I get the skepticism, but I actually went with the pricier boots a few years back after getting tired of patch jobs every spring. Haven’t had a single leak since, and the squirrels seem less interested. Maybe it’s overkill for some roofs, but for me, the upfront cost saved a lot of hassle down the line. Not saying it’s magic, but sometimes “premium” isn’t just a label.
I’ve seen a lot of folks go the “just patch it every year” route, and honestly, it’s a toss-up. Some roofs seem to get away with it for ages, but others—especially if you’ve got a lot of tree cover or critters around—end up with leaks and headaches every spring. I remember one house where the owner kept using those cheap rubber boots, and by year three, water was running down the vent pipe into the attic insulation. Not fun to clean up.
The premium boots do seem to hold up better, especially the ones with metal bases or reinforced collars. I’m curious—did you notice any difference in how they handled temperature swings? Around here (Midwest), we get wild freeze-thaw cycles, and I’ve seen some materials crack or pull away after a rough winter. Wondering if that’s part of why yours have lasted so well, or if it’s more about keeping the squirrels at bay...
Yeah, I’ve wondered about the temp swings too. I’m in central Illinois, and last winter we had that whole polar vortex thing—my neighbor’s cheap boots split right down the side, but mine (the pricier ones with the metal flange) didn’t budge. Not sure if it’s just luck or better material, but the metal seems to keep things tighter when it freezes and thaws. I haven’t had any squirrel issues yet, but I’m more worried about ice pushing stuff loose. Anyone else notice the metal ones holding up better in crazy weather?
I get the appeal of metal boots, but man, the price difference always makes me hesitate. I’ve stuck with the heavy-duty rubber ones so far—mostly because I can swap them out myself if they crack. Central Illinois winters are brutal, though, and I did notice last year the rubber got stiff and started to curl a bit around the edges. No leaks yet, but it’s on my radar. I’m not totally convinced the metal is always worth double the cost unless you’re planning to stay in the house long-term. Anyone else feel like the “cheap” ones are fine if you just keep an eye on them?
I get where you’re coming from—rubber boots are definitely easier on the wallet, and if you’re comfortable swapping them out, they can last a while with regular checks. Around here, though, I’ve seen those rubber ones get brittle way faster than folks expect, especially after a couple of harsh winters. Metal’s pricey up front but I’ve noticed it’s more of a “set it and forget it” deal, especially if you’re not planning to move soon. If you’re keeping an eye on things and don’t mind the occasional replacement, sticking with rubber isn’t a bad call. Just don’t ignore any curling or cracks too long—those leaks sneak up fast when the weather turns.
