Roof algae
Those black streaks running down your asphalt shingles aren’t mold or damage, they’re most likely the roof algae known as Gloeocapsa Magma. While this algae isn’t an immediate threat, it will prematurely age your shingles, so will need to dealt with.
Many people assume that the black streaks running down their roof shingles are some kind of mold or mildew, which isn’t isn’t the case. Instead, the likely culprit is the roof algae known as Gloeocapsa Magma, which is spread by airborne spores. This algae starts off as an aesthetic nuisance, but given time it will prematurely age your shingles so it will need to be taken care of.
Roof algae requires a moisture-rich environment, so areas of the roof with a lot of shade and dew are more likely to show the first signs of infestation. Because it is an airborne spore, if one neighbor gets some, soon the whole neighborhood will. There are ways to treat your roof, which we will be more than happy to help you with, but treatment is almost always temporary.
For improved protection, call us to discuss installing metal strips that will prevent algae growth, or algae-resistant shingles.