Black and green algae stains can cover your home’s exterior surfaces, leaving a slippery mess. Plus, black algae can cause unsightly dark stains across your home’s roof.
Keep reading to find out how green and black algae grows on a variety of outdoor surfaces and how to get rid of algae with our product
What is algae and where does it grow?
There are many species of algae, as algae are a diverse group of simple organisms. Just like plants, these organisms all go through the process of photosynthesis, using sunlight to make food from carbon dioxide and water.
Many species of algae, like the green varieties, are related to plants. Like plants, algae also needs access to lots of water to grow. However, green algae doesn’t have stems, leaves or true roots.
Algae is present in soil, and it sends its spores through the air which the wind is notorious for picking up and depositing onto your roof, deck, driveway, and other places around your home. Algae can grow on multiple surfaces, including your porch, patio, awning, siding, fence, sidewalk, and even on your outdoor furniture.
What’s the difference between black and green algae?
If you have dark streaks on your roof, siding, and other outside areas around your home, they likely caused by a type of black algae called gloeocapsa magma. Gloeocapsa magma is a type of cyanobacterium that can survive cold temperatures, wind and harsh sun.
This is because of its dark pigment and tough outer capsule. The dark pigment makes gloeocapsa magma hardy enough to thrive in places that are too sunny for green algae to grow.
Black algae is a simple growth that can develop on just about any outdoor surface where there is enough moisture, even in the sunny areas. This dark growth stubbornly attaches to surfaces and can be very difficult to clean.
The algae can cause black or gray streaks that seem to run down your roof.
If you have green stains on your deck or siding, it’s probably due to either cholophyta algae “green algae” or a cyanobacterium related to gloeocapsa magma. The green color comes from chlorophyll, which is the same substance that makes plants green.
Green algae is a smooth and slimy growth that can show up anywhere there is moisture and partial shade. It thrives in areas with plenty of water and not much direct sunlight, such as north-facing walls.
Green algae turns everything it touches a deep green and can make surfaces slippery and dangerous to walk on. If left untreated, green algae can completely take over an area.
Does algae damage surfaces?
Algae growth on decks and other walkways will make the surface very slippery. This can cause a hazard for you, your family, and guests.
Algae growth on your roof can not only ruin the appearance of your home, but it can also wear on your shingles over time. As the algae builds up, your roof becomes less reflective and will absorb more sunlight.
The excess of sunlight can increase the amount of heat your roof absorbs. Unfortunately, this means you can expect an increase in cooling costs.
If the algae forms a partnership with fungus, it will develop into lichen, an invasive growth that could cause serious damage to outdoor surfaces.
IF YOU HAVE THIS ISSUE GIVE US A CALL AND WE CAN CLEAN UP YOUR HOME AND RESTORE IT TO ITS NATURAL SHINE
~LUMM GUTTER AND WINDOW CLEANING LLC
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