Why do roof shingles get black streaks?

The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called Gloeocapsa magma. As the blue-green algae accumulate, they develop a dark, hardened outer coating, which results in the black stains you see. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.

How do you remove black streaks from shingles?

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.

How do I get rid of streaks on my roof?

The less expensive solution is to spray wash the roof with a 50 percent mix of water and bleach to get rid of the algae. (No pressure washers, please. They're likely to damage the shingles.) Just be sure to wet your foundation plantings first, and rinse everything in clean water when you're done.

What makes your roof turn black?

Answer. 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.

Why do shingles turn dark?

A condition called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) may affect people with black and brown skin. This is when an area of skin becomes darker after experiencing inflammation or injury. It's possible to develop PIH after having shingles.

Black streaks on roof- what are they and can I get rid of them?

Will bleach hurt asphalt shingles?

No, bleach will not cause discoloration in your shingles, or asphalt shingles.

How do you maintain a shingle roof?

What is that black thing 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. This algae growth usually begins as small spots and then eventually becomes visible streaks.

How do you remove lichen from roof shingles?

Combine equal parts of bleach and water into a garden sprayer and cover nearby greenery and your lawn with plastic tarps to ensure that the bleach solution doesn't get on anything you don't want it to affect. Spray the moss and lichens until saturated and that should kill them.

Should roof shingles be cleaned?

In addition to unnecessary wear and tear on your roof tiles from the weather, the number one concern that you should have if you don't regularly clean your asphalt shingle roof is moss growth. As moss thickens and continues to grow on your roof over time, it can actually raise up the singles in an unnatural way.

What causes roof staining?

The most common cause of roof staining is gloeocapsa magma–a type of algae. These tiny growths cause the ugly black streaks that can be found on roofs across the country.

Can you pressure wash a shingle roof?

Never, ever under any circumstances pressure wash your roof shingles on your own or pay a company to do so. Sure, it's tempting to want to get any moss, algae, dirt, etc. off of your roofing shingles. But pressure washing your asphalt roof will do more harm than good.

Does cleaning your roof damage it?

Professional Cleaning

Standard, high-pressure washers can damage your roof when you're trying to clean it. It's important to use special equipment that does not harm the shingles and cause them to be torn from the high pressure. Reputable roof cleaning companies will also use a biodegradable cleaning solution.

Can you spray wet and forget on roof shingles?

Just spray and leave! Wet & Forget Outdoor works with the wind and rain over time to completely wipe out black algae and keep it away for a year or more in most cases. Wet & Forget's gentle, non-caustic formula is safe for all types of shingles, and it won't corrode your downspouts or harm your lawn with runoff.

Will vinegar clean roof shingles?

Vinegar will not hurt roof shingles and is the best way to clean asphalt shingles. Vinegar bough at the store will have different concentrations of acetic acid. 5% is adequate for most roof damage, although you can go as high as 25% for very stained roofs.

Is lichen bad for roofs?

Roofs are especially susceptible to the growth and can be significantly damaged by lichen. Lichen holds moisture in place against surfaces, which speeds up normal wear and tear. When this surface moisture freezes in cold temperatures, it can lead to frost damage to roof shingles and other exterior surfaces.

How do you stop lichens growing on your roof?

A cheap and effective remedy to get rid of lichen is by using detergent and bleach. Simply mix 3/4th cups of bleach in one gallon of water. Spray this on all places where you see lichen grow. Keep this mixture for 15 minutes and then remove all the leaves and wash the roof with plain water.

Does bleach get rid of lichen?

Many homeowners have tried bleach or pressure washing to get rid of lichen, with limited success. That's because bleach doesn't break lichen's grip on the surface where it's growing, so you still have to do a lot of back-breaking scrubbing that can potentially scratch the surface you're trying to clean.

Can a roof be pressure washed?

With the right pressure (not too strong, but not too weak either) and a good cleaning solution, almost any roof can be cleaned safely and effectively with a pressure washer.

What causes algae on roof shingles?

Overhanging branches, clogged gutters, standing water, a porous roofing material, and poor roof ventilation can all cause roof algae. Taking steps to clear your roof of common issues can help you stay ahead of algae growth.

What causes lichen on roof?

What Causes Lichen On Your Roof? Straight to the point- lichen is caused by algae and fungus reproducing with each other, forming lichen. Algae and fungus end up on your roof from wind debris, nearby trees that drop material on your roof, and any other kind of organic material that ends up on your roof.

How do I keep my roof healthy?

How often should you maintain a roof?

In general, this is the recommended replacement schedule based on the material used: Composition Shingles: 12-20 years. Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years. Wood Shingles: 20-25 years.

How long should a roof last?

Slate, copper and tile roofs, which are on the upper end of the price spectrum, can last more than 50 years. Homeowners with wood shake roofs should expect them to last about 30 years, while fiber cement shingles last about 25 years and asphalt shingle/composition roofs last about 20 years, the NAHB found.