That’s a rough lesson, but you’re right—cheap panels can end up costing way more in the long run. Have you noticed if certain brands or coatings hold up better in hail? I’ve seen folks swear by galvalume, but I’ve also seen it dent just as bad if the gauge is too thin. Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth paying for the “impact resistant” label, or if that’s just marketing. Ever try any of those?
Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth paying for the “impact resistant” label, or if that’s just marketing. Ever try any of those?
I’ve been wondering the same thing, honestly. When I was shopping around, the “impact resistant” panels were a good bit pricier, and the sales guy made it sound like they’d survive a meteor shower. But then I read a bunch of reviews where people still got dents after a bad hailstorm, even with the fancy label. Makes me think it’s not always worth the extra cash, especially if your area doesn’t get monster hail every year.
I went with a mid-range galvalume panel (26 gauge) for my place, mostly because it fit my budget and the warranty seemed decent. We had a hailstorm last spring—nothing huge, but enough to make me nervous—and I did notice a couple of small dings. Nothing major, but it definitely wasn’t “hail proof.” I guess the thicker gauge helps more than the coating itself? I’ve heard some folks say 24 gauge is the sweet spot, but that was out of my price range.
Has anyone actually had insurance give them a break for using “impact resistant” panels? The guy at the store hinted at that, but my agent didn’t seem to care. I’m starting to think a lot of this is just clever marketing, unless you’re in one of those states where hail is a yearly disaster.
Also, does anyone else worry about the paint finish more than the dents? I feel like a few dings are just cosmetic, but if the finish gets messed up, then you’re looking at rust down the line. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but I’d rather have a roof that looks a little beat up than one that starts leaking after a couple years.
Curious if anyone’s tried those stone-coated panels? They look cool, but I can’t tell if they’re actually tougher or just a different style.
I feel like a few dings are just cosmetic, but if the finish gets messed up, then you’re looking at rust down the line.
That’s exactly my worry. I’ve seen roofs with minor dents that held up fine, but once the paint cracks or chips, it’s game over for rust. My neighbor did stone-coated panels a few years back—he says they hide dents better, but they’re not magic against big hail either. I’d rather spend money on a better finish than “impact” marketing, honestly.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had the opposite experience with finishes. My last place had a “premium” finish, and it still chipped after a couple hailstorms—maybe it was just bad luck or installation, but the warranty didn’t cover much. What made the bigger difference for me was the underlayment and making sure the panels were properly flashed. Dents are annoying, but water sneaking in from a bad seam was way worse in the long run. Just my two cents...
What made the bigger difference for me was the underlayment and making sure the panels were properly flashed.
Totally agree—flashing and underlayment are way more important than most folks realize. I learned that the hard way when my first metal roof leaked at the seams after a mild storm. The finish looked great, but water still found its way in. Now I always double-check flashing before worrying about dents or scratches.
