Beyond A Leak, How Do You Know When It's Time To Replace Your Flat Roof?

Katelyn Lewis • February 16, 2023
Image of damaged, old flat roof on Richmond VA home. Photo captured by RETEX's Caleb Kammerling
flat roof

Beyond experiencing a leak, how do you know if you need to replace your flat roof?

Flat roofs have a near-zero pitch, and they're common on sunrooms, additions, and homes in downtown Richmond, like the one pictured. Retex's Caleb Kammerling captured these photos during a flat roof assessment back in August 2022.


The homeowner wanted some roof repairs, though he noticed cracking before we came out. Sometimes referred to as "roof alligatoring" (love that term 🐊), cracking on a flat roof occurs as it ages, due to the sun's UV rays drying out the membrane.


In this homeowner's case, Caleb recommended a full TPO roof replacement after documenting the extensive cracking all over the flat roof.


If you have a flat roof nearing the 15-year mark, or you're experiencing a leak with your flat roof, give Retex a call – 804-258-6300 – to schedule a complimentary roof assessment today.


Our Roofing Services
RETEX Roof replacement in Fredericksburg VA, Owens Corning Williamsburg Gray
By Katelyn Lewis February 6, 2026
This Fredericksburg homeowner reached out to RETEX in July 2024 after noticing a leak return after an initial repair with another company.
Flat roof replacement in Richmond VA
By Katelyn Lewis February 4, 2026
Flat roofs are a common roof type throughout Richmond, whether for a whole home or on small additions with low pitches.
RETEX roof repair and gutter guard installation for Chesterfield VA home
By Katelyn Lewis February 3, 2026
Chesterfield homeowner Andrew Grider reached out in November 2025 for an estimate to repair his shed’s roof and install gutter guards on his home.
siding replacement in north chesterfield va
By Katelyn Lewis January 29, 2026
It’s winter so we’re taking advantage of the snow in these install pictures to share a recent siding installation project.
Clogged gutter.
By Katelyn Lewis January 28, 2026
Ice dams don’t start on your roof; they typically start in your gutters.
RETEX's Chris Spahr, Mark Scarpino, Katelyn Lewis, Andy Connor, and Mark Erickson at the CFBOC.
By Katelyn Lewis January 26, 2026
RETEX's Chris Spahr, Mark Scarpino, Katelyn Lewis, Andy Connor, and Mark Erickson volunteered at the Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center on Jan. 23.
Roof Replacement in Fredericksburg, VA – Owens Corning Duration
By Katelyn Lewis January 23, 2026
This Fredericksburg homeowner reached out to RETEX for a roof replacement quote in August 2024 after being referred to us by his neighbor.
By Katelyn Lewis January 21, 2026
Snow looks cozy… until it starts sitting on your roof for weeks.
RETEX's Robert Greene stands in front of RETEX truck.
By Katelyn Lewis January 20, 2026
Robert Greene joined us in the spring of 2025 to launch our youngest branch, serving the Charlottesville community.
MLK Jr. Statue in Washington DC
By Katelyn Lewis January 19, 2026
Today we’re celebrating the extraordinary life of activist and humanitarian Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.