When you find a leak in your roof, you will have to repair that section of your roof, and it may be time to completely reroof your house. You should roof your house with new shingles about once every 10 years. When roofing your house, or hiring a roofing specialist, it is imperative that you have some form of roof top fall protection. Many times this comes in the form of a safety railing that can be placed around the perimeter of the roof. Also wear a hard hat and even knee and elbow pads for extra safety and protection.