Black Algae Stains On Roof Shingles

As the blue green algae accumulate they develop a dark hardened outer coating which results in the black stains you see.

Black algae stains on roof shingles. The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma. When that happens it is generally caused by mildew algae mold or dirt stains. It is not uncommon for roof shingles to turn black over time. Believe it or not there are several treated wood deck cleaners that will do the job without hurting you the roof your gutters and any vegetation below.

Roof shingles are exposed to a lot of wear and tear as extreme heat sun wind and precipitation come into contact with them. But once the algicide wears off your roof hosts an all you can eat buffet for the neighborhood algae spores. Many of these shingles are guaranteed to kill the algae for the life of the shingle. Unlike black algae stains which come off immediately with the rinse phase of the cleaning dead lichen and moss will require a few heavy rains to finish rinsing off the roof.

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. These roof invaders require a moisture rich environment usually. Using shingles that have been treated with algicide keeps the growth at bay for about 10 years thus the 10 year algae warranty. How to remove and prevent black algae stains on asphalt shingle roofs black stains on an asphalt roof caused by algae.

If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. It could take awhile but rest assured that lichen and most moss situations once dead will eventually dislodge and rinse off the roof thanks to mother nature. Replacing the shingles on your roof just because you have black stains is not necessary however and you should be suspicious of any roofer that suggests roof shingle replacement as the only solution to your algae problem. Do it yourself and save big bucks.

Standard roof shingles are quite susceptible to the unsightly black staining smears blotches and streaks caused by algae spores. Roofing manufacturers have tackled the problem of roof algae by creating shingles containing copper which is deadly to algae. So it pays to clean your shingles as soon as you spot algae growth. The black spots discoloring your asphalt roof are more than likely the pervasive and prevalent algae known as gloecapsa magma.