I had the same issue with critters—raccoons in my case. Switched to metal boots last fall, and yeah, they’re not winning any beauty contests, but no leaks since. Did you use any sealant around the base, or just rely on the flashing?
Switched to metal boots last fall, and yeah, they’re not winning any beauty contests, but no leaks since. Did you use any sealant around the base, or just rely on the flashing?
I hear you on the looks—metal boots are like the orthopedic shoes of roofing. Not pretty, but they get the job done. I’ve seen way too many critter problems with the rubber ones, especially in areas with raccoons or squirrels. They seem to treat those things like chew toys.
On the sealant question, I’m a bit opinionated. I know some folks just trust the flashing, but I always run a bead of high-quality roofing sealant around the base, especially where the boot meets the shingles. Maybe it’s overkill, but I’ve seen enough water sneak in during wind-driven rain to make me a believer. The flashing does most of the heavy lifting, but that extra layer of sealant is cheap insurance, especially if you’re in a spot that gets a lot of freeze/thaw cycles or sideways rain.
One thing I’ll say, though—don’t go crazy with the goop. Too much sealant can actually trap water and make things worse if it starts to peel. Just a thin, even bead is all you need. And if you’re in a hot climate, make sure whatever you use can handle the heat. Some of the cheaper stuff turns into goo in the summer and just slides off.
I’ve also noticed that metal boots seem to last way longer, but yeah, they’re not exactly subtle. I had a customer paint theirs to match the shingles, which helped a bit, but you’re never going to fool anyone into thinking it’s part of the original roof.
Swapping out boots with the seasons sounds like a hassle, honestly. I’d rather do it once and not think about it for a decade. If you’re already up there, might as well do it right and save yourself the headache later.
Swapping out boots with the seasons sounds like a hassle, honestly. I’d rather do it once and not think about it for a decade.
Yeah, same here. The idea of getting up there every year just to swap boots sounds like a punishment for people who enjoy ladders too much. Did the metal boot/sealant combo on my place last year and haven’t worried since—definitely agree on the “one and done” approach. And painting them to match? Tried it... let’s just say my color-matching skills are questionable at best.
The idea of getting up there every year just to swap boots sounds like a punishment for people who enjoy ladders too much.
That’s exactly how I feel. I tried the seasonal swap thing once after a neighbor swore by it, but honestly, it was more trouble than it was worth. Ended up with a sore back and a couple of cracked shingles. Metal boots with a good bead of sealant have held up through two winters now—no leaks, no fuss. As for painting, mine are still that weird off-silver color... not pretty, but at least I’m not up there every fall.
Metal boots with a good bead of sealant have held up through two winters now—no leaks, no fuss.
Funny thing, I’ve seen those metal boots outlast the roof itself sometimes, but I’ve also run into a couple that started leaking at the seams after three or four freeze-thaw cycles. Around here, rubber boots actually do better if you don’t mind swapping every few years—not every season, but more often than folks expect. Guess it depends on how wild your winters get.