If your insurance company sent a roof cleaning requirement, do not ignore it.
In 2026, insurers are using aerial photographs, satellite images, drones, and in-person inspections to review property conditions. Roof algae, moss, dark streaks, damaged shingles, debris, and overhanging branches may appear in these inspections.
The carrier may view visible growth as a maintenance concern. It may also associate moss or algae with moisture retention and possible shingle deterioration.
A roof cleaning request does not always mean your roof needs replacement. It may mean the insurer wants the visible condition corrected and documented before renewing your policy.
Why Insurance Companies Are Reviewing Roofs From Above
Aerial imagery gives insurers a quick way to screen many properties. The image may show conditions that are difficult to see from the ground.
Common roof conditions that may attract attention include:
- Dark algae streaks
- Moss or lichen growth
- Missing or curled shingles
- Heavy leaf debris
- Overhanging tree limbs
- Sagging roof sections
- Signs of age or poor maintenance
The image is usually a screening tool. It may lead to a request for a closer inspection.
The Connecticut Insurance Department’s 2026 roof-risk advisory confirms that insurers may use aerial imagery and physical inspections when evaluating roof condition. The advisory also explains that cosmetic streaking alone should not automatically be treated as proof of material roof damage in Connecticut.
That guidance does not establish New York law. Long Island homeowners should still treat an insurer’s request as a real policy issue and review the notice carefully.
The Cleaning Request May Be a Policy Condition
Insurance companies use different underwriting standards. One carrier may request professional cleaning. Another may require a roof inspection. A third may issue a non-renewal notice if the condition is not corrected by a specified date.
Your letter may ask you to:
- Clean the roof.
- Repair damaged shingles.
- Provide an inspection report.
- Submit dated photographs.
- Send a contractor invoice.
- Complete the work before renewal.
The letter may use terms such as “maintenance concern,” “roof condition,” “moss growth,” “algae,” or “risk mitigation.”
Read the entire document. Identify the response deadline. Confirm whether the carrier is asking for cleaning, repairs, an inspection, or more than one item.
Do not assume that a roof cleaning service will resolve a structural problem. Cleaning removes surface growth. It does not repair leaks, replace shingles, or correct roof framing issues.
Why Long Island Roofs Develop Algae and Moss
Long Island properties experience conditions that support roof growth.
Moisture can remain on shaded roof slopes for extended periods. North-facing sections may receive less direct sunlight. Trees can deposit leaves and organic debris. Coastal humidity can slow drying after rain.
These conditions can create visible dark streaks or green patches. Moss may also develop where debris and moisture remain in contact with shingles.
Growth is not automatically proof that a roof is failing. However, it can make the roof appear poorly maintained in an aerial photograph. It can also hide or accompany damage that requires evaluation.
Check the roof from the ground at least once each year. Look for changes after storms, periods of heavy rain, and seasons with significant leaf fall.
Do not climb onto the roof to take photographs unless you have the proper training and equipment.
Why Soft Washing Is the Preferred Roof Cleaning Method
A roof cleaning service should use a method appropriate for asphalt shingles and the roof’s condition.
Soft washing uses low water pressure with a cleaning solution designed to treat organic growth. The solution is applied in a controlled manner. It is allowed to work on the surface. The roof is then rinsed according to the material and site conditions.
This differs from high-pressure roof washing.
High pressure can:
- Remove protective granules from shingles
- Force water beneath roofing materials
- Damage flashing and seals
- Break brittle or aged shingles
- Affect nearby siding, gutters, plants, and paint
A qualified soft washing company should inspect the roof before starting. The contractor should identify fragile areas, protect surrounding landscaping, control runoff, and use a method suitable for the roofing material.
Ask the contractor which cleaning method will be used. Confirm that the work involves low-pressure treatment rather than direct high-pressure blasting.
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association’s homeowner resources provide general information about asphalt roofing materials and maintenance. Your roofing manufacturer’s instructions and a qualified roofer’s assessment should control when specific care questions arise.
What to Do After Receiving the Notice
Follow these steps before the deadline in your letter.
1. Request the exact reason
Ask the insurer what condition triggered the request.
Use specific questions:
- Did the carrier use aerial imagery?
- What date was the image taken?
- Does the concern involve algae, moss, debris, or damaged shingles?
- Is a roof inspection required?
- What documents must you submit?
- What is the final response date?
Ask for a copy of the image if the carrier will provide one. An outdated or unclear image may not show the roof’s current condition.
2. Schedule a roof inspection when damage is mentioned
Contact a qualified roofer if the notice refers to:
- Structural damage
- Deteriorated shingles
- Missing or lifted shingles
- Roof age
- Leaks
- Granule loss
- Water intrusion
A cleaner can document cleaning work. A roofer should evaluate structural condition.
Do not ask a cleaning contractor to state that the roof is structurally sound unless that contractor is qualified to perform that evaluation.
3. Schedule professional cleaning
If the concern is algae or moss, arrange a professional roof cleaning service promptly.
Provide the contractor with the insurer’s letter. Ask for an invoice that identifies:
- Property address
- Date of service
- Areas treated
- Algae, moss, or lichen removal
- Cleaning method
- Contractor name and contact information
The invoice should describe the completed work accurately. It should not make claims the contractor cannot verify.
4. Take dated photographs
Take photographs before and after the work.
Capture:
- Each affected roof slope
- The roofline from several ground-level positions
- Areas near trees
- Shingles that appear damaged
- The cleaned areas after treatment
Use the same viewpoints for before-and-after photographs when possible. Save the original files. Do not edit out conditions that may be relevant to the insurer.
5. Send a complete response package
Submit the requested documents before the deadline.
Your package may include:
- The insurance notice
- The contractor’s invoice
- Before-and-after photographs
- A roofer’s inspection report
- Repair receipts
- A brief explanation of the completed work
Ask the insurer to confirm receipt. Request written confirmation that the requirement has been satisfied or that the policy will be renewed.
Guidance for Long Island Property Managers
Property managers should maintain a roof documentation file for each building.
Keep:
- Insurance notices
- Inspection reports
- Cleaning invoices
- Roof photographs
- Repair records
- Contractor insurance information
- Renewal communications
Schedule inspections and roof cleaning before the insurance renewal period. This creates time to correct a problem and submit records.
For multi-unit or commercial properties, coordinate with the owner, insurer, roofer, and cleaning contractor. Confirm access requirements before scheduling work.
A documented maintenance history can also help when changing insurance carriers.
How JMS Wash Can Help
JMS Wash serves Long Island and Nassau County properties. The company provides free estimates and exterior cleaning services.
If your insurer requests roof cleaning, describe the notice when you call. Provide the property location, the roof condition, and the response deadline.
You can:
- Review JMS Wash’s roof cleaning and insurance information
- Learn about soft washing for Long Island homes
- Request a free power washing quote
- Contact JMS Wash
- Call 516-667-8110
- Email info@jmspwash.com
Ask whether soft washing is appropriate for your roof. Confirm what documentation will be provided after the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does algae automatically mean my roof needs replacement?
No. Algae is a surface condition. A qualified roofer should evaluate the shingles if the insurer mentions damage, age, leaks, or deterioration.
Can I pressure wash an asphalt shingle roof?
High-pressure cleaning can damage shingles and remove granules. Ask for a low-pressure soft washing method designed for the roofing material.
Will cleaning guarantee policy renewal?
No contractor can guarantee an insurer’s decision. The carrier controls its underwriting decision. Professional cleaning and clear documentation may help address a maintenance-related requirement.
What if the insurer still refuses to renew my policy?
Ask for the reason in writing. Submit your inspection and cleaning records. Contact your insurance agent and compare other carriers. If you believe the process was improper, consider contacting the appropriate New York insurance regulator or a qualified insurance professional.
Final Checklist
Before the insurer’s deadline:
- Read the entire notice.
- Identify the required work.
- Ask whether aerial imagery was used.
- Request the image date and details.
- Arrange a roofer inspection if damage is mentioned.
- Schedule a professional roof cleaning service.
- Confirm that soft washing is used when appropriate.
- Take dated before-and-after photographs.
- Save the invoice and inspection report.
- Send the documents to the insurer.
- Request written confirmation.
A roof cleaning request is a maintenance task with an insurance deadline. Start with the notice. Correct the condition. Keep the records. Then ask the insurer to update its file.