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

- I hear you on the patching -

“as long as I check it before winter hits, it holds up okay”

- that’s been my experience too, but only if I stay on top of it.
- 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...