Roof Shingles Have Dark Streaks

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 have dark streaks.

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. But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of. Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. As the blue green algae accumulate they develop a dark hardened outer coating which results in the black stains you see.

Because the shingles hold moisture for long periods of time algae can begin growing and actually feed off of the limestone in the shingles. The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae. How to remove black stains from roof shingles. Algae arrive on the rooftop through the air in the form of spores or clumps of cells.

Black streaks on shingles aren t caused by leaking tar. 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. It is important that the roof be wet when the cleaning mixture is applied or it may. If you re seeing black streaks running along your roof chances are you ve mistaken them for dirt or even mold.

The algae will worsen and become more noticeable each year trapping moisture and causing premature shingle aging and granule loss. Wet down the roof with water from the garden hose. Here s why algae grows on roofs. Black streaking on roofs is a common problem.

What are the black streaks on my roof. Of chlorine bleach and a quarter cup of. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles. Fill a large bucket with 1 gallon of hot water 1 qt.

The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely. Rather they are caused by a hardy algae known as. Almost without fail every photo of an abandoned house would have black streaks on roof shingles.

They re actually algae otherwise known as gloeoapsa magma and they are as nasty as they are resilient. 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. This algae growth usually begins as small spots and then eventually becomes visible streaks. Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof 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. It can happen to homes that are otherwise maintained very well but why. If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs.