Why Are My Roof Shingles Turning Black?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Answer. Those black streaks on your roof shingles are most likely an algae called gloeocapsa magma , or as it is more commonly referred to, a blue-green or black algae. Algae is a solid deposit of spores and dirt, another form of mold. ... Do NOT pressure wash your roof; one wrong angle and you can damage the shingles.

How do you remove black stains from asphalt shingles?

A mixture of trisodium phosphate (TSP), bleach, and water will also remove stains. Oxygen bleach lightens stains as well and is less harmful to the environment, but it doesn’t produce as immediate or dramatic an effect as chlorine bleach.

How do I get rid of black mold on my roof?

You may spray wash the roof with 1 part water and 1 part bleach to clean off the algae. Let is sit for around 60 minutes before rinsing. If you find bleach and water solution weak for your moldy roof, you may use trisodium phosphate. Mix a cup of it for every gallon of water.

What causes roof shingles to discolor?

If you have dark streaks or discoloration on your roof shingles, it’s most likely because you live in a high humidity area (like Florida). Those dark streaks and discoloration are caused by a blue-green algae called Gloeocapsa Magma .

Are black roof shingles a bad idea?

Black Roof Shingles Cons

A black roof can cause extra energy use during the hottest part of the day . Increased Heat – Black roof shingles reach higher temperatures than light-colored roof shingles. The extra heat can cause a breakdown of the shingles over time.

Will bleach damage asphalt shingles?

Chlorine bleach / TSP chemical combination can kill plants, and the phosphates hurt the environment. Chlorine bleach also dries out a shingle roof causing curling, and ultimately shortening asphalt roof shingles life.

What is the best cleaner for roof shingles?

of laundry strength liquid chlorine bleach and water . This is the best way to clean a roof if you have asphalt shingles. After spraying the roof with the mixture, allow it to sit on the surface for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.

How expensive is it to remove black mold?

On average, mold removal costs $2,347 , with a typical price range between $1,373 and $3,325 or between $13.33 and $28.33 per square foot. Small mold remediation projects have an average cost of $458, while large-scale remediation averages around $6,333.

How much does a new roof cost?

The national average cost to replace a roof is around $8,000 , with most people spending in the range of $5,500 to $11,000. The two largest variables you’ll deal with on a job like this are the square footage of your home (and thus, your roof), and the type of roofing material you choose.

Will vinegar hurt roof shingles?

A: The insurer should have told you that moss on the roof can cause the shingles to decay, but that will take a long, long time. Yes, vinegar will kill the plants , because vinegar is like acid rain, which can damage any green living thing. Bleach will also kill it. The dead moss will be easier to scrape off.

Does Spray and forget work on roofs?

A: Yes , Spray & Forget will work on almost any exterior surface and actually works faster on these surfaces then on roof surfaces. Apply 5 gallons of water to 1 gallon of Spray & Forget mixture to these surfaces. Green stains will disappear in 1-3 days and black stains in 1-8 weeks. Do not rinse!

When Should roof shingles be replaced?

  1. Composition Shingles: 12-20 years.
  2. Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 years.
  3. Wood Shingles: 20-25 years.
  4. Rubber Roofs: 30-50 years.
  5. Metal Roofs: 50-75 years.

Do black roof shingles make house hotter?

Black and dark-colored roofs.

In general, dark-colored roofing materials will absorb the heat and cause your attic and/or the top of your house to be warmer than a lighter colored material.

Should you use black shingles?

When these roofing materials are tinted with darker colors like black, that absorption of warmth increases even more. ... Milder climates located in the northern U.S. may find greater value in black roof shingles because they can reduce energy costs in the colder days of fall and winter by retaining more heat.

Do black roofs fade?

Asphalt Shingles (Black Roofs)

This material is somewhat durable, but requires frequent maintenance. It cannot withstand very heavy winds, and darker asphalt shingles are prone to fading in direct sunlight . Some asphalt shingles can last around 50 years, but most only last about 20.

Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.