Most residential and many commercial roofs use either asphalt shingles or metal sheets as the exterior layer. This layer is the most prone to damage, so it’s a good idea to perform a visual inspection periodically to ensure there are no missing shingles, signs of rust on metal, or other hazards. Typically, asphalt shingles last around 15-20 years and metal roofing lasts as long as 50-75 years.