Black Stains On Roof Shingles

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.

Black stains on roof shingles.

If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. 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. While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely. 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.

The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma. But now this black algae is termed a roof shingle algae because of the annoying discoloration on a asphalt shingle roof. Your stains are probably caused by the airborne spores of a blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma which is often mistaken for mold or mildew. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.

Today s homeowner serves cookies to analyze traffic and better serve you. Algae can be killed and the stains removed using chemical cleaners though they usually return over time. Here s why algae grows on roofs. But there are other roof stain colors and causes.

When that happens it is generally caused by mildew algae mold or dirt stains. The remedies for and means of preventing stains on roof shingles are discussed as well. Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. Remove black stains from roof shingles to preserve the appearance of your home s roof.

It is not uncommon for roof shingles to turn black over time. Black streaking on roofs is a common problem. The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae. The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.

How to remove and prevent black algae stains on asphalt shingle roofs today s homeowner find out how to remove unsightly black stains from asphalt shingle roofs caused by an algae known as gloeocapsa magma that is spread by airborne spores. While doing little harm to your shingles the black streaks caused by the algae are unsightly. This algae growth usually begins as small spots and then eventually becomes visible streaks. As the blue green algae accumulate they develop a dark hardened outer coating which results in the black stains you see.

Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles. Black streaks on the north and west facing and shaded areas of your asphalt shingled roof can really wreck the appearance of your home.