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

I’ve seen boots last decades, and I’ve seen ‘em crack after just a few years—depends on the sun, the angle, and sometimes just bad luck. I’m with you though, swapping them out just because the calendar says so seems like tossing money off the roof. I tell folks to check for splits or that crusty caulk, but if it’s still flexible and hugging the pipe, why mess with it? Had a guy once who replaced all his boots every five years “just in case”—he spent more time up there than actually needed.

That’s kind of reassuring to hear, honestly. I kept reading online that you have to replace boots every so many years, but mine still look alright after six. I’m in Texas, so the sun’s brutal, but I just check for cracks or if they’re pulling away. If it ain’t leaking or dried out, I figure I’ll leave it alone. No sense climbing up there more than you have to... roofs freak me out anyway.

Six years is nothing if they’re not brittle or cracking. I’ve got a buddy who swears by “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”—he’s also the guy who waits for water stains on the ceiling before checking anything… Personally, I peek every couple years but only swap boots when they’re actually shot. Anyone ever tried those all-rubber universal boots? Wondering if they hold up any better in this Texas heat or just another gimmick.

Tried those all-rubber universal boots last summer after my old lead one basically crumbled in my hands. Texas sun just eats up anything plastic or rubber, but I figured it was worth a shot since the install looked dead simple. Honestly, it went on easy, but after one brutal summer, it’s already starting to look faded and a bit stiff. Not cracked yet, but I’m not convinced it’ll outlast the old-school stuff. If you’re up there anyway, I’d still check every couple years—UV here is no joke.

- Totally agree, Texas sun is brutal on anything up there.
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“after one brutal summer, it’s already starting to look faded and a bit stiff.”