Black Algae On Roof Shingles

The black spots discoloring your asphalt roof are more than likely the pervasive and prevalent algae known as gloecapsa magma.

Black algae on roof shingles. The black mold like stains and streaks that appear on roofs particularly light colored asphalt shingles is actually a blue green algae gloeocapsa magma. That s why the shingles you see are covered with the small colored ceramic granules. Black streaks on the north and west facing and shaded areas of your asphalt shingled roof can really wreck the appearance of your home. Getting rid of the problem is important but how do you safely remove algae and moss from roof shingles.

The algae feed on the limestone in shingles. If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. Black stains on an asphalt roof caused by algae. If exposed to sunlight the ultraviolet rays will readily break down asphalt shingles.

Since the roof is such a large portion of a home s exterior and algae is difficult and expensive to clean the discoloration can become an aesthetic nightmare which decreases the value of a home. Commonly found in climates with warm humid summers it does no damage to the roofing but it certainly does looks bad. It takes special care to clean algae roof stains and moss off the roof. These roof invaders require a moisture rich environment usually.

The most common culprit is actually a blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma that is spread by airborne spores. Common algae that form on roof surfaces including asphalt shingles and roll roofing include the algae shown above and gleocapsa magma a species that generally appears black on the roof surface but under some lighting conditions even on the roof gleocapsa magma can appear as a blue green color as might other algae genera species. Look for algae resistant roof shingles ar on the package which have either copper or zinc added to prevent the algae from forming. As the blue green algae accumulate they develop a dark hardened outer coating which results in the black stains you see.

The organisms use your roof shingles as food which slowly deteriorates the materials. The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma. Though often attributed to an accumulation of dirt defective shingles mold or mildew. The ugly black red green or brown stains on your roof are likely algae or moss.

Standard roof shingles are quite susceptible to the unsightly black staining smears blotches and streaks caused by algae spores.