking every fall and spring is a solid plan, especially with Minnesota’s freeze-thaw cycles. I wouldn’t rush to swap out boots just because of the calendar—sometimes they last way longer than you’d expect. But have you looked at the flashing around the boots too? Sometimes that’s where leaks sneak in, not the boot itself. Moss is sneaky, for sure... I’ve seen it hide splits that looked fine from the ground. Curious if you’ve noticed any staining in your attic or ceiling yet, or is everything still dry?
That’s a good point about the flashing—honestly, I’ve seen more leaks start there than from the boots themselves. You’re right not to swap them just because it’s fall or spring. If you’re not seeing stains or damp spots inside, you’re probably ahead of the game. Moss is a pain, though... I’ve had to get up close to spot cracks it was hiding.
Flashing is always the sneaky culprit, isn’t it? I swear, people obsess over vent boots but ignore the mess moss makes hiding cracks and gaps. I’m all for green roofs, but even I’ll admit moss can be a nightmare if you let it go. If you’re not seeing leaks or stains inside, why fix what ain’t broke? Just keep an eye out after heavy rain—sometimes that’s when hidden issues show up.
If you’re not seeing leaks or stains inside, why fix what ain’t broke? Just keep an eye out after heavy rain—sometimes that’s when hidden issues show up.
That’s pretty much how I’ve handled things, but I always wonder if I’m being too reactive. My place is a 1960s ranch with a low-slope roof, and honestly, the vent boots are original. I get the urge to swap them out with the seasons, but is it really necessary if there’s no visible problem? I mean, I check the attic after big storms and haven’t seen any staining or dampness yet.
One thing that bugs me is how much moss collects around the flashing. I scraped a bunch off last fall and found a tiny gap I’d never have noticed otherwise. Makes me think—how many of these “invisible” issues are just waiting to turn into a bigger headache? Is it smarter to just budget for a full replacement every decade or so, or keep patching as things pop up? I’m always trying to balance cost with peace of mind, but sometimes it feels like a gamble either way. Anyone else get nervous about waiting until something actually breaks?