Technically the black streaks on roofs are a form of algae known as gloeocapsa magma.
Black mold on roof shingles.
The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae.
They are exposed to wind rain and other weather elements that not only cause dirt to form on the shingles but also mold and mildew.
What are those ugly black streaks on my roof.
The black mold like stains and streaks that appear on roofs particularly light colored asphalt shingles is actually a blue green algae gloeocapsa magma.
Stained shingles take away from the overall neat appearance of the exterior of the home.
You may also worry that mold growth will harm your asphalt shingles and reduce the roof s lifespan.
Commonly found in climates with warm humid summers it does no damage to the roofing but it certainly does looks bad.
No one likes having to buy a new roof much sooner than anticipated.
Roof shingles become dirty over time.
The black streaks are also known as black algae or roof mold.
If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs.
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.
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.
These stains will discolor your roof and damage the shingles over a period of time if left alone.
The black roof stains are caused by a form of algae that has been around for years typically found in the woods on.
Here s why algae grows on roofs.
Granted some of it could be mold but what is spreading like wildfire is gleocapsa magma.
Mold stains can form on roof shingles that are in permanent shade.
In hot and humid climates like tampa algae growth on asphalt shingles can be a real problem.
Extensive mold growth can also expose the interior of your attic or crawlspace to mold spores carrying the problem over to the inside not to worry though because you can clean the mold off with basic household bleach and save.
I am really disappointed the treated shingles didn t work.
In reality what you are seeing is not black mold but a bacteria that is called gloeocapsa magma.
You can successfully clean shingles by using oxygen bleach.
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.