Streaks On Roof Shingles

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

Streaks on roof shingles.

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

Shingle manufacturers are now making an algae resistant shingle they resist algae from growing but are not fool proof. If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. These black streaks are. While not immediately damaging they can prematurely age shingles.

While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely. Black streaks on shingled roofs are a common though mysterious sight. It is not uncommon for roof shingles to turn black over time. This algae growth usually begins as small spots and then eventually becomes visible streaks.

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. Roof shingles are exposed to a lot of wear and tear as extreme heat sun wind and precipitation come into contact with them. We have had several calls about these ar shingles showing black and green streaks.

It is most widespread in the eastern united states and is commonly found on roofs with northern exposure. The most common culprit is actually a blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma that is spread by airborne spores. As the blue green algae. If you want to spend less on your roof you need to think of it as an investment.

And the only way for you to maximize that investment is to spend money on it. Roof shingles aren t exactly cheap and considering the amount of work that goes into replacing a roof paying a high amount for manual labor is also to be expected. When that happens it is generally caused by mildew algae mold or dirt stains. Here s what they are and what to do about them.