Black Algae On Roof Shingles

But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of the annoying discoloration on a asphalt shingle roof.

Black algae on roof shingles. Since the roof is such a large portion of a home s exterior and algae is difficult and expensive to clean the discoloration can become an aesthetic nightmare which decreases the value of a home. These algae use the crushed limestone filler as a main food source. If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. Roof algae generally have a black green hue.

Here s why algae grows on roofs. 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. As the blue green algae accumulate they develop a dark hardened outer coating which results in the black stains you see. These roof invaders require a moisture rich environment usually.

Algae grow most often on wood and asphalt shingles or concrete tiles especially if they do not get a lot of sunlight. Causes cures of black brown or green algae staining on roof surfaces. Standard roof shingles are quite susceptible to the unsightly black staining smears blotches and streaks caused by algae spores. The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold.

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. 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. The black spots discoloring your asphalt roof are more than likely the pervasive and prevalent algae known as gloecapsa magma. I am really disappointed the treated shingles didn t work.

Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. The algae will worsen and become more noticeable each year trapping moisture and causing premature shingle aging and granule loss. Algae stains on roofs. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.