What Causes Dark Stains On Roof

Roof leaks are the main cause of water stains on the ceiling.

What causes dark stains on roof.

To identify a roof leak you should look for the obvious factors like missing or damaged shingles roof tiles torn flashings or loose screws on the exterior of the roof. The streaks are caused by a type of algae known as gloeocapsa magma. The solution might involve anything from waterproofing the roof to pruning the trees in your yard. The black streaks running down roofs are actually a hardy algae called gloeocapsa magma.

Other causes of roof discoloration. Once you identify the leak have someone fix it before you intend to remove the water stains so that the stains do. 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. Dark streaks or roof discoloration caused by algae happens in varying degrees across the u s especially in areas exposed to warm humid conditions.

While the streaks do not cause a great deal of damage they can cause the shingle to age prematurely. The algae feed on the limestone in shingles. This job goes much faster if you can borrow or rent a 12 volt diaphram garden sprayer with a large tank and a slew of hose preferably on a reel be sure to wear rubber boots plus gloves and stay upwind while applying. The area can be cleaned and.

The algae feed off of the limestone within the roof shingles. Over time this algae accumulates developing a black outer coating which causes stains on roof shingles. It is most widespread in the eastern united states and is commonly found on roofs with northern exposure. The most common type is known as gloeocapsa magma also known as blue green algae.

The black mold like stains and streaks that appear on roofs particularly light colored asphalt shingles is actually a blue green algae gloeocapsa magma. As the blue green algae accumulate they develop a dark hardened outer coating which results in the black stains you see. Here are some clues to follow. Commonly found in climates with warm humid summers it does no damage to the roofing but it certainly does looks bad.

Quite a few other issues can cause stains on a roof. Rust or chimney soot stains red or brown rust stains around chimneys is a common roof stain.