Long, low roof planes, gutters and tree debris
A ranch roof offers a big, gentle surface. That is good for working on, but it also means a lot of area for hail to hit and for leaves to settle on. Gutters along long eaves fill quickly, and clogged gutters push water back under the shingle edge. Over time that rots the fascia and the first few inches of decking.
Split-level homes introduce lower roof sections that meet the main wall, and the flashing there is a frequent leak point. Attic ventilation is worth checking in houses of this age, since many were built with minimal vents. Poor airflow can bake shingles from beneath in summer and trap moisture in winter, shortening roof life even when the surface looks fine.
