For some of us the black streaks or stains we see on asphalt shingles is something relatively new.
What causes black streaks on roofs.
Algae arrive on the rooftop through the air in the form of spores or clumps of cells.
Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on.
While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely.
They re actually algae otherwise known as gloeoapsa magma and they are as nasty as they are resilient.
As the blue green algae.
While not immediately damaging they can prematurely age shingles.
When we were younger we didn t see this eyesore waiting to make our home look unsightly inviting more fungi and plant matter to attach itself to the shingles and cause damage if left alone.
What are those ugly black streaks on my roof.
Algae may be mistaken for soot dirt or tree droppings most of which typically produce only localized discoloration.
The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae.
If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs.
Black streaking on roofs is a common problem.
If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs.
Most black streaks form on the northern slopes of roofs where it s darker and wetter ideal for algae growth.
If you re seeing black streaks running along your roof chances are you ve mistaken them for dirt or even mold.
Algae growth may cause discoloration on roofs resulting in brown or black streaks on a rooftop.
Black stains on an asphalt roof caused by algae.
But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of the annoying discoloration on a asphalt shingle roof.
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.
Areas of the country with low humidity have fewer instances of roof streaks while the problem is relatively common in the southeast where it s more humid and warm.
Causes of black streaking on roofs.
Black streaks on shingled roofs are a common though mysterious sight.
Here s why algae grows on roofs.
The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma.
The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.
The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold.