Roof Has Black Streaks

Here s why algae grows on roofs.

Roof has black streaks.

The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. Thankfully it isn t harmful to your health like mold. If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. What causes your roof to have black 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. Black streaking on roofs is a common problem. If left untreated these unsightly black streaks can cause the premature degradation of your shingles. 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.

The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles. This algae growth usually begins as small spots and then eventually becomes visible streaks. The algae then thrive on the moist crevices of your asphalt tiles.

The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold. 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. Those black streaks are actually blue green algae formally known by its scientific name. In short those black streaks are called gloeocapsa magma.

But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of. It s actually a form of algae that feeds on the limestone filler used in the creation of asphalt shingles. The algae will worsen and become more noticeable each year trapping moisture and causing premature shingle aging and granule loss. The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma.

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. Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles. What are the black streaks on my roof. The wind carries the spores of this algae onto your roof.

Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. Black streaks on roof the first thing to note is that what you re seeing is the result of a cyanobacteria known as gloeocapsa magna. So early treatment can help add years to your roof. While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely.