What Causes Streaks On Roof Shingles

Algae if left untreated can also cause your shingles to deteriorate over time.

What causes streaks on roof shingles. Why do shingles get algae. While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely. 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. 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. It causes the black stains you may see on your roof. Algae may be mistaken for soot dirt or tree droppings most of which typically produce only localized discoloration. Gloeocapsa has the ability to form a protective darkly pigmented outer coating that shields the algae from damaging uv rays.

Why are algae colored black. Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles. After all asphalt shingles contain limestone which happens to be one of algae s major food sources. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.

Although algae can be found on all types of roofing it tends to be most common on asphalt shingles. 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. 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. But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of the annoying discoloration on a asphalt shingle roof.

Today s homeowner serves cookies to analyze traffic and better serve you. 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. This is what makes those unattractive black streaks on your roof. Black streaking on roofs is a common problem.

Algae grow most often on wood and asphalt shingles or concrete tiles especially if they do not get a lot of sunlight. It can happen to homes that are otherwise maintained very well but why. Algae grow and reproduce as they continue to feed on the limestone turning your roof shingles into loose husk over time. Black streaks on shingles aren t caused by leaking tar.

Algae growth on asphalt shingles algae growth may cause discoloration on roofs resulting in brown or black streaks on a rooftop. Rather they are caused by a hardy algae known as. The most common class of roof algae is gloeocapsa magma a bacterium that eats water and expels oxygen.