It may not always be the first thing that springs to mind when discussing curb appeal, but your home or business's roof has a lot to do with its looks. If you've noticed black streaks or stains on it, Gloeocapsa Magma may be the reason why.
Gloeocapsa Magma is a species of bacteria that can photosynthesize, photolyze water and produce gases. These microbes feed on calcium carbonate — a common substance found in shingles — and moisture.
As it grows, Gloeocapsa Magma forms a hard “shell” that helps protect it against UV rays, leading it to darken and create black spots. The spots become streaks as your roof sheds rainwater and pulls the spores along with it.
Though it once appeared only in damper climates, Gloeocapsa Magma can now grow throughout the U.S. and Canada. You'll likely see the first signs of a colony on the north side of your roof, where sunlight is the least plentiful.
The increased frequency is partly due to changing shingle compositions introduced by manufacturers. To keep the costs down, many turned to additional materials to replace some of the more expensive oils they were using. Limestone is a popular choice because it's cost-effective and abundant. It also contains a lot of calcium carbonate, which is the primary food for Gloeocapsa Magma.
Yes, and it can happen quickly.
As the colony grows, the older bacteria naturally decompose. These cells retain moisture, which enables the living bacteria to thrive. Rainwater runoff and wildlife then help the algae spread. Plus, the gases the bacteria produce contain airborne spores that travel on the wind and find new homes. These spores can then inhabit other parts of your roof — or your neighbors' — that offer hospitable growth environments.
Untreated Gloeocapsa Magma can lead to several roofing issues as it grows.
Asphalt shingles contain lots of tiny granules that help them do their job protecting your home. These little workhorses shield the shingle's structure from the elements. Shingles naturally shed granules as they age, but a larger loss can expose the material underneath to the weather and lead to roof leaks or other issues.
The black stains and streaks that Gloeocapsa Magma creates reduce your roof's reflectivity. The fungus's dark color leads to more heat absorption, in turn raising the temperature of the building's interior. That extra heat can generate higher costs to cool the space and also force HVAC systems to work harder.
As the bacteria feed over time, they will begin penetrating the shingles' structure. That penetration negatively affects the integrity of your roof, allowing excess moisture to enter. Humidity seeping underneath the shingles and onto the roof deck can quickly lead to rot and premature replacements.
Even newer roofs can grow Gloeocapsa Magma and look like they're older than they actually are. The dark spots are unsightly and can give the impression a building needs to be better maintained. That may lead to a lower perceived value for your home or business.
Gloeocapsa Magma often coexists with other organisms that can be equally as damaging to your roof, like lichens, mold and moss. These biologicals can quickly establish a presence on the shingle's surface, in its slots and along its edges. If left untreated, they may cause the shingles to lift up and raise the risk of roof leaks or wind damage. They can also retain excess moisture that promotes even more algae growth and reduces your roof's life span.
Effective Gloeocapsa Magma removal requires expertise and the right cleansing solution, so partner with a skilled roof-cleaning professional instead of attempting a DIY project. An experienced company can combine soft washing with powerful cleaning agents and algaecides. Typical agents include:
It's worth noting that soft washing is different than pressure washing. With soft washing, professionals use high water volume and detergents with low-pressure deliveries instead of a high-pressure stream that could damage the more sensitive shingle materials. Taking the right precautions before, during and after cleaning also reduces the potential for harm to your building's surrounding vegetation, ensuring it stays healthy and lush.
In short, this process safely removes bacteria, lichen and moss from your roof while restoring its beauty and mitigating the risk of costly damage.
My Guy Services is your go-to guy for soft washing and roof cleaning to help eliminate Gloeocapsa Magma in Indianapolis and the surrounding communities. We've been a trusted maintenance partner to home- and business owners throughout the greater metropolitan area since 2012. Our highly trained team specializes in exterior cleaning to ensure we get the job done right, safely and professionally.
Request a free quote online or by calling us at 317-755-6444.