Why Do Some Roofs Grow Algae

Roof algae generally have a black green hue.

Why do some roofs grow algae.

Although algae can be found on all types of roofing it tends to be most common on asphalt shingles. Algae on the roof. The black streaks on your roof don t appear for everyone they usually only appear on roofs in humid parts of the country. Algae and other microscopic growths on the roofs are an age old problem but the solution is on the mind of both roofing contractors and homeowners.

They also appear specifically on the north side of the roof. Algae grow most often on wood and asphalt shingles or concrete tiles especially if they do not get a lot of sunlight. Why mold algae grow on your roof and how to remove it todays post is from devyn earls of orlando s a 1 quality roof cleaning and restoration company. Though these shingles do cost more they contain copper particulate which is toxic to algae.

Algae algae is trickier than moss to prevent but some shingle manufacturers are making strides with copper composite shingles. Add the high humidity and sunlight to that standing water and you have the ideal growth conditions for mold and algae. Metal particles can flow down the roof with rainwater killing off any algae growth in its path. They have been in business over the last 20 years specializing in low pressure cleaning with hundreds of satisfied residential and commercial customers both large and small.

Read more below to find the causes of why mold and algae grow on your roof and how to remove it. This is what makes those unattractive black streaks on your roof. If a new roof is in order then suggest gaf shingles with stainguard protection to help ensure the beauty of a roof against unsightly blue green algae. The most common class of roof algae is gloeocapsa magma a bacterium that eats water and expels oxygen.

This is why it s better to leave roof cleaning to the professionals. If the cleaning isn t handled correctly shingle granules can be washed off your roof compromising your roof s protection. Known as black algae or roof mold gloeocapsa. Blue green algae the most common form that grows on roofs is generally not harmful to the roofing materials.

Gloeocapsa has the ability to form a protective darkly pigmented outer coating that shields the algae from damaging uv rays. Algae mold and moss grow well on rooftops because there s often some standing water on the roof. How do you deal with the algae. Algae can grow in moist shaded areas so if a homeowner has trees hanging over their roof tell them to trim them back to let the sunshine warm and dry the roof.

The algae streaks can be washed off but doing so properly is complex and tricky. You may think you have roof algae when really you have moss mildew or mold. Why washing your roof yourself might be a bad idea. A growing problem this website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience.

The biggest problem is the streaks the algae cause.