Black Algae On Roof Shingles

Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.

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. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles. To clean an asphalt shingle roof to remove black algae stains. 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 black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold. Algae stains on roofs. Mix up oxygen based cleaner with water in a five gallon bucket following the instructions. I covered our asphalt shingle roof about five years ago with white 50 year guaranteed shingles that had algae prevention treatment but now the entire north side of our roof is black with algae i bought the shingles from lowe s in marianna florida.

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. The algae will worsen and become more noticeable each year trapping moisture and causing premature shingle aging and granule loss. If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. I am really disappointed the treated shingles didn t work.

Here s why algae grows on roofs. Causes cures of black brown or green algae staining on roof surfaces. 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.

Weather is a factor in algae growth on shingles. These algae use the crushed limestone filler as a main food source. Black streaks on the north and west facing and shaded areas of your asphalt shingled roof can really wreck the appearance of your home.