Black Streaks On Roof

The algae feed off of the limestone within the roof shingles.

Black streaks on roof.

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. Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles. Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. Most black streaks form on the northern slopes of roofs where it s darker and wetter ideal for algae growth.

While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely. The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma. Algae arrive on the rooftop through the air in the form of spores or clumps of cells. It s also known as blue green algae in the roofing business.

Many home owners are surprised to discover that the once clean asphalt roof shingles have been slowly covered with a form of roof mold or mildew that appears as a light discoloration and spreads down the roof toward the gutters. Although it may look like mold or fungi these unsightly black streaks or smear like stains may indicate a type of roof algae known in technical terms as gloeocaspa magma. Black streaks on shingled roofs are a common though mysterious sight. They re actually algae otherwise known as gloeoapsa magma and they are as nasty as they are resilient.

Here s what they are and what to do about them. Black streaks on roof. As the blue green algae. Though gloeocapsa magna has literally been around for centuries it didn t make its ugly presence known as a major problem in the u s.

The black roof stains are caused by a form of algae that has been around for. 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. The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae. What are the black streaks on my roof.

The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. Believe it or not those black streaks only appear on roofs in certain areas of the country. Those that tend to be the most humid furthermore they will only appear on the north side of the roof. This blackish algae creeps it way across neighborhood roofs gradually turning your home s asphalt shingles an ugly dark brown or black.

The first thing to note is that what you re seeing is the result of a cyanobacteria known as gloeocapsa magna. Black streaks on the north and west facing and shaded areas of your asphalt shingled roof can really wreck the appearance of your home. If you re seeing black streaks running along your roof chances are you ve mistaken them for dirt or even mold. The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold.