- I hear you on the patching—
—that’s been my experience too, but only if I stay on top of it.“as long as I check it before winter hits, it holds up okay”
- For me, the hassle is mostly about getting up there every year. My roof’s got a steep pitch and it’s a pain, especially after a wet spring.
- Tried both the tape and the full boot swap. Tape lasted two winters, but after that, it started to peel at the edges.
- Anyone else notice certain brands of boots just don’t last? I’ve had some crack after three years, even with “UV resistant” labels.
- Curious—has anyone tried those all-metal retrofit boots? Wondering if they’re worth the extra cost or just another gimmick.
- Yeah, the “UV resistant” label seems like wishful thinking on some of those boots. I’ve had a couple turn brittle after just a few summers—guess the sun here in Oklahoma doesn’t read the packaging.
- All-metal retrofit boots? Tried one last year on my shed. Install was a bit awkward (those sharp edges love to bite), but it’s holding up better than any rubber boot so far. Pricey, though—almost double what I’d pay for a regular one.
- Tape’s fine in a pinch, but once it starts curling, you’re basically inviting water in. I just keep a roll handy for emergencies.
- Steep roofs are no joke. I’ve nearly invented a new dance move sliding down mine after a rain... not recommended.
- If you hate climbing up every year, metal might be worth it. Otherwise, just budget for a new boot every few seasons and call it a day.
“If you hate climbing up every year, metal might be worth it. Otherwise, just budget for a new boot every few seasons and call it a day.”
I hear you on the price tag for metal boots, but man, swapping out those rubber ones every couple summers feels like Groundhog Day. I went metal on my last re-roof and yeah, the install was a knuckle-buster, but now I just watch my neighbors do the annual roof shuffle while I sip coffee. Anyone tried those silicone boots? Supposedly UV-proof, but I’m skeptical—marketing loves to stretch the truth.
Anyone tried those silicone boots? Supposedly UV-proof, but I’m skeptical—marketing loves to stretch the truth.
I’m curious about those too. Has anyone actually had silicone boots up for more than a couple years in full sun? I’ve only seen them on new builds so far, and I wonder if they really hold up better than rubber or if it’s just hype.
I’ve only seen them on new builds so far, and I wonder if they really hold up better than rubber or if it’s just hype.
I’ve wondered the same. I went with the “lifetime” rubber ones on my last roof because they were half the price of silicone. Five years in, they’re already starting to crack on the south side—full sun all day. Haven’t tried silicone yet, but if they really last longer, maybe the upfront cost pays off. Still, I’d love to see one actually make it a decade before I shell out for them. Marketing always promises the moon...