How does insurance cover a metal roof once you have one?

Cosmetic versus functional damage

Under a cosmetic damage exclusion, the insurer pays only for damage that affects how the roof sheds water or how long it will last. On metal, functional damage usually means:

• Punctures or tears in panels.
• Seams or laps pulled open.
• Fasteners loosened or washers damaged, which lets water in at screw heads.
• Cracked paint or coating that exposes bare metal to corrosion.
• Panels lifted or bent by wind.

Dents alone, even many of them, are often treated as cosmetic. Large hail is what typically pushes metal damage into the functional category. See hail size and roof damage.

Exposed fastener versus standing seam

Exposed fastener panels have thousands of screws with rubber washers that can be damaged by hail and wear out over time. Standing seam systems hide the fasteners, so hail claims on them more often hinge on seam and coating damage.

Insurance terms for metal

• Some insurers allow more years before limiting roof coverage on metal than on asphalt.
• Impact rated metal can qualify for credits with some insurers.
• Ask whether your policy has a cosmetic exclusion and whether it can be removed for an added premium.

Protect future claims

Photograph the roof when it is new or when you buy the house. Baseline photos make it far easier to show which dents and damage came from a later storm. See the cosmetic damage exclusion.