I hear you on the sun beating up those rubber boots—mine looked like they’d been through a zombie apocalypse after a few years. I switched to silicone too, and so far, so good. As for moss and gunk, I’ve seen it pile up but never actually had it cause a leak. Usually it’s just the rubber giving up the ghost. Still, I keep brushing stuff off just in case... feels like cheap insurance, even if it’s mostly for peace of mind.
I get the peace of mind angle, but I’m not convinced brushing off moss does much unless it’s really packed in. Most leaks I’ve seen are from UV wrecking the boot or a bad install, not gunk. Curious—has anyone actually had moss or debris cause a real leak, or is it just one of those things we all worry about but rarely happens? I’ve seen plenty of old boots with moss and no issues, but maybe that’s just luck.
I’ve wondered about this too. I live in the Pacific Northwest, so moss is basically unavoidable, and I’ve definitely had boots with a green fuzz for years without any leaks. The only time I saw debris cause an issue was when pine needles built up around a vent and trapped water—eventually it seeped under the flashing. But that was more about drainage than the boot itself. Has anyone seen issues with moss actually breaking down the rubber or causing rot underneath? I’m not sure if it’s just cosmetic most of the time or if there’s a slow effect over decades.
Has anyone seen issues with moss actually breaking down the rubber or causing rot underneath? I’m not sure if it’s just cosmetic most of the time or if there’s a slow effect over decades.
That’s a really interesting point. In my experience, moss itself doesn’t seem to eat through the rubber boots directly—at least, not in any obvious way over a decade or so. But I have seen cases where thick moss mats hold moisture against the boot and surrounding shingles for long stretches, especially on north-facing slopes. Over time, that constant dampness can definitely accelerate wear on both the rubber and the roof deck below, particularly if there are already small cracks or gaps.
I’ve always wondered whether certain types of boots (like silicone vs. EPDM) handle that kind of persistent moisture better. Has anyone compared how different materials stand up to mossy conditions? I know some folks swear by metal flashings as a longer-term solution, but those come with their own quirks...
I’ve actually seen moss do more than just hold moisture—it can sneak under the edge of a boot and start lifting it, especially if the seal’s already a bit tired. That’s when you get leaks and rot, not just cosmetic stuff. I’m not totally sold on metal flashings either, since they can rust or pull up if you’re in a windy spot. For me, swapping out boots every few years is less hassle than dealing with a rotten deck down the line... but I get why folks debate it.