Swapping Out Roof Vent Boots With The Seasons - Worth The Hassle?

Just don’t ignore any curling or cracks too long - those leaks sneak up fast when the weather turns.

Ain’t that the truth. I’ve seen more than a few folks wait “just one more season” and end up with water stains on the ceiling. If you’re swapping rubber boots, here’s my quick-and-dirty: check ‘em every spring and fall, especially after a freeze-thaw cycle. If they’re starting to look like old bacon, time to swap. Metal’s less hassle long-term, but I get not wanting to shell out for it if you’re handy and don’t mind climbing up there now and then.

I hear you on the “old bacon” look - once those boots start curling, it’s just a matter of time. I’ve had a couple tenants call after a big rain, swearing up and down they never noticed anything wrong, but sure enough, the boot was shot. I’m curious - anyone tried those all-in-one flashing kits? I’ve stuck with the basic rubber and metal mix, but if there’s something that actually lasts through our Midwest winters, I’d love to hear about it.

I’m curious - anyone tried those all-in-one flashing kits? I’ve stuck with the basic rubber and metal mix, but if there’s something that actually lasts through our Midwest winters, I’d love to hear about it.

- Tried the all-in-one flashing kits (specifically the Oatey and Perma-Boot brands) on my ranch last year.
- Install was quicker than piecing together rubber boot + separate flashing - just a few screws and some sealant.
- They definitely *look* more durable, but one winter in, I noticed some frost heave around the base. Nothing leaked, but the plastic seemed a bit brittle in the cold (-10°F nights).
- Compared to classic lead/rubber combo: lead holds up better for me, especially with ice dams. Downside is cost, and it’s a pain to bend around odd pipe angles.
- Metal + rubber mix does eventually curl like you said, but I’ve stretched 8-10 years out of them by hitting the exposed rubber with silicone every fall.
- All-in-ones are nice if you don’t want to get on the roof every season, but for Midwest freeze/thaw, I still lean old-school.

If you’re dealing with a low-slope roof or lots of shade, maybe worth a try. For steep pitches, I’d be a little cautious.

I’ve tried the all-in-ones too, but honestly, I keep coming back to the old lead and rubber setup. The upfront cost stings, but I’ve had fewer issues with splitting or leaks, especially when temps swing hard. I just can’t justify swapping boots every couple years when a little maintenance stretches the life so much. Midwest winters are brutal - plastic just doesn’t seem to handle the freeze/thaw as well for me.

Interesting - do you ever get squirrels messing with the lead boots? I’ve had a couple jobs where critters chewed right through, but I agree, they hold up better in wild temps. Have you tried any of the newer silicone collars? Curious if they’re worth the hype or just another short-term fix.