Why Is My Roof Black

Why are my shingles turning black.

Why is my roof black.

As the blue green algae accumulate they develop a dark hardened outer coating which results in the black stains you see. Roof experts tell our researchers that though other components are being added to shingles to hinder algae growth they still get calls to deal with black marks on relatively new roofs. The worst part is that once one roof in the neighborhood has these black streaks the rest of the houses may get them too. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles.

Today s blog entry addressed a frequently asked roofing question why is my roof black. Black roofs pose health risk. How to get rid of the streaks. They say that while shingle manufacturers offer products treated with copper or zinc to inhibit algae growth their effect wears down over time.

For example black roofs pose a major health risk in cities that see high temperatures in the summer. What are those ugly black streaks on my roof. The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae. A high pressure sprayer will absolutely damage your shingles.

In chicago s july 1995 heat wave a major risk factor in mortality was living on the top floor of a building with a black roof rosenfeld said. While it might seem overwhelming the process of getting rid of these black streaks is easy. In order to remove the black streaking from your roof you will need several items. Roof is now 8 years old.

The shingles stains are a form of roof algae or lichen called gloeocapsa magma. A spray stain remover solution a scrub brush a garden house protective eyewear rubber gloves shoes with tread a bucket and a ladder. So do your fiberglass asphalt shingles have black streaks. Roof algae gloeocapsa magma needs three criteria to grow.

Here is a diagnostic guide to types of stains and staining materials found on roof surfaces black red green brown or other coloured stains on asphalt roof shingles or on other roofing materials need first an accurate diagnosis of the stain cause and then proper steps to remove the stain or to prevent future staining on roof shingles surfaces. All it really takes is a simple roof cleaning. My new owemins corning roof started turning black from original grey color 5 years ago. Additionally a roof cleaning is not a do it yourself project.

It can even stick to your clothes or pets. 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. A roofing contractor just tried to sell me a new roof for 10 700.