- Metal roofs really do get a weird reputation with some insurers. Seen it a lot—people have to dig up receipts or even get a contractor’s letter just to prove installation date.
- Insurance companies are mostly worried about hidden rust or improper installation, but honestly, if you’ve got visible fasteners and no corrosion, that’s a pretty clear sign it’s not ancient.
- Selfies with the roof in the background... not the worst idea I’ve heard. Sometimes photos showing condition and style (standing seam vs. old corrugated) help more than paperwork, especially if you can catch the manufacturer’s stamp or a close-up of the panels.
- Green roofs are cool in theory, but yeah, up north the snow load is a real issue. I’ve seen a couple fail because the waterproofing membrane wasn’t up to the freeze/thaw cycles.
- Metal’s upfront cost is steep, but you’re right—less maintenance, fewer repairs, and usually a 40-50 year lifespan if it’s installed right.
- One thing to watch: some insurance policies still try to rate metal roofs the same as asphalt, which doesn’t make sense given the durability. If you ever switch carriers, it’s worth double-checking how they classify it.
- For anyone else dealing with proof-of-age headaches, a copy of the permit or final inspection report (if you have it) usually satisfies most underwriters. If not, a contractor’s written statement about install date and material type can help.
- If you ever do have to make a claim, keep those photos and docs handy. I’ve seen claims get delayed just because someone couldn’t prove when the roof went on.
- Not sure if you noticed, but metal can be a bit noisier in heavy rain or hail—some folks love it, others hate it. There are underlayment options that help dampen sound if it ever gets annoying.
- All in all, sounds like you made a solid call. Insurance hoops are a pain, but at least you’ve got a roof that’ll probably outlast your policy.
Had a similar headache last year when I had to help a client prove the age of their standing seam roof after a hailstorm. The insurer wanted documentation from over a decade ago—who keeps that stuff handy? Ended up crawling around in the attic to snap pictures of the underlayment and sheathing, which actually showed the install date stamped on the material. That finally did the trick. It’s wild how much more scrutiny metal gets, even though it usually holds up better than asphalt after storms.
That’s wild you actually found a date stamped on the underlayment—I wouldn’t have thought to look there. Did the insurance folks give you any pushback on using that as proof? I’ve got a metal roof too, and it’s always been solid through storms, but my insurer keeps asking for paperwork I never got from the original install. Wonder if it’s worth poking around the attic like you did... or is that a total pain?
Wonder if it’s worth poking around the attic like you did... or is that a total pain?
Honestly, it’s not as bad as it sounds if you’re comfortable crawling around up there. I’ve had to do it for a few properties when paperwork was missing. Sometimes you’ll find a date on the underlayment or even on the trusses. Insurers usually want something official, but photos of a clear date stamp have worked for me—just depends on the adjuster. If your attic’s easy to access, it might save you some hassle with the insurance folks. Just bring a flashlight and watch your step—old insulation can be a mess.
If you’re even a little bit handy, poking around up there isn’t terrible—just dusty. I’ve found dates scribbled on the rafters, sometimes even a shingle wrapper tucked behind insulation. It’s not exactly glamorous detective work, but beats arguing with the insurance company over “estimated install dates.” The trickiest part is not stepping through the drywall… ask me how I know. If your attic’s cramped or full of blown-in insulation, though, it can be a real pain to navigate. Worth weighing out the risk vs reward.
