Black Algae On Roof Shingles

Black stains on an asphalt roof caused by algae.

Black algae on roof shingles. If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. Here s why algae grows on roofs. Why do shingles get algae. The organisms use your roof shingles as food which slowly deteriorates the materials.

Sometimes it can also be caused by an accumulation of mildew mold dirt or defective shingles. Black algae stains on asphalt shingles outdoor roofing text. This is what makes those unattractive black streaks on your roof. Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.

Getting rid of the problem is important but how do you safely remove algae and moss from roof shingles. If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. Algae grow most often on wood and asphalt shingles or concrete tiles especially if they do not get a lot of sunlight. The ugly black red green or brown stains on your roof are likely algae or moss.

A blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma could be the reason you have the algae which is spread by airborne spores. Algae may be mistaken for soot dirt or tree droppings most of which typically produce only localized discoloration. Tim carter the shingles on the left are made with granules that contain copper. These black roof algal stains are sometimes misnamed or misidentified as a black fungus or even a mildew.

The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold. The black stains are buildups of algae that can prevent the sun from burning off the bacteria. Roof algae generally have a black green hue. Although algae can be found on all types of roofing it tends to be most common on asphalt shingles.

Because these spores are airborne they can quickly spread from rooftop to rooftop in. Gloeocapsa has the ability to form a protective darkly pigmented outer coating that shields the algae from damaging uv rays. The copper leaches out each time it rains and creates a toxic environment for the roof algae. These roof invaders require a moisture rich environment usually.

Some black stains on asphalt roof shingles are caused by a black algae typically gloeocapsa magma. Though often attributed to an accumulation of dirt defective shingles mold or mildew. The most common culprit is actually a blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma that is spread by airborne spores. They can be carried by wind animals and even on your clothing.

Algae growth on asphalt shingles algae growth may cause discoloration on roofs resulting in brown or black streaks on a rooftop. This discoloring can hurt the beauty of your home s curb appeal and the resale value of your home if you have it up for sale. The most common class of roof algae is gloeocapsa magma a bacterium that eats water and expels oxygen. Algae spores are airborne.