Roof Insurance Letters

Insurance Demand Letters

Have you received a letter from your homeowners insurance company which demands that you have your roof cleaned?  You're now alone!  In recent years, many Cape Cod homeowners have received such letters, often accompanied by a deadline and the threat of a cancelled policy. 

While each insurance company has it's own specific requirements, they all know that a dirty, neglected roof is more likely to cause an expensive leak than a roof which is clean and well cared-for.  They also know that organic growth will shorten the life of the roof.  Lichens, for example, feed upon the outer layers of a an asphalt roof, exposing the shingles' fragile inner layers to the elements.  On a cedar roof, lichen, moss, and algae all tend to trap moisture against the wood shingles, promoting rot.

If you have received such a letter, I encourage you to give us a call.  We'll be happy to take a look at your roof and explain your options, even if it's not what you want to hear. 

For these reasons, it's in the insurance company's best interest to make sure your roof is clean and well-maintained.

Some roofs are not "cleanable."   


American Roof Manufacturing Association (ARMA) and the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau recommend that roofs be kept clean, and they prescribe specific ways to do so. 

I perform roof cleaning in accordance with composite and cedar shingle manufacturer guidelines.  I don't destroy your roof in the process of cleaning it. 
CONTACT US
WHY should I consider having my roof cleaned?
Most people think that organic growth growing upon their roof is just an eyesore.  Unfortunately, it's more than that.  Lichens literally feed upon the protective outer layer of composite shingles, while algae, moss, mold, and even leaves and pine needles will trap moisture against cedar shingles, promoting rot.  The damage caused by these organic growths is far more costly to fix than it would have been to prevent. 

HOW do you clean an asphalt roof?
We clean asphalt shingle roofs with chemical cleaners and NO power washers.  This is in accordance with American Roof Manufacturing Association (ARMA) guidelines. 


"WHEN should I have my roof cleaned?"
We recommend cleaning a roof at the first sign of trouble: fuzzy dots of moss, dark streaks of algae, or little patches of lichen.  Because some types of roof growth are highly destructive to shingles, it's better for the roof (and your wallet) to address this issue before it becomes severe.

"I'm selling my house and want to spruce it up before putting it on the market...."
Super!  Better plan ahead.  If have your roof washed, it shouldn't be done at the last minute before placing your home for sale.  Cleaning a roof is a messy process and - when done per manufacturer's recommendations - results are often not "instant."  For these reasons, please plan ahead and schedule your roof cleaning BEFORE the house and trim are painted, the windows washed, and the gardens adjacent to the house perfectly manicured.

"I want my historic cedar roof cleaned GENTLY..."
We've got the perfect solution for your needs.  Check this out:

"I want my roof cleaned for as little money as possible..."
No problem!  We offer extremely affordable methods of roof cleaning.  These methods rely upon Mother Nature to rinse away dead growth, eliminating any need for manual rinsing of your shingles, rather than a man on the roof using aggressive rinsing pressure. 

It's worth noting that these are the methods recommended by manufacturers of asphalt (composite) shingles.  So, if somebody proposes to climb all over your roof rinsing each shingle, you might ask them... WHY?

Buyers Beware!
Roof cleaning is currently an unregulated and unlicensed industry.  There are, unfortunately, many companies and service providers performing this work in a deceptive, unprofessional, and irresponsible manner. 

Before contacting a service provider, we recommend doing your homework.  Research this company via free, independent review sites such as the Better Business Bureau and Google.  (Many once-unbiased review sites, including Angie's List and Yelp!, promote paid advertisers over unpaid listings.  We do not pay to advertise on any review site, and thus our customer's feedback is not prominently and publicly displayed on those sites). 
Any reputable roof cleaning contractor should be able to provide numerous local, recent references. 

Regardless of who you hire to clean your roof, we recommend asking questions - lots of questions - such as:
  • Will you be cleaning my roof in the manner recommended by the shingle manufacturers?
  • Will anything about this process void my roof's remaining warranty?
  • Is everyone on the job site (including the business owner) fully insured to provide this exact service?
  • Exactly what chemicals will you be using in this process?
  • What will be done to protect my landscaping, groundwater, pets, and family from these chemicals?
Obviously, if you are dissatisfied with any answers, keep shopping. 
    OK!  Let's go!
    Contact us by phone, e-mail, or use our online form.  We will set a time to come out to look at the job and provide you with a written quote.  If you're not local, we can send the quote to you by e-mail.  If you like the proposal, sign the quote and I'll perform the work as soon as my work schedule allows.

    We’ll care for your roof as though its our own.

    Call us at 508.209.1972 or contact us for your free quote.
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