Black Algae Roof Tile

Roof algae generally have a black green hue.

Black algae roof tile. Commonly found in climates with warm humid summers it does no damage to the roofing but it certainly does looks bad. Give us a call today at 614 360 9703 to schedule a free no hassle roof inspection. F cyanobacteria concrete roof tiles very common in southern california offer a attractive breading grounds for the algae. Have questions about those ugly black streaks on your roof.

Roof algae is most commonly gloeocapsa magma which isn t even algae but a bacteria. That s why the shingles you see are covered with the small colored ceramic granules. This is mildew and or algae growth which is completely normal and in no way affects the integrity of your roof. You may think you have roof algae when really you have moss mildew or mold.

Algae grow most often on wood and asphalt shingles or concrete tiles especially if they do not get a lot of sunlight. The most common class of roof algae is gloeocapsa magma a bacterium that eats water and expels oxygen. Known as black algae or roof mold gloeocapsa magma is usually blamed on dirt accumulation mold and mildew or defective shingles. It is responsible for creating the black staining on the roof.

Look for algae resistant roof shingles ar on the package which have either copper or zinc added to prevent the algae from forming. Black streaks on the north and west facing and shaded areas of your asphalt shingled roof can really wreck the appearance of your home. The black streaks on your roof don t appear for everyone they usually only appear on roofs in humid parts of the country. Roof algae can be unsightly but it s easy to get rid of and there are several methods you can do to keep those black streaks on your roof from coming back.

If exposed to sunlight the ultraviolet rays will readily break down asphalt shingles. 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. The black mold like stains and streaks that appear on roofs particularly light colored asphalt shingles is actually a blue green algae gloeocapsa magma. After the wet rainy season of spring you may notice what appears to be black or green streaks on your concrete tile roof.

They also appear specifically on the north side of the roof.