Black Streaks On Roof Shingles

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

Black streaks on roof shingles.

The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. As the blue green algae. The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold. Black streaks on shingled roofs are a common though mysterious sight.

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. If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. 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. But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of the annoying discoloration on a asphalt shingle roof.

The streaks look like mold but they re actually algae colonies that form in your shingles and feed on moisture and the limestone filler agents in the shingles. Algae growth may cause discoloration on roofs resulting in brown or black streaks on a rooftop. Algae growth on asphalt shingles. Roof shingles often fade into lighter colors over time but sometimes the opposite effect can occur thanks to subtle plant growth.

Algae arrive on the rooftop through the air in the form of spores or clumps of cells. Algae may be mistaken for soot dirt or tree droppings most of which typically produce only localized discoloration. They re actually algae otherwise known as gloeoapsa magma and they are as nasty as they are resilient. This algae growth usually begins as small spots and then eventually becomes visible streaks.

Fortunately there are ways of removing those black patches. Black streaks on the north and west facing and shaded areas of your asphalt shingled roof can really wreck the appearance of your home. Have you noticed black streaks on roof materials or patches along your rooftop especially in the shade. Here s why algae grows on roofs.

If you re seeing black streaks running along your roof chances are you ve mistaken them for dirt or even mold. How to remove and prevent black algae stains on asphalt shingle roofs black stains on an asphalt roof caused by algae. Black streaking on roofs is a common problem. Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.

Why are there dark streaks on my roof. Here s what they are and what to do about them. While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely. Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles.