Black Algae On Roof Shingles

Here we discuss the causes of algae growth on roof shingles the effects of these conditions and how to cure or prevent algae formation on roofs.

Black algae on roof shingles.

As the blue green algae accumulate they develop a dark hardened outer coating which results in the black stains you see. I am really disappointed the treated shingles didn t work. Here s why algae grows on roofs. Weather is a factor in algae growth on shingles.

The streaks look like mold but they re actually algae colonies that form in your shingles and feed on moisture and the limestone filler agents in the shingles. To clean an asphalt shingle roof to remove black algae stains. The algae will worsen and become more noticeable each year trapping moisture and causing premature shingle aging and granule loss. Causes cures of black brown or green algae staining on roof surfaces.

The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold. Mix up oxygen based cleaner with water in a five gallon bucket following the instructions. Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. Black streaks on the north and west facing and shaded areas of your asphalt shingled roof can really wreck the appearance of your home.

To save money most shingle manufacturers have switched to shingles containing asphalt but mostly made up of fillers such as fiberglass and crushed limestone which encourages the growth of algae. The most common class of roof algae is gloeocapsa magma a bacterium that eats water and expels oxygen. Black stains on asphalt shingle roof caused by algae growth. Algae grow most often on wood and asphalt shingles or concrete tiles especially if they do not get a lot of sunlight.

If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. These algae use the crushed limestone filler as a main food source. Algae stains on roofs.