Safeguard your policy: Protect your home with Pristine Clean

A trend in the insurance industry that began in the South has made its way to Northeast Ohio: Insurance companies are canceling homeowner policies based on drone or satellite images of rooftops.

Here’s the actual text of a letter sent to a Northfield, Ohio, couple from their insurance company, a popular national carrier:

Policy number:  XXXXXX

Property location:  XXXXXX Northfield, OH 44067

What we found:  Risk is ineligible due to dwelling roof is in poor condition based on aerial imagery taken within the past 12 months.

What you need to do:  Repair the damaged area of your roof or replace it completely. Please forward documentation of repairs, remedy, or information requested to our agent or you may mail it directly to us.

You must provide this information prior to June 23, 2025.

If you don’t take action:  If we don’t receive the information we’ve requested by June 23, 2025, you may risk non-renewal of your insurance policy.

After receiving the notice above, the homeowners had their roof inspected by a professional roofing company, which reported that their roof did not have any damage. When the homeowners reported this information to their insurance carrier, the company cancelled their policy anyway.

What Happened?

These homeowners are customers of Pristine Clean and reported their experience to company founder Ken Wilson.

“Roof replacement is expensive, and insurance companies don’t want to pay for it, so they are looking for damaged roofs with aerial imagery,” Ken explains. “But it can be difficult to spot roof damage when you’re actually standing on a roof, so it’s virtually impossible to detect damage from a grainy photo taken by a satellite 300 miles in outer space. In this case, what the photo detected—and what concerned the insurance company—were the black streaks on the roof caused by Gloeocapsa magma, which is algae that feeds on the limestone in asphalt shingles.”

So those unsightly black streaks on your roof are not simply a cosmetic concern. They can also get your homeowners insurance policy cancelled.

What You Can Do 

Fortunately, Pristine Clean can eliminate these black streaks with a safe and effective soft roof wash. The company also offers a roof restoration service called the Pristine Roof Renew, which involves the application of a soy-based shingle rejuvenator that restores lost oils to your roof.

“Over time, your shingles lose their oils and dry out,” Ken explains. “In addition to fading the color and vibrancy of your roof, the loss of shingle oil leads to brittleness, cracking, reduced granular adhesion, and the possibility of roof leaks. Roof Renew can bring your shingles back to life, restoring those lost oils improving shingle functionality. The process can add 5-15 years to the life of your roof. Plus, your roof will look good from the street—improved curb appeal—but it will also look healthy to drones and satellites taking photos from the sky. It’s a safe and affordable way to protect your homewner’s insurance, and your home.”

Ken adds that the soy-based rejuvenator is also environmentally friendly.

Siding and Concrete Surfaces, Too

In addition to cleaning and protecting your roof, Pristine also specializes in cleaning and sealing siding and concrete surfaces in three essential steps.

First, Pristine’s technicians begin with the application of an algaecide, a safe and effective solution that softens the mold, mildew, algae and grime. “This allows us to perform a ‘soft wash’ that cleans your home without the dangers of pressure that is too high,” Ken says. “Next comes the actual power washing, where we use modern, leading-edge equipment to get the job done right. Third, is the application of a surface protectant that acts as a barrier on your home to help it look and stay cleaner longer. It also protects your siding from UV radiation that can cause fading.”

Headquartered in Berea, Pristine Clean beautifies homes throughout Northeast Ohio. It is highly rated on Google, Facebook, and HomeAdvisor, and rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. Call 440-454-7041 to arrange for a free estimate or visit PristineClean.com. All technicians are bonded, insured, and certified by the Power Washers of North America.