Ever since I switched to the pricier silicone boots, it’s been way less stress. Upfront cost stings a bit, but not having to climb up there every season is worth it for me.
I get what you mean about the upfront cost—those silicone boots aren’t cheap, but man, the time savings add up. I’ve got a couple older duplexes with low-slope roofs and the cheaper rubber ones just didn’t last through our Midwest winters. Curious if anyone’s had luck with those “lifetime” plastic boots? I tried one brand and it actually cracked after two years... maybe just bad luck or wrong install?
I’m in the same boat, just bought my first place last year and the inspector flagged the old rubber boots right away. I swapped one out for a “lifetime” plastic boot (can’t remember the brand) and it’s already looking faded after one winter. Maybe I messed up the install or it’s just not cut out for Michigan weather... kinda wishing I’d just gone with silicone from the start, even if it hurt the wallet.
I get what you mean about the “lifetime” stuff—mine was supposedly UV-resistant, but after two years in upstate NY, it’s already cracking. I’m honestly starting to think “lifetime” means something different to the manufacturers than to us. I bit the bullet and went with a pricier silicone boot on the main vent last fall. No issues yet, and it still looks brand new, but yeah, it stung dropping that much cash for a hunk of flexible plastic. At least I’m not crawling up there every spring anymore...
I’ve had the same gripe with “lifetime” roof boots—mine started splitting after just a few winters here in central PA. First time, I went cheap and regretted it. Last year, I swapped to a silicone one like you did. Pricey, yeah, but honestly it’s holding up way better. Not having to haul out the ladder every spring is worth something… though I still keep an eye on it after big storms just in case. Manufacturers really play fast and loose with those warranty terms, don’t they?
- Totally hear you on the “lifetime” claim—seen a lot of those split in just a few seasons, especially with freeze/thaw cycles in PA.
- Silicone boots are pricier up front, but they flex better and don’t get brittle as fast. Worth it for less hassle.
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Couldn’t agree more. Safety’s huge, and fewer trips up there is always better.Not having to haul out the ladder every spring is worth something…
- Warranty terms are tricky—manufacturers usually only cover defects, not weather damage or install issues. Always read the fine print.
- Quick tip: after big storms, check for debris around the boot—sometimes it’s not the boot itself but stuff getting jammed under the flashing that causes leaks.