Metal boots can definitely outlast rubber in terms of UV exposure, but you’re right—they can rust, especially if there’s any standing water or the flashing isn’t sealed well. I’ve seen some folks try combining metal bases with silicone collars to get the best of both worlds, but that adds to the upfront cost. Has anyone here actually tracked how long those silicone boots last in real-world sun and monsoon cycles? I keep hearing they’re “lifetime,” but marketing claims and desert summers aren’t always on the same page...
I keep hearing they’re “lifetime,” but marketing claims and desert summers aren’t always on the same page...
I’ve wondered the same thing. I swapped out cracked rubber boots for silicone ones about six years ago—central AZ, so brutal sun and monsoons. They’re holding up so far, but “lifetime” feels optimistic. What I noticed: the silicone stays flexible, but the metal base still rusts a bit where water pools. I used a bead of clear sealant around the collar, which helped, but it’s not a set-and-forget deal. I check them every spring, just in case. Swapping them out isn’t hard, but I’d rather not climb up there more than I have to.
the silicone stays flexible, but the metal base still rusts a bit where water pools. I used a bead of clear sealant around the collar, which helped, but it’s not a set-and-forget deal.
Honestly, I think the “lifetime” label is mostly wishful thinking—especially out here. Seen way too many “permanent” boots start leaking after only a few years in the sun. Even the silicone ones, yeah, they hold up better than rubber, but like you said, the flashing itself is still a weak spot.
- Metal bases: Galvanized steel just doesn’t last forever in monsoon country. Rust creeps in even if the boot is fine. Stainless steel’s better but costs more.
- Sealants: They help, but most caulks break down in UV after a year or two. I’ve scraped off more failed beads than I can count. The “50-year” stuff? Maybe in Seattle, not here.
- Maintenance: Annual checks are smart, but I’ve seen folks forget for 3–4 years and only notice when there’s a stain on the ceiling.
Here’s where I see it different—swapping boots every few years is less hassle than dealing with a surprise leak mid-summer. It’s not fun climbing up there, but a half-hour now beats tearing out drywall later.
One thing I’ve started doing: switching to all-in-one retrofit collars (like Perma-Boot or similar) over the old flashing. They’re plastic, snap over everything, and don’t care if the old metal’s ugly underneath. Not perfect, but less rust worry and no more caulking every spring.
Not saying it’s a magic solution, but honestly, I’d take “good enough for 10 years” over chasing “lifetime” claims that never pan out in our heat. Just my two cents from too many sunburned afternoons on AZ roofs…
That “lifetime” marketing always cracks me up—like, whose lifetime are we talking about? I’ve seen the same thing here in Tucson: even the pricier stainless boots eventually get beat up by the sun and dust. I do like those retrofit collars, though. They’re not perfect, but at least you’re not scraping off brittle caulk every spring. Still, I wish someone would invent a flashing that actually likes UV... until then, swapping every few years just seems practical.
That “lifetime” marketing always cracks me up—like, whose lifetime are we talking about?
Right? Out here, “lifetime” can mean five summers if the sun’s angry enough. Those retrofit collars do save some hassle, but you’re spot on—nothing out there really shrugs off UV forever. Swapping every few years is just part of the routine in these parts. At least it beats tearing up shingles or redoing caulk every spring... small victories.