Homeowners Beware! Roof Moss Voids Homeowners Insurance! |
A moss-ridden roof is a liability for insurance companies, and they are quick to charge you extra or cancel your homeowner’s insurance policy entirely, unless you have the moss removed.
Why can Insurance Companies Require me to Clean my Roof?
It is likely that if your roof does not meet your insurer’s requisites, you will be notified by your insurance company with direct instructions to clean your roof or face insurance policy cancelation.
What is The Insurance Company Looking For?
- Moss growth
- Black streaking
- Algae, lichen, mold, and mildew stains
- roof shingles, gutters, and facias conditions
Moss, algae, and lichen are among many things that can significantly decrease the roof’s lifespan leading to roof replacement. Importantly, insurance companies always want to avoid roof replacement because it is expensive.
Additionally, an unclean roof often leads to a lower property value. Insurance companies do not want to be held liable for regular roof and gutters maintenance and cleaning preventable issues.
Moss coverage is typical on roofs in damp and shaded areas away from sunlight and more rain. Moss grows root-like structures that absorb moisture which can lift cedar and asphalt shingles pulling them from the roof. This can lead to water leaks, mildew, and water damage.
Your shingles and other roofing material are also at risk of rot as moss retains moisture making it a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold growth – potentially causing your family harm.
It’s essential to monitor for moss growth, and you take steps to prevent and treat moss on your roof.
Don’t wait to remove moss until you receive a letter from your insurance company; it could be too late. For example, if you wait until the middle of winter, you would have waited too long. Snow and ice make it impossible to undertake moss cleaning.So when is the best time to remove moss from your roof? The best time to remove moss from your roof is in summer. However, you should regularly inspect your roof for moss and dirt. If you notice any growth, contact a professional for an inspection.