What Causes Streaks On Roof Shingles

Rather they are caused by a hardy algae known as.

What causes streaks on roof shingles.

Almost without fail every photo of an abandoned house would have black streaks on roof shingles. The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae. 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. But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of the annoying discoloration on a asphalt shingle roof.

Algae grow and reproduce as they continue to feed on the limestone turning your roof shingles into loose husk over time. Every wonder what causes those ugly black streaks and stains on your roof. The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. This isn t unique to abandoned houses either.

Black streaks on shingles aren t caused by leaking tar. If the streaks don t bother you or you re not ready to invest in a new roof install zinc or copper strips available at roofing centers along the top course of shingles. When rain hits the strips it produces a solution that runs down the roof and keeps algae moss and fungus from growing. Causes of black streaking on roofs.

This algae growth usually begins as small spots and then eventually becomes visible streaks. While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely. Algae if left untreated can also cause your shingles to deteriorate over time. Though often attributed to an accumulation of dirt defective shingles mold or mildew.

The most common culprit is actually a blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma that is spread by airborne spores. 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. Dark streaks or roof discoloration caused by algae happens in varying degrees across the u s especially in areas exposed to warm humid conditions. It is most widespread in the eastern united states and is commonly found on roofs with northern exposure.

If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. After all asphalt shingles contain limestone which happens to be one of algae s major food sources. 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. Video on how to clean softwash an asphalt shingle roof including where to find.