The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.
Roof has black streaks.
The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold.
If left untreated these unsightly black streaks can cause the premature degradation of your shingles.
As the blue green algae accumulate they develop a dark hardened outer coating which results in the black stains you see.
The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma.
What are the black streaks on my roof.
It s also known as blue green algae in the roofing business.
Those black streaks on your shingles may look like problems with old age or damage but they are really caused by algae specifically gloeocaspa magma is usually to blame for those wavy dark shades that grow as the algae bloom spreads.
The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae.
Black streaks on roof the first thing to note is that what you re seeing is the result of a cyanobacteria known as gloeocapsa magna.
Many home owners are surprised to discover that the once clean asphalt roof shingles have been slowly covered with a form of roof mold or mildew that appears as a light discoloration and spreads down the roof toward the gutters.
What causes your roof to have black streaks.
Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.
It s actually a form of algae that feeds on the limestone filler used in the creation of asphalt shingles.
The wind carries the spores of this algae onto your roof.
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.
Those black streaks are actually blue green algae formally known by its scientific name.
Here s why algae grows on roofs.
This algae growth usually begins as small spots and then eventually becomes visible streaks.
The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.
The algae will worsen and become more noticeable each year trapping moisture and causing premature shingle aging and granule loss.
Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles.
So early treatment can help add years to your roof.
While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely.
In short those black streaks are called gloeocapsa magma.
The algae then thrive on the moist crevices of your asphalt tiles.
If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs.
Thankfully it isn t harmful to your health like mold.
