What are the stains on my roof?
Those black streaks on your roof shingles are most likely an algae called gloeocapsa magma, or as it is more commonly referred to, a blue-green or black algae. Algae is a solid deposit of spores and dirt, another form of mold.
What causes discoloration on roof?
Those dark streaks and discoloration are caused by a blue-green algae called Gloeocapsa Magma. These algae spores are spread through the air and will plant themselves on your entire roof except for where you have metal flashing.
What are the white spots on my roof?
White Stains on Slate Roofs. Efflorescence, or the powdery deposit of salts from rainwater, is often visible on concrete and natural stone surfaces. These specks of white-colored crystalline can sometimes appear on roof tiles or shingles.
What are the dark spots on my 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. The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma—also known as blue green algae. Although algae can be found on all types of roofing, it tends to be most common on asphalt shingles.
What is the best cleaner for roof shingles?
of laundry strength liquid chlorine bleach and water. This is the best way to clean a roof if you have asphalt shingles. After spraying the roof with the mixture, allow it to sit on the surface for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.
What is roof algae?
What is Roof Algae? The black mold-like stains and streaks that appear on roofs, particularly light-colored asphalt shingles, is actually a blue-green algae (Gloeocapsa magma). Commonly found in climates with warm, humid summers, it does no damage to the roofing, but it certainly does looks bad.
How do I get algae off my roof?
The most effective method of cleaning algae and moss from a roof is with a 50:50 mix of laundry strength liquid chlorine bleach and water. Apply with a sprayer and allow the solution to dwell on the roof surface for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with low pressure water.
How do I get black stains off my roof?
A mixture of trisodium phosphate (TSP), bleach, and water will also remove stains. Oxygen bleach lightens stains as well and is less harmful to the environment, but it doesn’t produce as immediate or dramatic an effect as chlorine bleach.
Why does my roof have black spots on it?
The black stains are buildups of algae that can prevent the sun from burning off the bacteria. Roof lichen is a combination of both algae and fungus. When these two depend on each other, they can grow living organisms.
How can I get black stains off my roof?
The solution almost immediately kills the bacteria and washes away the stains. As an added bonus, it is also effective for addressing other roof top issues including moss and lichen. Any debris that remains behind is washed away with the next rain. Any moss and lichen left behind dries up and flakes off within a few weeks of treatment.
Is it mold or algae on my roof?
Although mold can grow in your roofing materials if water gets trapped somewhere if you see any of the following on top of your roof, algae are more likely your problem: Algae is not the same as mold. Algae is more common and not as dangerous to humans. Algae can overtake a new roof in four years or less in the right conditions.
What happens if you have standing water on your roof?
Wood rot. If moisture sinks down into the wood of your roof, you could have a serious problem on your hands. Standing water can soften and rot the wood, permanently compromising its strength and safety. Wood rot can lead to roof leaks, expensive repairs, and wood replacement. Mold.