What Causes Streaks On Roof Shingles

It can happen to homes that are otherwise maintained very well but why.

What causes streaks on roof shingles.

Algae growth on asphalt shingles algae growth may cause discoloration on roofs resulting in brown or black streaks on a rooftop. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles. Today s homeowner serves cookies to analyze traffic and better serve you. Black streaking on roofs is a common problem.

Why do shingles get algae. It causes the black stains you may see on your roof. This is what makes those unattractive black streaks on your roof. The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma.

Why are algae colored black. After all asphalt shingles contain limestone which happens to be one of algae s major food sources. Black streaks on shingles aren t caused by leaking tar. The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.

Although algae can be found on all types of roofing it tends to be most common on asphalt shingles. Algae if left untreated can also cause your shingles to deteriorate over time. While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely. Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles.

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. This isn t unique to abandoned houses either. The most common class of roof algae is gloeocapsa magma a bacterium that eats water and expels oxygen. 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.

As the blue green algae accumulate they develop a dark hardened outer coating which results in the black stains you see. Algae grow most often on wood and asphalt shingles or concrete tiles especially if they do not get a lot of sunlight. Rather they are caused by a hardy algae known as. Algae may be mistaken for soot dirt or tree droppings most of which typically produce only localized discoloration.

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. But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of the annoying discoloration on a asphalt shingle roof. 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.