When rain hits the strips it produces a solution that runs down the roof and keeps algae moss and fungus from growing.
Streaks on roof.
The algae feed off of the limestone within the roof shingles.
Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.
If you re seeing black streaks running along your roof chances are you ve mistaken them for dirt or even mold.
Believe it or not those black streaks only appear on roofs in certain areas of the country.
Black streaks on the north and west facing and shaded areas of your asphalt shingled roof can really wreck the appearance of your home.
Most likely it started as a small circular patch a slight discoloration from the normal color of your shingles.
It is most widespread in the eastern united states and is commonly found on roofs with northern exposure.
Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles.
The black streaks that you see on your roof didn t start off as streaks at all.
Black stains on an asphalt roof caused by algae.
Though often attributed to an accumulation of dirt defective shingles mold or mildew.
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.
Commonly found in climates with warm humid summers it does no damage to the roofing but it certainly does looks bad.
The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.
The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold.
What is roof algae.
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.
They re actually algae otherwise known as gloeoapsa magma and they are as nasty as they are resilient.
It s easy to miss once it begins but the black patch is an indicator that a predatory bacteria gloeocapsa magma has taken up residence on your.
How to get rid of algae on the roof.
If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs.
The black mold like stains and streaks that appear on roofs particularly light colored asphalt shingles is actually a blue green algae gloeocapsa magma.
The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae.
Those that tend to be the most humid furthermore they will only appear on the north side of the roof.
Algae arrive on the rooftop through the air in the form of spores or clumps of cells.