Here s why algae grows on roofs.
Black streaks on asphalt shingle roof.
While not immediately damaging they can prematurely age shingles.
Black streaks on shingled roofs are a common though mysterious sight.
Here s what they are and what to do about them.
Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles.
If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs.
Class a fire resistance.
The black mold like stains and streaks that appear on roofs particularly light colored asphalt shingles is actually a blue green algae gloeocapsa magma.
Algae growth on asphalt shingles.
If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs.
But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of the annoying discoloration on a asphalt shingle roof.
Roofing manufacturers have tackled the problem of roof algae by creating shingles containing copper which is deadly to algae.
The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold.
Why are there dark streaks on my roof.
The most common culprit is actually a blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma that is spread by airborne spores.
The black roof stains are caused by a form of algae that has been around for years typically found in the woods on the north side of trees or on exposed rocks.
While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely.
The streaks look like mold but they re actually algae colonies that form in your shingles and feed on moisture and the limestone filler agents in the shingles.
Black streaking on roofs is a common problem.
As the blue green algae.
The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma.
Though often attributed to an accumulation of dirt defective shingles mold or mildew.
Algae may be mistaken for soot dirt or tree droppings most of which typically produce only localized discoloration.
Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.
Black streaks on the north and west facing and shaded areas of your asphalt shingled roof can really wreck the appearance of your home.
Wind warranty of 150 mph.
Replacing the shingles on your roof just because you have black stains is not necessary however and you should be suspicious of any roofer that suggests roof shingle replacement as the only solution to your algae problem.
Commonly found in climates with warm humid summers it does no damage to the roofing but it certainly does looks bad.
The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.