Fungal Growth On Roof Shingles

Most of the stains on the average atlanta roof are the result of algae and not fungus.

Fungal growth on roof shingles.

It s actually just a blue green algae spread by airborne spores. Some moss or fungi development you may see are dark brown or black spots that weaken shakes or shingles. Even if it dries out it can come back to life when rain or moisture appears. A brief history of algae resistant shingles.

Known as black algae or roof mold gloeocapsa magma is usually blamed on dirt accumulation mold and mildew or defective shingles. Some roof shingle materials contain algaecides or fungicides which will also retard moss growth on the roof surface. On an asphalt or possibly some treated wood shingle roofs shingle chemistry is also involved in moss lichens and algae growth or resistance to it. They call it the algaeblock system.

It is easily spread and causes those colorful stains on so many roofs. These kinds of organic growth will degrade cedar roofs much faster than a lot of other roofing issues. Scrubbing or power washing the lichen will only do more damage. Lichen is a photosynthetic fungus that has roots that wrap around the granules feeding on the nutrients of the gm and the filler in the shingles.

You can find more information on these special roofing shingles here. However most of the anti algae products also work in fighting fungal growth. Once on the roof lichen cannot easily be removed. It is important that the product you choose to clean the moss growth does not damage or weaken the cedar itself.