This algae growth usually begins as small spots and then eventually becomes visible streaks.
Dark streaks on roof.
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.
This blackish algae creeps it way across neighborhood roofs gradually turning your home s asphalt shingles an ugly dark brown or black.
The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae.
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.
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.
May 1 2020 a to z contracting blog 2.
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.
These black streaks are.
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.
The algae will worsen and become more noticeable each year trapping moisture and causing premature shingle aging and granule loss.
The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.
Solution should be a mixture of one gallon each of bleach and water 1 1.
Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles.
Roof shingles are exposed to a lot of wear and tear as extreme heat sun wind and precipitation come into contact with them.
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.
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.
While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely.
While doing little harm to your shingles the black streaks caused by the algae are unsightly.
Algae can be killed and the stains removed using chemical cleaners though they usually return over time.
It is not uncommon for roof shingles to turn black over time.
This solution should be sprayed on the roof and left.
Here s why algae grows on roofs.
The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.
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.
You happen to walk back to your own home and see them too.
The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma.
Black streaking on roofs is a common problem.
