How Often Do You Need To Replace Your Roof?

Katelyn Lewis • November 8, 2022

How often you should replace your roof depends on its age, type, weathering, and ventilation. 

weathering, and ventilation

Let’s say you have an asphalt shingle roof. In Richmond, most asphalt shingle roofs last between 17 and 25 years old, depending on the type of shingle. If you have a 3-tab, or flat-looking, shingle, its age range is lower – about 15 to 20 years – while an architectural, dimensional-looking shingle can last up to 25 or even 30 years. Plus, if your roof isn’t properly ventilated, it can prematurely age your shingles by making them unable to “breathe.”


Meanwhile, a metal roof will last you at least twice as long as its asphalt shingle counterpart, especially if you maintain it well with proper recoatings. And a natural slate roof is super durable, with the nails holding its tiles in place often rusting out well before the slate needs to be replaced. In this case, you’d likely replace the nails, not the roofing material, unless any tiles are broken. 


You also have to consider Mother Nature’s curveballs. If any hail storms, hurricanes, or other severe wind or weather events have occurred, they may have worn down your roof prematurely. 


Whether or not you know your roof needs to be replaced, Retex Roofing & Exteriors is here to help. We offer complimentary roof assessments in which we examine your roof and provide you with the knowledge needed to make the best decision to protect your home.


Eliminate the guesswork. Call us at 804-258-6300 or click the button below for a complimentary roof assessment today.

New Button
RETEX’s Mark Erickson poses for a photo on a ladder at a house in North Chesterfield.
By Katelyn Lewis August 1, 2025
Mark Erickson was our first-ever hire for RETEX, and man – did we strike gold.
A RETEX worker carries a new window up a ladder for installation at a North Chesterfield home.
By Katelyn Lewis July 30, 2025
We break down the key factors to help you make the smart choice for your home and budget.
Photo of RETEX’s Mark Scarpino relaxing in a pool tube during our 2025 RETEX team pool party.
By Katelyn Lewis July 29, 2025
We're so happy we got the chance to hang with our team and their families at our RETEX pool party on Saturday, July 26.
RETEX roof replacement in Fredericksburg, VA 22406 with Tamko Heritage
By Katelyn Lewis July 25, 2025
This Fredericksburg homeowner reached out to RETEX in April 2025 looking for a roof replacement quote for a home he was selling by the end of the month.
RETEX's Josh Lewis holds Albus Lewis in front of a RETEX truck.
By Katelyn Lewis July 17, 2025
Josh Lewis is the leader of our mighty team orchestrating our branch management, sales, and production teams while planning for our company’s future growth.
RETEX Cedar shake roof replacement in Fredericksburg, VA 22401, December 2024.
By Katelyn Lewis July 11, 2025
This Fredericksburg homeowner reached out to RETEX in October 2024 for an estimate for replacing his shake roof with natural cedar shakes.
Chris dressed as a bad contractor
By Katelyn Lewis July 9, 2025
While some of these contractors might be reputable, others — known as “storm chasers” — follow severe weather events, hoping to cash in on vulnerable homeowners.
Fireworks for 4th of July.
By Katelyn Lewis July 4, 2025
We will be closed on Friday, July 4, and Saturday, July 5, in observance of the holiday.
RETEX crew installs windows on North Chesterfield VA home.
By Derrick Tittsworth July 2, 2025
Online pricing calculators and AI tools are great for ballpark numbers, but they don’t know the local labor market and specific window options for your home.
Repair Team Bravo (Scott Gibson and Patrick Nelson) stand in front of a RETEX Repair van.
By Katelyn Lewis June 26, 2025
Scott Gibson serves on our Repair Team Bravo. Scott works with Patrick every day to repair shingle roofs and repoint chimneys and brick for our customers. Scott’s been with RETEX since August 2023, and this year he and Patrick have headed our same-day repair services.