Kleen llc has been getting more and more calls from home owners that are being told by the insurer to have their roof cleaned.  This is an article on INSWEB that explains what insurance companies are worried about. It would be very beneficial to home owners to take a look at their roofs, and if dirty, contact a certified RCIA soft wash specialist for a roof cleaning. 

September 5, 2012

Could your dirty roof tarnish your home insurance?

By Gina Roberts-Grey, InsWeb.com

Got a moldy or stained roof? If so, your home insurance could be in jeopardy. Home insurers frown on roofs that are dirty or in need of repair.

“The condition of a roof can lead to a homeowner needing to file home insurance claims,” says Brian Boak, an insurance broker in New York. “It can also tell the quality of upkeep of the home which also may lead to other claims if the home isn’t properly maintained.”

How does your home insurance company know your roof needs some love?

Boak says insurers normally inspect a home when they issue a new policy. And some may requests further inspections even after the policy is in effect, if it needs to confirm the replacement cost of a home or if renovations are carried out, Boak says. 

And while Boak says a home insurance company might not automatically cancel a policy for a dirty roof, if the roof is moldy or mossy, the homeowner can expect a notice to show up in the mail stating that the problem needs to be fixed or the policy could be canceled. 

“A good roof protects the rest of the home, and if an insurance company feels that the roof isn’t protecting the home, they will want it fixed, or will set the policy for cancelation,” Boak says.

How can homeowners stay on top of things?

Over time, many roofs develop black or brown discoloration marks and streaks. The streaks usually are algae, says Ron Gumucio, a spokesman for the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association.

Algae spores are transported through the air and deposited on roofs by the wind. And animals such as squirrels and birds can deposit these spores on your roof. “Algae forms where moisture dwells on roof surfaces. Algae discoloration typically begins as small spots then quickly transforms into streaks on the roof,” Gumucio says.

Shingles also can become discolored or stained by soot, dirt, moss or tree droppings. Gumucio says it’s common for moss to grow on north-facing roofs because they get less direct sunlight and stay damp longer than south-facing roofs. Overhanging tree branches provide additional shade and drop debris on the roof – the debris holds in more moisture and also is food for moss.

Mold and moss that develop on a roof do more than mar a home’s appearance. “The mold or moss can get under the shingles and raise them, allowing water to get under the shingles,” Boak says. 

That water can lead to leaks, which often lead to claims for water damage caused to walls, ceilings and insulation.

The presence of water in an attic, ceiling or walls also cause mold to grow inside the roof and attic. “That mold may be unnoticed for a period of time that could result in a large claim when it is discovered,” Boak says. 

Moss can be detrimental to how well shingles perform because the moisture associated with moss can cause the edges of shingles to lift or curl. “That increases the risk of shingle blow-off during wind events. In extreme cases, moss buildup can cause water getting under shingles resulting in moisture damage to the inside of the roof or even leaks in the home,” Gumucio says.

Keeping your roof clean

Gumucio says homeowners should inspect their roofs annually to check the general condition and spot any potential leaks before they develop. 

When inspecting, Gumucio recommends:

• Keep gutters and roofs clear of debris, including twigs and fallen leaves, so water will drain freely.

• Keep vegetation such as ivy or trees trimmed to prevent branches from scuffing the roof surface, which can wear down the shingles over time. This also will keep the roof surface drier, slowing or stopping the growth of algae, mold or fungus. 

• Never allow water from a drain spout to pour directly onto a roof, as this will cause further wear to the roof surface. Connect all upper-story pipes to a lower-level gutter with drains installed on the lower roof.

• Inspect the underside of the roof from the attic to detect leaks and evidence of leakage, such as water stains.

• If your roof looks discolored or has visible green or brownish moss or mold, it might need a professional cleaning. The cost to clean your roof varies based on your location, the size of your roof and how much moss or mold is present.