Sep 4, 20225 min read

What Are The Black Streaks on My Roof?

Every year more roofs are attacked by a common culprit causing the black streaks in the photo shown above. That roof-damaging criminal is Gloecapsa Magma. Gloecapsa Magma is a bacteria with algae-like traits that is in the gloecapsa genus of Cyanobacteria. These black streaks are the result of gloecapsa magma having the ability to photosynthesize light in order to grow. These streaks aren’t just unsightly, but can cause structural damage to the shingles that is not covered on insurance claims if left untreated. Luckily, there is actions that homeowners and renters can take to prevent this ancient Cyanobacteria from damaging their shingles and remove these hideous streaks from their roof — and Buell Pressure Washing’s cleaning experts are here to help homeowners take control of the biological battlefield taking place on their roofs!

Airborne Roof-Killing Bacteria

Roofs are a breeding ground for Gloecapsa magma due to the limestone content of asphalt shingles. This bacteria travels through the air and eats away at the limestone in your shingles as it travels. When it is eating down into the limestone of the shingles it leaves a black streak on the surface in order to protect itself from the sunlight, and these are the black streaks that you’re seeing on your roof. This bacteria will initially appear on the North side of your roof due to its limited sun exposure that fosters a damp environment, promoting growth of this Gloecapsa magma.

This has become more prominent in recent history due to a decrease in the quality of materials used in manufacturing asphalt composition shingles. In order to save money, shingle manufacturers have begun to include more ”fillers” in the mixtures to create their shingles. These fillers are used to replace the oils within the shingles, which are the most costly component of shingles. What is the most common filler used you ask? Limestone. As mentioned above Gloecapsa magma feeds on limestone, specifically the calcium carbonate that is found in limestone. As the bacteria builds and becomes a noticeable black patch on the roof gravity and rain water carry the spores from this growing bacterial hotspot down the roof, creating the iconic black streaks steadily destroying roofs everywhere. As this bacteria feeds on the limestone that is throughout the shingle is invades the structure of the shingle shortening its life at an exponential rate if not addressed.

What can be done to prevent the invasive nature of Gloecapsa magma from invading your shingles, and degrading the structural integrity of your roof’s first line defenses?

One sure-fire collation to this problem is to contact a professional to provide what is known as a “Roof Soft Wash”. Roof soft washing utilizing a no-pressure soft washing method using specially formulated altitudes and other organic-grime eliminating chemicals to eradicate this harsh, invasive bacteria from your roof! However, when choosing the correct company to take on this task, make sure to do your due diligence and select a respectable, reputable business with the experience to provide excellent results safely — Buell Pressure Washing is that reputable business.

Bacteria Bustin‘ — A Buell Family Tradition

Marvin Buell, the father of Ben Buell, began washing homes in 2011 for his friends and neighbors due to an glaring need for such services on the homes around him. As he begun pressure washing concrete and brick flatwork initially he would often look up to the siding and shingles on the homes he was cleaning and wonder if there was a safe way to clean the bacteria & algae build-up from the home as well. Following months of research Marvin had concocted the most effective, eco-friendly, biodegradable soft washing solution he could. This soft washing solution would evolve to be the exact same solution that his son Ben, the founder and owner of Buell Pressure Washing LLC, would be soft-washing thousands of homes and roofs with in 2021!

Over the 10 year process of creating and building the most respected cleaning company in East Tennessee Ben has seen an exorbitant number of dirty and damaged roofs. Along with hands-on experience Ben used the research skills learned while he obtained his Doctorate of Physical Therapy to do extensively investigate the effects of this invasive bacteria on shingle roofs.

Gloecapsa magma creates a number of issues beyond degrading the structural integrity of your shingles, effectively shortening its lifespan. When degrading the shingles the black streaks replace the asphalt as the outer-most layer of the roof, significantly reducing its ability to reflect approaching UV rays, resulting in a hotter Roof. A higher temperature on the roof results in a higher temperature in the home, which takes more energy to cool, which ultimately results in a higher electric bill, more spending on air conditioning maintenance due to overwork, and sweaty, unhappy homeowners. Along with increasing the cost of living in the home this Gloecapsa magma has invaded, the black streaks on the roof decrease the perceived value of a home, reduce the home’s curb appeal and a homeowner’s pride in their home. The best course of action is to quickly and efficiently eliminate the threat.

The Solution

Fortunately for the residents of East Tennessee, Ben and his team of highly-trained professionals at Buell Pressure Washing have the perfect solution for protecting your roof. Buell Pressure Washing’s roof soft-washing process is specifically designed to remove Gloecapsa magma and other harmful organic irritants from your roof in the safest, most efficient manner. This soft-washing process utilizes the newest technology on the market uses a no pressure application of the tried and true algaecide discussed above to immediately remove the black streaks from your roof! On top of removing the black streaks from your home, this algaecide mixture effectively kills moss and lichen, causing them to lighten and release their harmful root systems. When these root systems have released the various types of moss and lichen will fall off over time.

Additionally, if these harmful bacterial infestations have invaded other areas of the residence, the Professionals over at Buell Pressure Washing have it under control. We offer a wide variety of soft and pressure washing services ranging from roof & house soft-washing to woof soft-washing to concrete & brick pressure washing. Extensively trained professional technicians use our state-of-the-art equipment to guarantee the highest quality of service possible, with the customer service to match!

With over 10 years of experience in the field and over 1,500+ satisfied customers in the greater East Tennessee area, Buell Pressure Washing has the experience to guarantee the best results for your home. Our team is eager to meet you and take care of your needs, you can give us a call at 865-776-9436 or request a quote online here.