Over the past few years, we've heard from more and more Valley homeowners who've received letters from their insurance companies about the condition of their roof. Not damage from storms. Just the visible condition. Black streaks, algae growth, moss. Things that look like neglect from a satellite photo or a drive-by inspection.
What's actually happening
Insurance companies are increasingly using aerial imagery and drive-by inspections to assess property condition. What they see on your roof matters. Those black streaks aren't dirt. They're Gloeocapsa magma, a type of algae that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. It's cosmetic at first, but over time it can trap moisture and accelerate shingle deterioration.
When an insurer sees significant algae or moss growth, they may:
- Request that you clean or replace the roof as a condition of renewal
- Increase your premium to account for perceived roof age
- In extreme cases, decline to renew the policy
The good news
In most cases, the roof itself is fine structurally. It just needs to be cleaned. Professional roof cleaning removes the algae and restores the shingles' appearance without damaging them. Soft washing (low pressure, chemical treatment) is the method recommended by shingle manufacturers. High-pressure washing can void your roof warranty.
Our 5-Year Streak Free Warranty
When we clean your roof, we apply a treatment that prevents algae regrowth. We back it with a 5-Year Streak Free Warranty. If the streaks come back within five years, we come back at no charge. That gives you documentation you can share with your insurance company showing the roof has been professionally maintained.
What to do if you get a letter
Don't panic and don't assume you need a new roof. Get the roof inspected by a roofer first. If the issue is cosmetic (algae, moss, black streaks), a professional cleaning will likely resolve the insurance concern. Get a quote from us and we can give you a specific assessment of what your roof needs.
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