09/01/2026
Some insurance companies are now inspecting the roofs of their policyholders to see if there are overhanging limbs, organic growth like Gloeocapsa Magma algae, moss, and lichen growing on the shingles. They are requiring the overhanging limbs to be removed and organic growth to be removed.
How does Gloeocapsa Magma algae reduce the life of a shingle?
The most predominant filler used in shingles, because it is so plentiful and inexpensive, is limestone. It is the calcium carbonate in limestone that Gloeocapsa Magma algae really likes to feed off of, along with moisture that naturally collects on a roof’s surface. Once the algae growth becomes noticeable as those dark streaks on the roof, gravity and rain water carry the spores down the roof, causing the commonly seen pattern of streaks extending downward on the roof. Gloeocapsa Magma is not harmful or dangerous alone, but as the algae feeds off of the calcium carbonate in the limestone, it will eventually reduce the integrity of the shingles.
If your home needs a roof cleaning, exterior house cleaning, driveway cleaning or any of the other cleaning services that we offer, let us know and we will come to your home and give you a free estimate.
