Streaks On Roof

The algae feed off of the limestone within the roof shingles.

Streaks on roof. Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. Black streaks on the north and west facing and shaded areas of your asphalt shingled roof can really wreck the appearance of your home. 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. The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold.

They re actually algae otherwise known as gloeoapsa magma and they are as nasty as they are resilient. Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles. Most likely it started as a small circular patch a slight discoloration from the normal color of your shingles. Those that tend to be the most humid furthermore they will only appear on the north side of the roof.

The black mold like stains and streaks that appear on roofs particularly light colored asphalt shingles is actually a blue green algae gloeocapsa magma. It s easy to miss once it begins but the black patch is an indicator that a predatory bacteria gloeocapsa magma has taken up residence on your. 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 arrive on the rooftop through the air in the form of spores or clumps of cells.

It is most widespread in the eastern united states and is commonly found on roofs with northern exposure. If the streaks don t bother you or you re not ready to invest in a new roof install zinc or copper strips available at roofing centers along the top course of shingles. The streaks are caused by a type 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.

If you re seeing black streaks running along your roof chances are you ve mistaken them for dirt or even mold. Though often attributed to an accumulation of dirt defective shingles mold or mildew. Dark streaks or roof discoloration caused by algae happens in varying degrees across the u s especially in areas exposed to warm humid conditions. Black stains on an asphalt roof caused by algae.

What is roof algae. Commonly found in climates with warm humid summers it does no damage to the roofing but it certainly does looks bad. What are those ugly black streaks on my roof. The black streaks that you see on your roof didn t start off as streaks at all.

The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae.