That lines up with my experience—rubber boots just don't last out here with the freeze-thaw cycles. I swapped to silicone about five years ago after getting tired of crawling up there every spring to patch leaks. They do fade a bit, but honestly, I’d rather have a sun-bleached boot than water stains on my ceiling. Haven’t seen any real cracking or splitting since the switch, which is more than I can say for the old rubber ones. The peace of mind is worth it, even if they look a little rough after a few seasons.
They do fade a bit, but honestly, I’d rather have a sun-bleached boot than water stains on my ceiling.
Preach. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen those rubber boots just shrivel up after a couple winters—like they’re allergic to weather. Silicone’s not pretty after a few years, but at least it doesn’t turn your attic into a swimming pool. I’ll take faded over soggy drywall any day. Only downside I’ve seen is sometimes the squirrels seem to think the silicone ones are chew toys... but that’s a whole different headache.
Yeah, I hear you. The faded look isn’t ideal, but honestly, it beats dealing with leaks every time. I’ve seen rubber boots crack and split way faster than I expected—especially after a couple of those freeze-thaw cycles. Silicone’s not perfect, but it’s saved me from a lot of headaches. Squirrels are a pain though... had one chew through a vent last fall and it was a mess. Still, I’d rather patch up some squirrel damage than replace drywall or insulation from water damage.
Squirrels are a pain though... had one chew through a vent last fall and it was a mess. Still, I’d rather patch up some squirrel damage than replace drywall or insulation from water damage.
You’re not wrong—water finds every little weakness, and it’s relentless. Still, I’ve noticed some of those “critter guards” don’t last long either. Ever tried the metal mesh covers? I’ve had mixed results: stopped the squirrels, but one raccoon managed to peel it back like a can of sardines. At that point, is it worth investing in pricier boots with built-in guards, or just stick with regular maintenance and patch jobs? Curious what folks have found actually holds up over a couple seasons—especially in climates with wild temperature swings.
At that point, is it worth investing in pricier boots with built-in guards, or just stick with regular maintenance and patch jobs? Curious what folks have found actually holds up over a couple seasons—especially in climates with wild temperature swings.
I’ve tried both routes and honestly, I lean toward the better-quality boots with integrated guards, especially after a few years of patching and re-patching. The cheap mesh covers barely lasted through two winters for me—once the freeze-thaw cycles set in, they warped and pulled away, and critters found their way back in anyway. Raccoons are on another level, though... nothing seems to stop them if they’re determined.
I do think the pricier boots are worth it if you’re in a place where temps swing from freezing to hot in a few days. My last set (I went with lead/copper) has held up three seasons now with zero animal breaches and no leaks. The upfront cost stings a bit, but factoring in time and materials for constant repairs, it’s paid off. Maintenance is still key, though—no product is magic if you ignore it for a year. If you’re handy and don’t mind getting up there, at least check things every spring and fall.
