Although your roof can last anywhere from twenty to forty years or more, if the time has come to get it replaced, the most important decision you will face is to choose a roofing contractor. After major weather events like widespread hail storms or hurricanes, the shysters come out in droves looking to do roof replacements or other home repairs. Whatever you do, do not let one of these people who knock on your door get up on your roof to give you a supposedly free quotation. It is much better to ask colleagues from work or family or friends who had a roofing job done if they can recommend a good roofer. You can also check with the National Roofing Contractors Association and ask for contact information for one of their members in your area. Roofing contractor Birmingham has more information on this subject and others having to do with roofing.