What Causes Black Streaks On Roofs

They re actually algae otherwise known as gloeoapsa magma and they are as nasty as they are resilient.

What causes black streaks on roofs.

If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely. The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae. Black streaking on roofs is a common problem.

Here s what they are and what to do about them. Most black streaks form on the northern slopes of roofs where it s darker and wetter ideal for algae growth. The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma. What are those ugly black streaks on my roof.

The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on. Causes of black streaking on roofs. The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold.

Black stains on an asphalt roof caused by algae. Here s why algae grows on roofs. 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. But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of the annoying discoloration on a asphalt shingle roof.

When we were younger we didn t see this eyesore waiting to make our home look unsightly inviting more fungi and plant matter to attach itself to the shingles and cause damage if left alone. Algae may be mistaken for soot dirt or tree droppings most of which typically produce only localized discoloration. Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form 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.

While not immediately damaging they can prematurely age shingles. Black streaks on shingled roofs are a common though mysterious sight. Algae arrive on the rooftop through the air in the form of spores or clumps of cells. For some of us the black streaks or stains we see on asphalt shingles is something relatively new.

Areas of the country with low humidity have fewer instances of roof streaks while the problem is relatively common in the southeast where it s more humid and warm. 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.