Knowing the age of your existing roofing puts you ahead of the game when it comes to determining if you need a replacement. The overwhelming majority of roofs are asphalt shingles, which generally have a life expectancy of about 20 years. Asphalt shingles generally perform better in cooler climates. In warm, southern regions, lifespan of asphalt shingles may be as little as 10 to 12 years. Other types of roofing, such as wood shingle and metal, have considerably longer life expectancies.