Your climate can affect the wear and tear on your roof. Usually, the area where the slopes from both sides meet, or ridge cap, tends to get the most wear. Leaks in the flashing may cause joints to show wear. Water may seep beneath the flashing from dried out seals. The sun's ultraviolet rays can fade the color from your roof or cause shingles to become brittle. As a result, shingles may be more likely to become loose and be removed by wind. Dry climates can leave your roof exposed to damage from blowing sand. Humid climates have similar weather related problems. Excessive moisture can lead algae that destroys shingles and underlayment. By checking your roof regularly you may be able to prevent potential problems before they require costly repair. Contact a roofing specialist for more information about what parts of a roof wear out first.