What Causes Streaks On Roof Shingles

Rather they are caused by a hardy algae known as.

What causes streaks on roof shingles.

The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. This is what makes those unattractive black streaks on your roof. Find out how to remove unsightly black stains from asphalt shingle roofs caused by an algae known as gloeocapsa magma that is spread by airborne spores. Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles.

The most common class of roof algae is gloeocapsa magma a bacterium that eats water and expels oxygen. Black streaks on shingles aren t caused by leaking tar. The black roof stains are caused by a form of algae that has been around for years typically found in the woods on the north side of trees or on exposed rocks. Algae grow and reproduce as they continue to feed on the limestone turning your roof shingles into loose husk over time.

Although algae can be found on all types of roofing it tends to be most common on asphalt shingles. Algae growth on asphalt shingles algae growth may cause discoloration on roofs resulting in brown or black streaks on a rooftop. It can happen to homes that are otherwise maintained very well but why. Black streaking on roofs is a common problem.

As the blue green algae accumulate they develop a dark hardened outer coating which results in the black stains you see. Almost without fail every photo of an abandoned house would have black streaks on roof shingles. Algae grow most often on wood and asphalt shingles or concrete tiles especially if they do not get a lot of sunlight. Also algae and fungus can grow together to form lichen the roots of which can wrap around and feed on the granules covering the shingles.

While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely. This isn t unique to abandoned houses either. The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma. Why do shingles get algae.

While the dark streaks are unsightly experts tell our team that the greatest danger to the roof is from moisture retention or root damage that algae and other life forms can cause. Algae if left untreated can also cause your shingles to deteriorate over time. Algae may be mistaken for soot dirt or tree droppings most of which typically produce only localized discoloration. After all asphalt shingles contain limestone which happens to be one of algae s major food sources.

But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of the annoying discoloration on a asphalt shingle roof. Why are algae colored black. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.