Metal panels are definitely durable, but I wouldn’t say they’re the right answer for everyone after a storm. Sometimes a patch with matching shingles, done right, holds up just fine—especially if the rest of the roof’s still in decent shape. I’ve seen folks spend a lot more on metal thinking it’s a forever fix, but then run into issues with condensation or noise they didn’t expect. And yeah, insurance is hit or miss... depends a lot on your policy and how the claim’s written up. Around here (Midwest), I’ve patched plenty of roofs after hail where a full replacement wasn’t really needed. Not saying patch jobs are always perfect, but sometimes they’re the practical call if you’re not ready to sink a ton into a new roof. Just gotta weigh what makes sense for your house and wallet.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’d push back a bit on patching being the go-to after hail, especially with older roofs. Sometimes those “just a few missing shingles” turn into leaks months later, and then you’re really in the soup. Metal can be noisy in heavy rain—true—but with decent insulation and a proper install, most folks hardly notice. Plus, in my experience, metal sheds hail better and lasts longer than asphalt patches, even if the upfront cost feels like highway robbery. It’s definitely a trade-off, though... no one wants to replace a whole roof if they don’t have to.
