Roof Shingles Have Dark Streaks

If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs.

Roof shingles have dark streaks.

Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. Rather they are caused by a hardy algae known as. But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of. 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.

Algae arrive on the rooftop through the air in the form of spores or clumps of cells. Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles. Many home owners are surprised to discover that the once clean asphalt roof shingles have been slowly covered with a form of roof mold or mildew that appears as a light discoloration and spreads down the roof toward the gutters.

The algae will worsen and become more noticeable each year trapping moisture and causing premature shingle aging and granule loss. The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae. Of chlorine bleach and a quarter cup of. They re actually algae otherwise known as gloeoapsa magma and they are as nasty as they are resilient.

Because the shingles hold moisture for long periods of time algae can begin growing and actually feed off of the limestone in the shingles. It is important that the roof be wet when the cleaning mixture is applied or it may. Almost without fail every photo of an abandoned house would have black streaks on roof shingles. While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely.

The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma. Here s why algae grows on roofs. This isn t unique to abandoned houses either. Black streaking on roofs is a common problem.

It can happen to homes that are otherwise maintained very well but why. The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. Fill a large bucket with 1 gallon of hot water 1 qt. It might be surprising to know that those dark streaks on the shingles are actually caused by algae and not by the usual suspects of tar or dirt.

Wet down the roof with water from the garden hose. How to remove black stains from roof shingles. This algae growth usually begins as small spots and then eventually becomes visible streaks. The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold.

As the blue green algae accumulate they develop a dark hardened outer coating which results in the black stains you see. Those black streaks on your shingles may look like problems with old age or damage but they are really caused by algae specifically gloeocaspa magma is usually to blame for those wavy dark shades that grow as the algae bloom spreads. Black streaks on shingles aren t caused by leaking tar.