Once a year, examine your roof. if, you do not have to get up on top of the roof to check it out; stand on a vantage point where you can see the entire roof – possibly a neighbor's yard – and scope it out with a pair of binoculars. Look for signs of wear that include shingles that are cracked, broken, curled and missing; rust spots on flashing; moss and lichen growth; and any discoloration and peeling paint under eaves.

Pay special attention to any branches that are touching or within five feet of your roof. In stiff winds even branches that are several feet from your roof can rub against roofing surfaces, wearing away the protective layers, lifting shingles or even puncturing the roofing materials. Trim back all branches. Inside the house, look for dark spots on ceilings and walls – sure signs that moisture is entering your home and that your roofing may have a leak.

If you have asphalt roofing shingles, one of the surest signs of an aging roof is finding piles of granules inside your gutters. These colored mineral granules coat the surface of asphalt shingles and help protect them from sun and hail damage. As the shingles age, these granules loosen and are washed into the gutters.

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.