- Totally agree, elastomeric is just a band-aid for me too—never lasts through our hot summers.
- Swapping the boot while you’re already up there makes sense, especially if the old one’s starting to crack.
- I’ve had tenants call about leaks after a quick patch failed... not fun scrambling during a storm.
- The steepness thing is real. I’ve got a couple properties with crazy pitches and I just budget for a pro now.
- Out of curiosity, has anyone tried those all-silicone boots? Wondering if they actually hold up better in extreme temps.
Last time I tried to cheap out and just reseal around the old boot, it lasted maybe one season—Texas sun just baked it right off. I’ve looked at those silicone boots too but haven’t pulled the trigger. If they really hold up, I’d be tempted, since getting up there every year isn’t my favorite. Anyone notice if they’re easier to install on a steep roof, or is it still just as tricky?
I get where you’re coming from—Texas heat is brutal on anything up there. I tried the reseal trick too, and yeah, it barely made it through one summer before cracking. The silicone boots are supposed to be more UV-resistant, but I’m still a little skeptical about their lifespan. They do seem to flex better with temperature swings, though.
As for installing them on a steep roof... honestly, it’s still a pain. The material’s easier to work with than the old rubber ones, but you’re still dealing with gravity and awkward angles. I found it helped to have someone spot me from below just in case. If you’re not a fan of climbing up every year, the silicone might buy you some extra time between fixes. Just don’t expect it to be a total game-changer for install difficulty.
If you end up trying one, let us know how it holds up in that sun. I’m tempted myself but haven’t made the switch yet either.
The silicone boots are supposed to be more UV-resistant, but I’m still a little skeptical about their lifespan.
I hear you on that. The UV claims sound great, but I’ve seen some silicone boots start to chalk and get brittle after a couple years, especially on south-facing slopes. Still, compared to the old EPDM ones, they seem to hold up better in the heat. Steep roofs are always tricky—gravity’s not your friend up there. I’ve found pre-bending the flashing helps a bit, but it’s never a walk in the park. If you’re after less frequent repairs, silicone might be worth a shot, but yeah, install’s still awkward no matter what.
That’s a fair concern. I’ve noticed the same thing—silicone boots definitely outlast EPDM in direct sun, but they’re not invincible. The chalking you mentioned is real, especially on roofs with a lot of exposure. Still, I’d rather swap out silicone every 5-7 years than deal with leaks from cracked EPDM after just a couple summers. Pre-bending the flashing does help, though it’s definitely awkward on a steep pitch. It’s a trade-off, but at least you’re not up there every season, right?
