How Did My Roof Get Algae

This is what makes those unattractive black streaks on your roof.

How did my roof get algae.

A copper strip at the top of the roof can prevent future roof algae. Gloeocapsa has the ability to form a protective darkly pigmented outer coating that shields the algae from damaging uv rays. Roof algae prevention tips. Common algae that form on roof surfaces including asphalt shingles and roll roofing include the algae shown above and gleocapsa magma a species that generally appears black on the roof surface but under some lighting conditions even on the roof gleocapsa magma can appear as a blue green color as might other algae genera species.

The roof algae is doesn t harm the shingles but looks bad. To keep the algae from coming back insert 6 inch wide strips of zinc or copper under the row of shingling closest to the roof peak leaving an inch or two of the lower edge exposed to the weather. That way whenever it rains some of the metal molecules will wash down the roof and kill any algae trying to regain a foothold on your shingles. When it comes to preventing algae there are in fact several things homeowners and roofers can do.

Although algae can be found on all types of roofing it tends to be most common on asphalt shingles. Algae grow most often on wood and asphalt shingles or concrete tiles especially if they do not get a lot of sunlight. Algae spores are airborne. You may think you have roof algae when really you have moss mildew or mold.

Thousands of roof on homes and other buildings suffer from black streaks. All of these options have been tested and show clear signs of decreasing and eventually preventing algae growth. Why do shingles get algae.