Discolored black streaks on an asphalt shingle roof look like they are caused by mold or mildew, but the true culprit is the cyanobacteria Gloeocapsa magma, also called roof algae. As the business with the most reliable roof cleaning Lakeland, FL can offer, Top Down Exterior Cleaning can tell you why algae forms black streaks on your roof and what we can do to stop it.
What Causes Algae to Grow on Your Roof
Each dark stain is a colony of algae feeding on the limestone in your shingles. They thrive in humid environments like Lakeland and other areas in the southeastern United States. Algae spores travel with animals or through the air from one roof to another. This makes it next to impossible to completely prevent algae growth on your roof.
Algae prefer cooler areas out of direct sunlight, so you are more likely to find them on the north side of your roof. The black streaks that you see on your roof are the protective layers that the algae form to protect them from sunlight.
Why You Should Remove Black Streaks on Your Roof
The most apparent problem algae cause is ugly black streaks across your shingle roof. A dirty roof affects your home’s curb value and may send the message to potential buyers that you have neglected basic upkeep.
The black protective layer formed by the algae also traps heat and moisture on your roof. Heat is detrimental to your shingles over time, and excess moisture can seep into your home and promote mold and mildew growth that will cause even more expensive damage.
Algae directly harm your house by feeding on its shingles. Roof algae break down the asphalt composite to eat away at the limestone, which will eventually cause structural damage. The colony also pushes its roots beneath tiles to create gaps and warp your roof.
How We Remove Dark Algae Stains
When you need dark streaks removed from your asphalt shingle roof, call us at Top Down Exterior Cleaning. Our expert team has the latest roof cleaning technologies to clean up algae, moss, or mildew quickly and thoroughly.
All of our cleaners are insured and experienced with handling potentially dangerous roof cleaning. Our certified Lakeland technicians use biodegradable cleansers in a low-pressure soft wash to completely wash away the algae and black streaks without damaging your shingles.
Discourage Algae Growth on Your Home
After thoroughly cleaning away algae, you’ll need preventative measures to reduce the chance that they’ll return. Copper and zinc naturally inhibit algal growth, so installing metal strips on your roof is an effective way to prevent algae growth. The strips slowly release these metals over time to be washed down your shingles when it rains, protecting your entire roof.
You can also prevent black streaks by minimizing potential environments for algae on your roof. Trim nearby tree branches to let more sunlight hit your roof and clean your gutters to avoid trapped moisture.
If algae has left unsightly stains on your roof, call Top Down Exterior Cleaning today at 863-904-8956 for the roof cleaning Lakeland, FL residents rely on. We’ll scrub away the black streaks so your roof will look like new again.
