Here s why algae grows on roofs.
Black streaks on roof.
They re actually algae otherwise known as gloeoapsa magma and they are as nasty as they are resilient.
The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma.
But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of the annoying discoloration on a asphalt shingle roof.
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.
As the blue green algae accumulate they develop a dark hardened outer coating which results in the black stains you see.
The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.
The algae will worsen and become more noticeable each year trapping moisture and causing premature shingle aging and granule loss.
This blackish algae creeps it way across neighborhood roofs gradually turning your home s asphalt shingles an ugly dark brown or black.
Black streaking on roofs is a common problem.
Black streaks on your roof indicate the presence of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.
Algae arrive on the rooftop through the air in the form of spores or clumps of cells.
This algae growth usually begins as small spots and then eventually becomes visible streaks.
The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold.
If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs.
If you re seeing black streaks running along your roof chances are you ve mistaken them for dirt or even mold.
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.
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.
The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.
While it can be displeasing to look at gloeocapsa magma can impact your roof far beyond its aesthetics.
Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles.
Black streaks on roof the first thing to note is that what you re seeing is the result of a cyanobacteria known as gloeocapsa magna.
Those black streaks on your shingles may look like problems with old age or damage but they are really caused by algae specifically gloeocaspa magma is usually to blame for those wavy dark shades that grow as the algae bloom spreads.
While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely.
