Roof Has Black Streaks

The wind carries the spores of this algae onto your roof.

Roof has black streaks.

If left untreated these unsightly black streaks can cause the premature degradation of your shingles. But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of. Those black streaks are actually blue green algae formally known by its scientific name. So early treatment can help add years to your roof.

Thankfully it isn t harmful to your health like mold. 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. The algae then thrive on the moist crevices of your asphalt tiles. The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold.

As the blue green algae accumulate they develop a dark hardened outer coating which results in the black stains you see. Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. It s actually a form of algae that feeds on the limestone filler used in the creation of asphalt shingles. If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs.

The algae will worsen and become more noticeable each year trapping moisture and causing premature shingle aging and granule loss. While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely. Here s why algae grows on roofs. The great news for homeowners is that the most common causesof these black streaks are algae called 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. 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. In short those black streaks are called gloeocapsa magma. What causes your roof to have black streaks.

What are the 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 roof shingles. The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma.

The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae. It s also known as blue green algae in the roofing business. Black streaking on roofs is a common problem. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.