I've dealt with both roof types over the years, and honestly, it's not always clear-cut. Metal roofs do make damage assessment simpler—no doubt about that. Adjusters can spot dents and dings easily, which speeds things up. But I've also seen insurers push back on metal roofs if they think the damage is purely cosmetic rather than structural. Had a neighbor whose claim got partially denied because the insurer argued the dents didn't compromise the roof's integrity.
Asphalt shingles can be trickier, sure, but once you document granule loss or bruising clearly (photos help a ton), insurers usually come around. The key is persistence and thorough documentation. I had an asphalt roof claim a few years back; it took some patience and multiple inspections, but eventually, they covered everything without much fuss.
Bottom line: metal might simplify initial assessments, but don't assume it'll always mean smoother sailing with insurance companies. It really depends on your insurer's policies and how well you document the damage.
Totally agree about documentation being key. Had a similar experience with asphalt shingles—took multiple inspections, but clear photos made the difference. Metal roofs sound tempting, but insurers can be picky about cosmetic vs structural damage... something to keep in mind if budget's tight.
"Metal roofs sound tempting, but insurers can be picky about cosmetic vs structural damage..."
Good point—seen this happen before. A few quick tips:
- Check your policy carefully for cosmetic exclusions.
- Document everything (photos, dates, inspector notes).
- Sometimes asphalt shingles are simpler for claims... metal can get tricky.
Good tips, but honestly, I've had asphalt shingles and metal roofs, and both were headaches in different ways. With asphalt, insurers sometimes argue about "wear and tear" vs storm damage. Metal roofs, yeah, cosmetic exclusions can bite you, but structurally they're pretty solid. Curious though—anyone had luck challenging a cosmetic exclusion after hail damage? Seems like insurers always have wiggle room there...
I've inspected plenty of roofs after hailstorms, and honestly, challenging cosmetic exclusions is tricky. A homeowner I worked with last year pushed back hard—got an independent engineer's report showing the dents compromised the coating's protective integrity. Took some persistence and paperwork, but the insurer eventually budged. Metal roofs do hold up structurally, no doubt, but insurers count on homeowners giving up early. If you're patient and come armed with solid evidence from a third-party pro, you might have a decent shot...
