Streaks On Roof Shingles

The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma.

Streaks on roof shingles.

And the only way for you to maximize that investment is to spend money on it. When that happens it is generally caused by mildew algae mold or dirt stains. If you want to spend less on your roof you need to think of it as an investment. We have had several calls about these ar shingles showing black and green streaks.

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. While not immediately damaging they can prematurely age shingles. 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.

Using shingles that have been treated with algicide keeps the growth at bay for about 10 years thus the 10 year algae warranty. If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. The most common culprit is actually a blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma that is spread by airborne spores. Here s what they are and what to do about them.

While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely. 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. The algae feed off of the limestone within the roof shingles. It is most widespread in the eastern united states and is commonly found on roofs with northern exposure.

As the blue green algae. Though often attributed to an accumulation of dirt defective shingles mold or mildew. The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae. Black streaks on shingled roofs are a common though mysterious sight.

Dark streaks or roof discoloration caused by algae happens in varying degrees across the u s especially in areas exposed to warm humid conditions. Shingle manufacturers are now making an algae resistant shingle they resist algae from growing but are not fool proof. The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. Roof shingles are exposed to a lot of wear and tear as extreme heat sun wind and precipitation come into contact with them.