Streaks On Roof

Believe it or not those black streaks only appear on roofs in certain areas of the country.

Streaks on roof.

If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. What is roof algae. What are those ugly black streaks on my roof. Those that tend to be the most humid furthermore they will only appear on the north side of the roof.

Though often attributed to an accumulation of dirt defective shingles mold or mildew. 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 black streaks that you see on your roof didn t start off as streaks at all. 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.

Commonly found in climates with warm humid summers it does no damage to the roofing but it certainly does looks bad. 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. Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. The black mold like stains and streaks that appear on roofs particularly light colored asphalt shingles is actually a blue green algae 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. Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles. It is most widespread in the eastern united states and is commonly found on roofs with northern exposure. How to get rid of algae on the roof.

They re actually algae otherwise known as gloeoapsa magma and they are as nasty as they are resilient. Algae arrive on the rooftop through the air in the form of spores or clumps of cells. Black streaks on the north and west facing and shaded areas of your asphalt shingled roof can really wreck the appearance of your home. If you re seeing black streaks running along your roof chances are you ve mistaken them for dirt or even mold.

The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae. The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold. Most likely it started as a small circular patch a slight discoloration from the normal color of your shingles. Black stains on an asphalt roof caused by algae.

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