While the dark streaks are unsightly experts tell our team that the greatest danger to the roof is from moisture retention or root damage that algae and other life forms can cause.
Roof shingles dark streaks.
The streaks are caused by a type 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.
Yes you can get rid of those black streaks on roof shingles but it will require a powerful chemical cleaning.
If you re seeing black streaks running along your roof chances are you ve mistaken them for dirt or even mold.
What makes the streaks.
If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs.
The most common culprit is actually a blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma that is spread by airborne spores.
It is most widespread in the eastern united states and is commonly found on roofs with northern exposure.
As the blue green algae accumulate they develop a dark hardened outer coating which results in the black stains you see.
Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles.
When that happens it is generally caused by mildew algae mold or dirt stains.
Roof shingles are exposed to a lot of wear and tear as extreme heat sun wind and precipitation come into contact with them.
What are those ugly black streaks on my roof.
These black streaks are.
Black streaking on roofs is a common problem.
They re actually algae otherwise known as gloeoapsa magma and they are as nasty as they are resilient.
While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely.
It is not uncommon for roof shingles to turn black over time.
Algae arrive on the rooftop through the air in the form of spores or clumps of cells.
The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae.
The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma.
Dark streaks or roof discoloration caused by algae happens in varying degrees across the u s especially in areas exposed to warm humid conditions.
The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.
This algae growth usually begins as small spots and then eventually becomes.
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.
