What Causes Mildew On Roof Shingles

Though often attributed to an accumulation of dirt defective shingles mold or mildew.

What causes mildew on roof shingles.

As moss spreads it carries increased amounts of moisture and this can set into the wood of shakes and shingles and cause a roof to rot. Commonly found in climates with warm humid summers it does no damage to the roofing but it certainly does looks bad. The most common culprit is actually a blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magma that is spread by airborne spores. 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.

Black streaks green or white spots round lichens mosses green moss that spreads across your roof. If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. Like mold mildew is a cancerous growth on damp surfaces. Household bleach can damage asphalt due to its high sodium content.

Black algae stains on asphalt singles some black stains on asphalt roof shingles are caused by a black algae sometimes misnamed as a black fungus or even a mildew such as that shown in the photograph here. Moss is attracted to moisture and therein lies the problem. It needs heat moisture and nutrients to grow. Some black stains on asphalt roof shingles are caused by a black algae typically gloeocapsa magma.

How to get rid of algae on the roof. It is easily spread and causes those colorful stains on so many roofs. Though often attributed to an accumulation of dirt defective shingles mold or mildew. The black mold like stains and streaks that appear on roofs particularly light colored asphalt shingles is actually a blue green algae gloeocapsa magma.

Black algae stains may be mistaken for but are not extractive bleeding a product cosmetic defect. There is some concern regarding the use of chlorine based products on asphalt roofs. Apparently the sodium causes an electrochemical reaction that reduces the elasticity of the asphalt leading to stiffness brittleness and curling of the shingles. I suffer from two of.

These black roof algal stains are sometimes misnamed or misidentified as a black fungus or even a mildew. The most common culprit is actually a blue green algae known as gloeocapsa magmathat is spread by airborne spores. If you live in a humid area of the country you ve probably seen unsightly dark streaks on asphalt shingle roofs. As it grows thicker it lifts and loosens shingles and allows water to leak through.

Also moss absorbs water when it rains and retains it for long periods which can lead to mold bacteria and the decay of the roof s framing over time.