Yeah, the freeze/thaw cycle just eats up sealants—no matter how fancy the tube says it is. I’ve seen folks get a year, maybe two, before it starts peeling or cracking. As for insurance, mine wanted a full inspection report with photos, and they were picky about the paperwork. Not a huge hassle, but definitely more than just sending a selfie with new shingles in the background. The discount was worth it, though... just wish they’d make the process less of a scavenger hunt.
I get what you’re saying about sealants not holding up, but I actually had better luck with a high-end elastomeric one last winter. Maybe it’s just our roof’s pitch or the fact that we’re in a slightly milder part of town? As for the insurance bit, I found the process a little less painful than expected. Our inspector handled most of the paperwork and photos—maybe it just depends on the company or who you get. I agree though, would be nice if they streamlined things...
Interesting you mention the elastomeric sealant—I've tried a couple brands and only one actually lasted through our freeze/thaw cycles. I suspect roof pitch does make a difference, since mine's pretty shallow and water tends to pool in spots. Insurance-wise, I didn't have it quite as smooth; I had to chase down old repair receipts and even had to climb up myself for extra photos. Maybe that's just my luck, or maybe my insurer's just picky... Either way, definitely agree that the process could use a tech upgrade.
Yeah, the freeze/thaw cycles are brutal on sealants. I’ve had similar luck—tried a “lifetime” elastomeric that barely made it through two winters before it started cracking. Roof pitch definitely matters. Mine’s not quite flat but close enough that puddles hang around after every rain, and that’s where the leaks always start. I sometimes wonder if these products are really tested for northern climates or just slapped with a generic label.
Insurance was a headache here too. They wanted photos from every angle, plus receipts from repairs I did myself years ago (good luck finding those). Ended up sending them a mix of old phone pics and a couple blurry ones my neighbor took while holding the ladder. Not sure if they’re just being thorough or trying to catch folks out, but it felt like more work than it should be.
Honestly, with all the tech out there, you’d think they’d have an app or something by now. Instead, it’s still paperwork and phone tag... Maybe in another decade?
The paperwork side of insurance is wild—mine wanted drone shots, like I’m supposed to own a drone? I hear you on the sealants too. Up here, most of those “lifetime” products don’t stand a chance against freeze/thaw. I switched to a membrane system last year (bit more up front) and it’s handled ponding way better so far. As for tech, yeah, it’s odd how old-school it all still feels. You’d think uploading pics would be standard by now...
