Why Do Some Roofs Have Black Streaks

If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs.

Why do some roofs have black streaks.

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. But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of the annoying discoloration on a asphalt shingle roof. What makes the streaks. Blame the algae those black streaks on your shingles may look like problems with old age or damage but they are really caused by algae specifically gloeocaspa magma is usually to blame for those wavy dark shades that grow as the algae bloom spreads.

The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma. When decayed the algae turn black. 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. The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae.

These black streaks are called gloeocapsa magma or gm more commonly called mold or fungus. In the past shingles were constructed using felt and asphalt. Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. This cyanobacteria is a bacteria that get their strength to survive through photosynthesis and the limestone filler found in the composition of shingles.

The algae feed on the limestone in shingles. The algae appear blue green when the organisms form an outer coating to protect themselves from ultraviolet rays. As the blue green algae accumulate they develop a dark hardened outer coating which results in the black stains you see. Today s homeowner serves cookies to analyze traffic and better serve you.

Although it may look like mold or fungi these unsightly black streaks or smear like stains may indicate a type of roof algae known in technical terms as gloeocaspa magma. Unfortunately some roofs develop unsightly black streaks and stains below the roof line. The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold. 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.

If this happens to your roof consult toms river roofing professionals to plan a way to correct this problem. Here s why algae grows on roofs. This blackish algae creeps it way across neighborhood roofs gradually turning your home s asphalt shingles an ugly dark brown or black.