Good points from both sides here. A couple things I'd add from experience:
- Metal roof dents can definitely sneak up on you later. Had a few small hail dings that seemed harmless at first, but after a couple years, rust spots popped up.
- Insurance adjusters sometimes brush off metal roof dents as cosmetic. It helps if you document everything early—photos, dates, even weather reports.
- Asphalt damage might be clearer structurally, but metal roofs can still get coverage if you show long-term risks clearly.
Just my two cents...
"Insurance adjusters sometimes brush off metal roof dents as cosmetic."
True, seen this happen quite a bit. Couple extra points I'd toss in:
- Metal roofs can be tricky—surface dents might look minor, but they can compromise protective coatings over time, leading to corrosion.
- Asphalt shingles show damage more obviously, making adjusters less skeptical. But remember, asphalt also ages faster... insurers love pointing out pre-existing wear.
- Bottom line? Document everything thoroughly and early, regardless of roof type. Photos saved me more than once during claim disputes.
Good luck dealing with insurance... always a joy, right? 😉
"Metal roofs can be tricky—surface dents might look minor, but they can compromise protective coatings over time, leading to corrosion."
Exactly. Had a client once whose metal roof got dinged up pretty good after a hailstorm. Adjuster shrugged it off as "just cosmetic," but within a year, rust spots started popping up everywhere. Ended up costing way more in repairs down the line. Makes me wonder if insurers ever factor in long-term issues or just focus on immediate visible damage...
Ended up costing way more in repairs down the line. Makes me wonder if insurers ever factor in long-term issues or just focus on immediate visible damage...
Insurance adjusters usually focus on immediate, visible damage because it's easier to document and justify payouts quickly. Long-term corrosion isn't always obvious at first glance, so adjusters might underestimate it. I've seen cases similar to yours—small dents dismissed as "just cosmetic" turning into costly headaches later. One way around this is getting an independent inspection from someone experienced with metal roofs. Helps build a stronger case if you need to dispute the initial assessment later on...
"Insurance adjusters usually focus on immediate, visible damage because it's easier to document and justify payouts quickly."
That's generally true, but from my experience, it can vary quite a bit depending on the insurer and even the adjuster themselves. A few years back, I had hail damage on my asphalt roof, and the adjuster actually pointed out potential long-term issues like granule loss and compromised shingles that weren't immediately obvious. They ended up covering more than I initially expected.
Metal roofs might be trickier because corrosion or structural weakening isn't always immediately apparent, but I wouldn't say insurers universally overlook long-term issues. It might depend more on how thorough the adjuster is or how clearly you communicate your concerns upfront. Getting an independent inspection is definitely helpful, but sometimes just clearly documenting your concerns and asking specific questions during the initial assessment can make a difference too.
