Five years in, they’re already starting to crack on the south side—full sun all day.
That’s exactly what happened with mine. I figured “lifetime” meant at least a decade, but nope—UV just eats those rubber boots alive. I haven’t tried silicone either, but I’m tempted after crawling up there every spring to check for splits. If swapping them out means fewer leaks and less attic drama, maybe it’s worth the hassle... but man, the price tag stings.
I’ve run into the same thing with the “lifetime” rubber boots—on the south-facing slope, they just don’t stand a chance against the sun. I tried one of those supposedly UV-resistant models, but it still started to split after about six years. The attic leaks are a nightmare, especially when you think you’ve fixed it and then get another surprise after a heavy rain.
I’ve been looking at the silicone options too, but the price is definitely up there. Still, if it means not having to haul the ladder out every spring, maybe it’s worth it in the long run. Has anyone here actually made the switch to silicone and noticed a real difference in durability? I’m also curious if anyone’s tried those metal retrofit covers that go over the old boot—seems like a less invasive fix, but I wonder if they hold up as well in full sun.
That sun exposure on the south side is brutal—mine looked fine for years, then suddenly split right down the seam after a hot summer. I bit the bullet and went with a silicone boot last time. Pricey, yeah, but three years in and it still looks new, even after a couple of nasty hailstorms. I did try one of those metal covers before, but honestly, it just trapped debris and didn’t stop the leaks for me. If you’re tired of patching, the upfront cost might be worth it just for the peace of mind.
Swapping boots every season sounds like a pain, honestly. I’d rather just install something that’ll last through the heat and storms. Silicone’s been solid for me too—no more crawling up there every spring. Just make sure you use stainless screws and a dab of sealant around the edges. That’s kept mine tight, even with all the crazy wind we get out here.
I get the appeal of a “set it and forget it” approach, but I’ve seen silicone jobs fail after a couple years—especially on older roofs or spots that get hammered by sun all day. Ever notice any shrinkage or cracking over time? I’m always a bit skeptical about relying just on sealant, even with stainless screws. Curious if anyone’s had issues with rodents or birds messing with the boots too... seems like every neighborhood has that one squirrel determined to chew through anything.