It is a fair question. A roof clean can cost several hundred pounds, and buildings insurance sounds like the obvious place to look. Unfortunately, the answer is almost always no, because cleaning is maintenance rather than damage.
We are a roof cleaning firm, not insurance advisers, so we cannot tell you what your own policy says. What we can do is explain the general rules, using the insurance industry’s own guidance. Then we will show you how to check your cover.
Why insurers treat roof cleaning as maintenance
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) is the trade body for UK insurers. Its home insurance guidance lists general wear and tear among the things home insurance does not usually cover. It describes these as “everyday things that happen to your property over time”.
Similarly, the same page lists damage due to lack of maintenance. Its example is “roof tiles not being replaced and the roof leaks when there is a storm”. It also says home insurance is not a maintenance contract.
Moss and lichen build up gradually over seasons. They are part of how a roof ages, not a sudden event. As a result, an insurer is unlikely to see cleaning as a claimable loss.
What insurance is designed to cover
The ABI says home insurance covers specific risks, such as flood, storm damage, fire and theft, as set out in the policy. These are sudden events with a clear cause and date. A tree falling on the roof is a good example.
A roof that has slowly gone green does not fit that pattern. Regrowth, staining and dull tiles all develop over time. As a result, cosmetic cleaning sits outside what most policies are built to pay for.
Could moss ever affect a claim?
This is where the risk lies, and it is worth understanding, because the ABI says damage from lack of maintenance is not usually covered. If a leak traces back to a neglected roof, an insurer may argue that poor upkeep caused it.
We cannot say how any particular insurer would decide a particular claim. Policies differ, and each case turns on its own facts. However, the principle is clear enough that keeping a roof in reasonable order is sensible.
However, moss itself is not always a problem. The NFRC, the trade body for roofing contractors, says in its guidance note on moss and lichens that the primary effect of moss is that it holds water. It says severe growth that affects drainage should be carefully removed.
Your rights if a claim is refused
However, insurers have to handle claims properly. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) sets rules in its claims handling rules. They say an insurer must handle claims promptly and fairly, and must not unreasonably reject a claim.
That does not mean every claim succeeds. However, a rejection must be reasonable, and you can question one that is not. We cannot give legal advice, so speak to your insurer first, then take independent advice if you disagree.
Questions to ask your insurer
A short call can save a lot of confusion. Ask these questions, and keep the answers in writing:
- Does my policy exclude wear and tear and lack of maintenance?
- What counts as maintenance under my policy wording?
- Does the policy expect any particular upkeep of the roof?
- Would roof cleaning ever be covered, for example after an insured event?
Policy wording varies, so the written answer matters more than any general rule. If your insurer says something that surprises you, ask where it appears in the policy.
Treating cleaning as a planned cost
Since insurance will not usually pay, plan for it as you would any other upkeep. Our guide to roof cleaning costs in the UK explains what drives a quote. Roof size, pitch, access and moss coverage all matter.
Frequency affects the budget too. Our post on how often you should clean your roof shows how those timings work. A roof that is cleaned when needed is usually cheaper to keep than one left until the growth is heavy.
What a clean can and cannot do
A clean removes growth and slows its return. However, it does not repair a damaged tile, a failed flashing or a leaking gutter, and an insurer would look at those faults separately. If we spot a problem at survey, we tell you so you can have it put right.
Keeping a record of the work
If a roof is ever part of an insurance conversation, evidence of upkeep may help. We cannot promise that any insurer will accept it, but a record is better than none. Every job we do comes with a before and after photo report and a written guarantee.
We offer roof cleaning in Maidstone, roof cleaning in Reigate, roof cleaning in Crawley and roof cleaning in Eastbourne. Our roof cleaning service uses low pressure and a biocide, with 5-year regrowth protection. The survey is free, and the quote is fixed.
Common questions
Will my insurer pay for moss removal?
Rarely, because the ABI says wear and tear and lack of maintenance are not usually covered, and moss removal is usually maintenance. Check your own policy wording to be sure.
Does cleaning my roof make my insurance cheaper?
We are not aware of any rule that says so, and we would not promise it. Insurers set premiums in different ways. Your insurer is the only one who can tell you.
What if storm damage hits a roof that has moss on it?
Storm damage is the kind of event home insurance is designed to cover, according to the ABI. Whether a particular claim succeeds depends on your policy and the facts. Tell your insurer exactly what happened, and keep photos.
Related reading
Lichen is one of the growths that builds up slowly, so see our post on lichen on roof tiles for how to tell it apart from moss. Planning around roof cleaning during bird nesting season can also affect when you book. If your walls need work too, read about how to clean render without damaging it.