Why Insurance Companies Are Inspecting Roofs with Drones — and What San Diego Homeowners Can Do About It
If you recently received a letter from your insurance company about your roof — you’re not alone. More and more homeowners across San Marcos and the North County San Diego area are being notified that their roof looks “damaged” or “dirty” based on drone or aerial photos. These letters often come with a harsh warning: “Clean it or your policy may be canceled.”
At North Coast Exteriors, we’ve helped dozens of local homeowners quickly resolve these situations with safe, effective, and insurance-friendly roof cleaning. Here’s what’s happening — and how we can help.
What’s Going On With Drone Roof Inspections?
In recent years, major homeowners insurance companies have turned to drone flyovers and aerial imagery to remotely inspect the condition of residential roofs.
This means:
- Your roof may be photographed without any notice
- Those photos are reviewed by software or adjusters
- If stains, moss, or discoloration are found, you could get a policy non-renewal warning
This has become especially common in California coastal cities like Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Encinitas — where humidity and marine layer conditions create visible roof staining, even on relatively new or healthy roofs.
The Problem: It Looks Like Damage — But It’s Not
The most common culprit?
Black streaks or green moss that form on roof shingles and tiles.
These stains are almost always:
- Gloeocapsa magma (a type of algae)
- Lichen or moss buildup
- Environmental debris or sap
To an insurance company looking at aerial images, this can look like roof deterioration.
But in reality, your roof may be structurally fine — it just needs a proper soft wash cleaning, not an expensive replacement.
How We Help: Roof Cleaning That Satisfies Insurance Requirements
At North Coast Exteriors, we specialize in non-damaging, insurance-friendly roof cleaning for homes across North County San Diego.
Our low-mid pressure washing system:
- Removes algae, moss, and stains without damaging shingles or tiles
- Restores your roof’s appearance to like-new condition
- Helps homeowners provide proof of compliance to their insurance carriers
Real Results from San Marcos to Oceanside
We’ve worked with homeowners in:
- San Marcos
- Carlsbad
- Vista
- Encinitas
- Oceanside
- Rancho Santa Fe
…who received letters like:
“Your roof appears to be aged or damaged. Please take corrective action within 30 days or your policy may be canceled.”
After one roof wash appointment and a clean documentation package, they were back in good standing — without a fight.
Do You Need Proof for Your Insurance Company?
Yes. That’s why we:
- Take before-and-after photos of every job
- Attach photos to your invoice
- once it’s marked “paid”, forward it directly to your insurance agent
If your insurer is demanding action, don’t wait — we can clean your roof quickly, safely, and with insurance compliance in mind.
Schedule Fast, Book Easily
We know these situations come with deadlines.
That’s why we offer fast scheduling, easy online booking, and reliable turnaround times — so you’re not left scrambling before your compliance date.
FAQ: Drone Inspections & Roof Cleaning
Q: Can my insurance cancel me just for a dirty roof?
A: Yes. Even if your roof is structurally sound, visible staining may trigger non-renewal or cancellation notices.
Q: Will a pressure washer damage my roof?
A: Absolutely not. We use low-mid pressure soft wash methods that kill algae and lift stains without damaging tiles or shingles.
Q: How long does roof cleaning take?
A: Most jobs are completed in 1 day or less. We provide fast turnaround for urgent cases.
Q: Can you help me document it for my insurer?
A: Yes. We’ll provide time-stamped photos and a completion summary upon request.
Don’t Let a Dirty Roof Cost You Your Policy
If you’ve received a letter — or even just want to get ahead of the curve — North Coast Exteriors is your trusted local expert for insurance-friendly roof cleaning in San Marcos and North Coastal San Diego.
Book Your Roof Cleaning Now
Or call us directly at (760) 237-8770 to speak with our team.
