Roof Has Black Streaks

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

Roof has black streaks.

If you re seeing black streaks running along your roof chances are you ve mistaken them for dirt or even mold. While not immediately damaging they can prematurely age 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 the north and west facing and shaded areas of your asphalt shingled roof can really wreck the appearance of your home.

The first thing to note is that what you re seeing is the result of a cyanobacteria known as gloeocapsa magna. While lye sodium hydroxide is more effective than bleach it is corrosive and should only. 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. Those that tend to be the most humid furthermore they will only appear on the north side of the roof.

Though gloeocapsa magna has literally been around for centuries it didn t make its ugly presence known as a major problem in the u s. 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 stains on an asphalt roof caused by algae. Black streaks on roof.

Algae arrive on the rooftop through the air in the form of spores or clumps of cells. The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. An internet search on how to clean black streaks on your roof will turn up several different homemade formulas as well as commercial brands for getting rid of roof algae. Believe it or not those black streaks only appear on roofs in certain areas of the country.

Here s what they are and what to do about them. But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of the annoying discoloration on a asphalt shingle roof. The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold. Though often attributed to an accumulation of dirt defective shingles mold or mildew.

It s also known as blue green algae in the roofing business. The algae feed off of the limestone within the roof shingles. Most formulas contain chlorine bleach and or trisodium phosphate tsp and water. Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles.

As the blue green algae. 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. Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.

Not only do professionals have power wash tools to make cleaning effective and safe for your shingles but they will also know what chemical solutions to use. Contact local roofing professionals and ask them about chemical cleanings.