Green Algae Roof Shingles

The black mold like stains and streaks that appear on roofs particularly light colored asphalt shingles is actually a blue green algae gloeocapsa magma.

Green algae roof shingles.

A roof may develop different types of algae lichens and fungi as bacteria take over. Here in oregon mostly blue green algae grows on the outside of the house or on the roof shingles. Many homeowners mistake algae for roof mold in most cases however it is really a blue green type of algae and when it dies it leaves dark streaks on your roof. How to get rid of algae on the roof.

The only way to take care of it is to use a high base chemical solution like zinc sulfate. If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. While some people actually like the look of moss on their. What is roof algae.

Misnamed as mildew or fungus by some writers algae staining on asphalt shingles usually in shaded areas or on the more shaded roof slopes characterized by black staining fairly uniform over shingles but appearing specifically in areas of the roof shaded by nearby trees. The most common culprit is actually a blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma that is spread by airborne spores. We ll explain more of that in a bit. Algae can cause unsightly stains and growths on your new roof.

Commonly found in climates with warm humid summers it does no damage to the roofing but it certainly does looks bad.