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What plague infects homes in nearly 80 percent of the United States? The answer is Gloeocapsa Magma.
Gloeocapsa Magma is a species of algae that causes black streaking and discoloration on asphalt/fiberglass shingles. The black staining you see on many roofs is caused by the growth of algae and fungus spoors that land on houses.
Trees do not have to be present for this air-born menace to set up camp on your roof. This alga produces its own energy source and feeds on inorganic materials, such as the materials in shingles. All they need to grow is the nutrients from both the dirt on your roof and the limestone granules on the shingles. Heat and moisture help them turn your whole roof black.
An alga is an organic material and feeds only on inorganic material. Fungus and mildew need organic material to survive. So if you can reduce the algae on your roof, you will also reduce the growth of fungus and mildew. Keeping your roof free of twigs, leaves, and other debris will also help reduce the growth of fungus and mildew. Cleaning and controlling algae and fungus growth can add to the life of your roof.
Roof shingles come in a wide variety of quality levels, as indicated by the prices. The higher quality shingles have been treated to prevent algae and fungus growth. This treatment consists of adding varying amounts of copper and zinc granules and petroleum distillates to the shingles.
If you choose to clean the roof yourself, be careful of products that are just bleach or chlorine. Using this type of product can leave your roof streaked. It also can dry out the shingles and cause premature cracking, leading to a shorter shingle life. Some of these products will also kill grass and shrubbery. Read product labels carefully and follow the application directions. But most of all, be careful when working on the roof because you can cause damage to yourself and the roof.
Another alternative is to call a qualified roof cleaning company. But you still need to ask if the products they use will cause streaking or grass and shrub damage. Roof cleaning companies can also provide preventative maintenance services that can prevent future algae and fungus growth.
