What Are the Black Streaks On My Roof?
Living Organisms
Those black streaks aren't dirt or soot; they are a hardy algae called Gloeocapsa Magma that feeds on your shingles.
Structural Damage
Left untreated, this algae eats the limestone filler in your roof, causing premature granule loss and shingle decay.
Higher Costs
Dark streaks absorb heat, significantly increasing your attic temperature and forcing your AC to work harder.
The Cure
Our soft wash treatment kills the algae at the root, restoring your roof's appearance without the risk of high pressure.
Meet the Culprit: Gloeocapsa Magma
If you’ve noticed dark, vertical streaks on your shingles, you aren’t looking at dirt, soot, or bird droppings. You are likely looking at a hardy form of algae called Gloeocapsa Magma. Gloeocapsa Magma is a cyanobacteria that travels through the air as spores. It thrives in moisture and humidity, which is why you’ll often see these streaks on the north side of the house or under heavy tree cover where the sun doesn't reach as often.
Why Is It Eating My Roof?
Modern asphalt shingles contain limestone as a filler to add weight and durability. Unfortunately, limestone is the primary food source for Gloeocapsa Magma.
As the algae feeds on the limestone, it:
Weakens the Shingles: It causes the protective granules to detach.
Retains Heat: The black color absorbs UV rays, turning your attic into an oven and raising your cooling costs.
Shortens Roof Life: Left untreated, it can shave years off the lifespan of your roof.
Is It Just an Aesthetic Problem?
While the streaks are an eyesore that kills your home's curb appeal, the damage goes deeper than looks.
Lichen and Moss: The algae creates a base layer for more destructive growth. Once moss or lichen takes hold, their roots (rhizoids) dig into the shingle, causing permanent "pitting."
Home Inspections: If you are trying to sell your home, these streaks are often flagged by inspectors as "organic growth," which can lead to buyers demanding a full roof replacement.
The Solution: Why We Don't "Scrub" or "Blast" It
Because these streaks are a living organism, you can't just wash them away with water.
Pressure Washing is Dangerous: High pressure will blast away the shingles' protective granules along with the algae, essentially "aging" your roof 10 years in 10 minutes.
Soft Washing is the Cure: We use an Algaecide treatment that kills the bacteria at the root
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are the streaks permanent?
A. No. With a professional soft wash treatment, the black streaks usually disappear instantly. If moss or lichen is present, they will turn white and fall off naturally over the following weeks.
Q. Will the streaks come back?
A. Eventually, new spores will land on your roof. However, our treatment includes a residual inhibitor that keeps the roof clean for significantly longer than a standard water-only wash.
Q. Does my whole roof need to be cleaned?
A. Even if you only see streaks on one side, the spores are likely present across the entire surface. We recommend treating the whole roof to ensure a uniform look and to prevent the algae from quickly migrating back to the clean areas.
SPRING CLEANING SPECIAL:
20% off any add-on services *
* Buy one service at full price, receive 20% off any additional services of equal or lesser value. Must be scheduled on the same visit. Cannot be combined with any other offers.