Wood shingles can last between 15 and 40 years. Their durability depends on your climate, their exposure to the weather, and the slope of your roof. As a rule, the steeper a roof, the longer the material will last because water won't pool and ice and snow won't accumulate and damage the wood.

If your roof is leaking, or you suspect you have cracked or damaged shingles caused by a recent severe storm, check your roof for curled, broken, or split shingles.

Wind and rain can erode shingles and cause them to lift from the roof. You can also go into your attic and look for signs of water--either dampness or stains.

If only a few shingles are damaged, repair or replace them. If many shingles are broken, you may need to replace the entire roof.

Don't attempt to work on your roof if it is steeply pitched or when it's raining; don't even go onto your roof if it's slightly damp. Instead, work in calm, reasonably warm weather.

Limit how much you walk on your roof to prevent causing more damage. If you have any doubts about the safety of going onto your roof, call a roofing contractor to do the work.

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