Will insurance help you cover the cost of moss removal

Will Insurance Cover Roof Moss-Related Damage?

profileClark Partridge Jul 2, 2025

Roof moss can cause more trouble than most people expect. What starts as a patch of green along the edge of a roof can eventually lead to warped shingles, water damage, and even structural issues. When that happens, homeowners often turn to their insurance policy and hope for coverage. Whether or not it applies depends on a few key details.

At Dunzo Gutters, we help homeowners prevent moss-related damage before it becomes an expensive problem. Our services include full moss removal, a 21-point inspection, and honest advice about next steps. Call (916) 571-6644 for a free quote and let us take a closer look at what’s happening on your roof.

Is Moss Removal Covered by Insurance?

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover the cost of removing moss from a roof. Insurance is generally written to handle sudden or accidental damage, not problems that build up slowly over time.

Because moss growth is viewed as a maintenance issue, the cost of hiring a professional to clean the roof is usually the homeowner’s responsibility. If the moss has clearly been present for some time, it may even affect other claims down the road. That’s why many adjusters recommend having the roof cleaned regularly to avoid complications.

What If Moss Causes Damage to the Roof?

The gray area comes into play when moss has already caused physical damage to the home. Shingles may start to curl, crack, or detach. Water may seep under the roofing material, leading to leaks that reach the interior of the house. In some cases, moss even pushes tiles apart, especially on older or less flexible roofing systems.

Insurance may provide partial or full coverage if the damage is classified as sudden, hidden, or accidental. But if the insurer determines that the issue resulted from long-term neglect, the claim could be denied.

Interior Damage from Leaks

If a moss-covered roof leads to water intrusion and damages drywall, insulation, or ceilings inside the house, the repair work may be covered. However, the claim is more likely to be approved if the leak was reported quickly and if there is a history of regular home maintenance.

That includes things like documentation from your gutter company or receipts from a roof moss removal contractor in Sacramento showing recent service.

Structural or Roof Decking Repairs

Coverage becomes less predictable when it comes to replacing shingles, tiles, or sheathing damaged by moss. Insurance adjusters will inspect the site and look for signs that the problem could have been addressed earlier. If the moss had been growing for years, they may classify the damage as preventable and exclude it from coverage.

In a nationwide survey by the Insurance Information Institute, roughly 45 percent of homeowners mistakenly believed that home insurance would cover damage from poor maintenance. That confusion often leads to delayed claims or unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

Proving That You've Maintained the Roof

To improve the odds of an approved claim, it helps to show that you’ve been taking care of your home. That includes keeping gutters clean, checking the roof after storms, and removing moss when it appears. Photos, invoices, and inspection reports are useful when filing claims.

If you work with a team like Dunzo Gutters to schedule annual service, that record becomes part of your maintenance history. Our 21-point inspection gives you a documented look at the roof’s condition, which can come in handy if a claim is ever needed.

Gutters and Drainage Also Matter

Blocked gutters lead to excess moisture at the roofline. That moisture feeds moss growth, even on newer shingles. If you’ve never had a professional gutter cleaning in Sacramento or nearby areas, that buildup may be part of the reason moss continues to return.

Routine cleanings not only protect your roof, they help establish that you’ve been proactive about home care.

Are There Exceptions to the Rule?

There are rare cases when an insurance company may cover moss-related damage, even if it formed slowly. This might apply if the moss was hidden, grew beneath the shingles, or caused damage in a way that wasn’t visible from the ground. In those cases, the insurer may see the damage as unavoidable.

Some policies also include limited roof maintenance benefits or allow small claims for damage caused by natural vegetation. The best way to know what your policy offers is to speak directly with your insurance agent and ask what documentation they would require if moss were to cause a problem.

What You Can Do Right Now

If moss is already visible on your roof, or if you’re concerned about how it might affect your coverage, there are a few practical steps to take.

Get the Moss Removed Professionally

Don’t wait for a leak to develop. Moss doesn’t go away on its own, and trying to remove it with pressure washing or harsh chemicals can make the problem worse. A soft, manual cleaning method from a company like Dunzo Gutters will protect your shingles while solving the issue.

If you're in Placer County or nearby, our team provides safe and thorough service to homeowners looking to remove roof moss in Roseville and surrounding areas.

Keep Gutters Clear and Draining Properly

Most moss-related issues start when water sits on the roof too long. Gutters that are full of leaves or improperly pitched only make that problem worse. Cleaning your gutters is one of the most effective and affordable ways to prevent roof damage.

Document Every Service Call

Whether you’re filing a claim now or just preparing for the future, having photos and records of each roof cleaning helps. It shows the insurer that you’ve taken steps to prevent damage and responded quickly when something needed attention.

Call Dunzo Gutters Before You File the Claim

Insurance can be helpful when damage happens suddenly, but it rarely pays for maintenance problems. If moss is starting to grow or if you’re unsure how much damage has already been done, it’s time to get answers.

Call (916) 571-6644 to schedule a free roof and gutter inspection. We’ll walk you through what we find, explain how moss may be affecting your home, and offer real solutions. Whether you’re in Sacramento, Roseville, or nearby, we’re the crew to call when you want it Dunzo right.