They re actually algae otherwise known as gloeoapsa magma and they are as nasty as they are resilient.
Roof shingles dark streaks.
The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa 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.
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.
Not only do professionals have power wash tools to make cleaning effective and safe for your shingles but they will also know what chemical solutions to use.
The most common culprit is actually a blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma that is spread by airborne spores.
This algae growth usually begins as small spots and then eventually becomes.
Algae arrive on the rooftop through the air in the form of spores or clumps of cells.
Dark streaks or roof discoloration caused by algae happens in varying degrees across the u s especially in areas exposed to warm humid conditions.
Roof shingles are exposed to a lot of wear and tear as extreme heat sun wind and precipitation come into contact with them.
While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely.
Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles.
Contact local roofing professionals and ask them about chemical cleanings.
Yes you can get rid of those black streaks on roof shingles but it will require a powerful chemical cleaning.
But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of the annoying discoloration on a asphalt shingle roof.
If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs.
The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae.
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.
As the blue green algae accumulate they develop a dark hardened outer coating which results in the black stains you see.
If you re seeing black streaks running along your roof chances are you ve mistaken them for dirt or even mold.
Though often attributed to an accumulation of dirt defective shingles mold or mildew.
It is not uncommon for roof shingles to turn black over time.
These black streaks are.
What makes the streaks.
It is most widespread in the eastern united states and is commonly found on roofs with northern exposure.
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.
The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.
The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma.