Final answer:
Moss or mildew on shingle coverings is a clear sign of poor maintenance, indicating excessive moisture and potential decay.
Step-by-step explanation:
Indicators of poor shake or shingle maintenance include moss or mildew on the covering. This is a sign of excessive moisture and potential decay, which is an important aspect of roof upkeep. While lack of proper underlayment and too little overlap can also be considered installation issues contributing to potential maintenance problems, moss or mildew growth is the clearest sign of neglect or the need for maintenance intervention. This is similar to the passage described, where the building's external age and decay are evident despite the lack of structural damage. The fungi, just like moss or mildew on shingles, indicate a long period without proper care or environmental exposure.