Historic Charleston roofing
Roofing for Historic Charleston Homes
Powell Roofing repairs and replaces roofs on historic Charleston homes, and we work within the city's Board of Architectural Review rules for historic roofs. On the peninsula, the right roof is not only about keeping water out. It has to match the house, and in most of downtown it has to be approved before work starts.
- 425+ five-star Google reviews
- CertainTeed ShingleMaster PREMIER
- SC License #47525
- Since 2005
CertainTeedShingleMaster PREMIER
At a glance
Powell Roofing LLC repairs and replaces roofs on historic homes on the Charleston peninsula, and has worked on Lowcountry roofs since 2005. Owner James Powell (SC License #47525) and his crew work within the City of Charleston's Board of Architectural Review roofing policy, which favors repair over replacement and matching historic materials such as standing seam metal and slate. Call (843) 270-2421, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
- In business since
- August 2005
- CertainTeed
- ShingleMaster PREMIER
- Workmanship warranty
- 10 yrs, or 30 with 5-STAR
- Combined experience
- 66+ years
You deal directly with owner James Powell (SC License #47525) and a crew that has worked on Lowcountry roofs since 2005. We inspect the roof, show you photos, and put the price in writing before any work starts.
Recognized by our manufacturer, local readers and homeowners
What roofing work does Powell do on historic Charleston homes?
Standing seam metal roofs
Repair and replacement with traditional hand-crimped seams. See metal roofing.
Slate repair
Replacing broken or slipped slates and repairing flashing.
Flashing and chimney work
The most common source of leaks on older roofs.
Roof repair and replacement on newer and non-historic homes
Shingle and metal. See roof repair in Charleston and roof replacement in Charleston.
Commercial and mixed-use buildings
Low-slope and metal roofs. See commercial roofing.
Does a downtown Charleston roof need BAR approval?
Often, yes. The City of Charleston's Board of Architectural Review has a written policy for historic roofing that applies in the Old and Historic District and the Old City District. The BAR's reach also covers buildings 50 years or older south of Mount Pleasant Street and Landmark Overlay properties.
Not every job goes in front of the Board. Some in-kind replacements can be approved by city staff, and the city decides the level of review. A roof plan is part of the submittal. Building permits come from the city's Permit Center, after any review is done.
We help you put the submittal together and pull the permit.
What does the BAR roofing policy require?
The policy is short, and it shapes every historic roof job downtown:
- Repair first. Historic roofs should be repaired rather than replaced unless you can document that they cannot reasonably be repaired.
- Match the material. A replacement should match the historic material. Where terne metal is not available, aluminum or coated copper can stand in.
- Hand-crimped seams. Standing seam metal roofs need traditional hand-crimped detailing. Snap-lock and commercial-grade panels are not allowed.
- No fake slate. Synthetic materials such as artificial slate or tile are generally not appropriate.
- Higher scrutiny for the most significant buildings. Category 1 and 2 buildings get a higher level of review.
In practice this means a roofer who sells only architectural shingles is the wrong call for most historic peninsula homes.
What roof types are on historic Charleston homes?
The BAR names slate, standing seam metal, wood shingle and tile as the character-defining historic roof types, and terne is the historic metal its policy refers to. Each needs a different repair approach, and none of them should be patched with roofing cement and left.
What Hurricane Hugo taught Charleston about roofs
When Hugo hit in 1989, up to 80 percent of roofs in the city of Charleston were damaged, according to the National Weather Service. The causes it named were poor installation, poor maintenance and aged roofing materials, not just the storm. Sheet metal roofs peeled back from the edges.
That is why we pay the most attention to edges, seams and flashing on older roofs. Those are where wind gets its first grip.
Peninsula neighborhoods we work in
In the 29401 and 29403 ZIP codes:
South of Broad, the French Quarter and Ansonborough
Inside the Old and Historic District, where the BAR roofing policy applies.
Harleston Village and Radcliffeborough
Older homes with complicated roof lines, chimneys and porch roofs.
Cannonborough-Elliotborough and Mazyck-Wraggborough
Dense older blocks where access and neighbor protection take planning.
Wagener Terrace and Hampton Park Terrace
On the upper peninsula, north of the oldest historic core.
Roof replacement warranty
What warranty comes with a new shingle roof in Charleston?
Every Powell Roofing replacement comes with our 10-year workmanship warranty. Upgrade to CertainTeed's SureStart PLUS 5-STAR warranty and your roof is covered for up to 50 years on single-family homes for materials, labor, tear-off and disposal if there's ever a shingle defect, with no proration. Workmanship coverage extends to 30 years. As a CertainTeed ShingleMaster PREMIER contractor, we're one of the few roofers authorized to offer it. Pricing for the upgrade is included in your free estimate.
| Standard CertainTeed warranty | SureStart PLUS 5-STAR (through Powell) | |
|---|---|---|
| Full coverage (materials and labor) | First 5 or 10 years, by shingle line | Up to 50 years (single-family homes) |
| After that | Prorated, materials only | Stays at full coverage |
| Tear-off and disposal | Lifetime A lines only, during SureStart | Covered for the full term |
| Workmanship | Powell Roofing, 10 years | 30 years |
| What it takes | Any CertainTeed shingle | Full CertainTeed Integrity Roof System, all metal flashings replaced, ShingleMaster PREMIER installer |
Warranty terms apply to shingle roof replacements, not repairs, gutters or siding. Under 5-STAR, townhomes, condos, churches and commercial buildings are covered up to 30 years rather than 50. Because 5-STAR requires new step, sidewall, chimney and skylight flashing, a 5-STAR quote always includes it.
From our project files
Before, during and after a Powell Roofing metal roof
One of our standing seam metal replacements, photographed from above at each stage.
Why Charleston homeowners call Powell Roofing
- Owner-operated by James Powell, SC License #47525. James has been roofing for 26 years and founded Powell Roofing in August 2005.
- CertainTeed ShingleMaster PREMIER. Only ShingleMaster PREMIER contractors can offer CertainTeed's SureStart PLUS 5-STAR warranty.
- 10-year Powell Roofing workmanship warranty on every roof replacement, extendable to 30 years with 5-STAR.
- Fully insured with workers' compensation and general liability coverage up to $1 million.
- 66+ years of combined experience across our roofing and office team.
- A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, accredited since 2014.
- Every estimate is written up by our team after we look at your roof. Nothing is automated.
- 425+ five-star reviews on Google from Lowcountry homeowners.
- James PowellOwner26 years in roofing
- Brad WarnerSales Rep26 years in roofing
- Jennifer PowellOffice Administrator10+ years with Powell
- LeeAnne MurrayCustomer Service and Office Manager4 years with Powell
Not downtown?
For homes elsewhere in Charleston, see roof replacement in Charleston and roof repair in Charleston. We also work in Mount Pleasant, North Charleston and across all the areas we serve.
Straight answers
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question? Call us at (843) 270-2421, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Do I need BAR approval to replace a roof in downtown Charleston?
Often, yes. In the Old and Historic District and the Old City District, the city's Board of Architectural Review policy on historic roofing applies, and some in-kind replacements can be approved by staff while others go to the Board. The city decides the level of review, so check before you order materials.
Can I replace a historic slate or metal roof with asphalt shingles in Charleston?
Usually not on a historic roof. The BAR's roofing policy says historic roofs should be repaired rather than replaced where possible, and replacements should match the historic material. It also says synthetic slate and tile are generally not appropriate.
What kind of metal roof does the BAR allow?
The BAR's policy calls for standing seam metal roofs with traditional hand-crimped seams. Snap-lock and commercial-grade panels are not allowed on historic buildings. Aluminum or coated copper can stand in where terne is not available.
What roof types are common on historic Charleston homes?
Slate, standing seam metal, wood shingle and tile are the historic roof types the city's review board names. Terne is the historic metal its roofing policy refers to.
How many Charleston roofs did Hurricane Hugo damage?
The National Weather Service reports that up to 80 percent of roofs in the city of Charleston were damaged by Hugo in 1989. It pointed to poor installation, poor maintenance and aged roofing materials, and noted that sheet metal roofs peeled back from the edges.
Who issues roofing permits in the City of Charleston?
The City of Charleston issues residential and commercial roofing permits through its Permit Center. In historic districts, BAR or staff approval comes first when it applies. We handle both steps for your job.
Questions about BAR review or your roof?
Call and talk to us directly, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Powell Roofing LLC
4082 Exploration Rd, Ladson, SC 29456
(843) 270-2421 · Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
50 Years of Experience, Guaranteed Free Estimates
Built strong, energy-efficient, and weather-ready - that's our promise with every product.
Our Core Values
Here at Powell Roofing
Experience
At Powell Roofing in Charleston, SC, expect seasoned professionals with extensive industry experience. Our roofing contractors bring years of expertise to every project, ensuring that your roofing needs are handled with skill and proficiency.
Quality
When you choose Powell Roofing, expect nothing but the highest quality materials and workmanship. We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our services, from initial assessment to final installation or repair. Your satisfaction and the longevity of your roof are our top priorities.
Certified
At Powell Roofing, we take pride in our certifications and accreditations, ensuring that our team is trained and qualified to meet industry standards. Our certifications guarantee that you receive top-notch service and peace of mind knowing that your roofing project is in capable hands.
Locally Owned
As a locally owned and operated business, Powell Roofing is deeply rooted in the Charleston, SC community. When you work with us, you’re supporting local businesses and investing in the success of our community. Expect personalized attention, prompt service, and a commitment to exceeding your expectations, every step of the way.
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