Mold and Algae Types and Causes

A roof can collect more dirt and dust than you think. The roofing system can also develop something that is not pleasing to the eyes. It could be lichens, fungi, mold and anything similar. When the blue green algae take over your roof it leaves dark marks on the surface. It leaves stains on the roof and keeps on growing. The growth will be unstoppable for years unless you ask for professional help.

Residential roofing contractors will always help you to find algae on the roof, know the hazards it can leave to the home and when you need professionals for a deep cleaning. Here at ReRoof America we offer roof replacement, roof repair as well as deep cleaning for algae.

Identify Roof Algae

How would you recognize roof algae? It depends on the problem you are facing. The roof algae make a kind of discoloration on the roof materials. You may find black stains, streaks or green patches of moss growth on the roofing surface. It may also appear similar to the mold spots and create a misconception. Mold growth can happen when water is trapped somewhere in the roof. Here are the common signs of finding roof algae –

• Black streaks

• White or green spots

• Moses

• Round lichens

• Large patches of green moss

Causes of Roof Algae

This is a type of non-aquatic flowering plant without any roots like other plants. It develops in certain environments. It grows well in humid environment where it gets a good combination of moisture and heat. It grows well in damp ad shady areas like under the large trees. It also needs nutrients for surviving.

Common Algae Types

The roof bacteria can appear or grow in multiple forms. You may confuse moss, mold or mildew growth with roof algae. The algae generally have a blackish green hue. It grows often on the wood surface, concrete tiles or asphalt shingle surface when they do not get sunlight. The most common roof algae type is Gloeocapsa magma, this is a kind of bacterium that pushes put oxygen and consumes water. It makes the black stains appear on the roofing surface. These stains are algae buildup that prevents bacterial from sun exposure and burning.

Roof lichen is a combination of fungus and algae. Depending on each other these two kind of grow living organisms. Lichens use their roots to get attached to the shingles therefore, it becomes tough to remove. When this is not treated the lichens can destroy the top layers of the shingles. It will create a permanent scar on the roof. Roof moss is similar to the lichen and it has elements like roots which help it to get attached to the shingles. The moss roots are known as rhizoids and they can anchor themselves to the roof.

Mold is as well as not a healthy growth on the roof. The roof mold appears to be brown or black patches that is slimy and has foul smell. The mold can appear in the places where the roof has water or moisture trapped. Mildew like mold also grows in damp areas and cause severe health issues like allergy. Mildew has a powdery appearance and it has many colors like black or pink.

If find such signs on the roof, immediately call roofing contractors. As mentioned earlier, ReRoof America is there for you for any roofing requirements.