This blackish algae creeps it way across neighborhood roofs gradually turning your home s asphalt shingles an ugly dark brown or black.
Dark streaks on roof.
As the blue green algae accumulate they develop a dark hardened outer coating which results in the black stains you see.
These streaks look absolutely horrible and for your home s curb appeal they could bring down the property value of your home and those in your neighborhood.
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.
Roof shingles are exposed to a lot of wear and tear as extreme heat sun wind and precipitation come into contact with them.
While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely.
When that happens it is generally caused by mildew algae mold or dirt stains.
But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of the annoying discoloration on a asphalt shingle roof.
The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.
Algae can be killed and the stains removed using chemical cleaners though they usually return over time.
Although these dark spots and ugly black streaks on your roof may look like dirt mildew soot or mold what they really are is algae.
You happen to walk back to your own home and see them too.
Your stains are probably caused by the airborne spores of a blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma which is often mistaken for mold or mildew.
Here s why algae grows on roofs.
These black streaks are.
This algae growth usually begins as small spots and then eventually becomes visible streaks.
Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.
May 1 2020 a to z contracting blog 2.
The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.
You re walking around your neighborhood and you see those weird marks on top of roofs usually darker in color and running down the shingles.
The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae.
Although it may look like mold or fungi these unsightly black streaks or smear like stains may indicate a type of roof algae known in technical terms as gloeocaspa magma.
While doing little harm to your shingles the black streaks caused by the algae are unsightly.
How to lighten dark streaks or algae discoloration on an asphalt roof prior to applying the solution all ground vegetation directly under the roof should be covered.
Black streaking on roofs is a common problem.
Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles.
This solution should be sprayed on the roof and left.
The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold.
The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma.
The algae will worsen and become more noticeable each year trapping moisture and causing premature shingle aging and granule loss.
