Historic Standing Seam Metal Roof Replacement in Mount Pleasant, SC

Nestled in the heart of the Old Village in Mount Pleasant, SC, this historic home — dating back to circa 1850 — required a thoughtful and highly customized roofing solution. The homeowners reached out to RoofServ Charleston to replace their aging cedar shake roof, originally installed in 1992, which had sustained significant wind damage over decades of coastal exposure. With the home located just one row back from the harbor, durability and long-term performance were just as critical as preserving the home’s historic character.

Project At-a-Glance

• Roof Size: ~4,300 sq. ft.
• Roofing System: Standing seam metal roof (hand-crimped)
• Material: .032 aluminum
• Color: Charleston Red
• Coating: PVDF (Kynar) finish
• Manufacturer: Gulf Coast Supply & Manufacturing
• Project Type: Retail (non-insurance)
• Location: Old Village, Mount Pleasant, SC

Challenge: Balancing Historic Aesthetics with Modern Performance

This project presented a unique combination of architectural, environmental, and regulatory challenges. The homeowners were deeply committed to maintaining the historic integrity of their property and specifically requested a traditional hand-crimp standing seam metal roof — avoiding the modern ridge cap typically used in contemporary systems.

However, the existing cedar shake roof relied on ridge venting as part of its ventilation system. A hand-crimped ridge would eliminate this ventilation point entirely, raising concerns about proper attic airflow and the potential for moisture buildup. Additionally, the home’s coastal location exposed it to frequent high winds, salt air, and past hurricane activity, requiring a roofing system that could withstand decades of harsh conditions.

Compounding the complexity, the project required approval from the Town of Mount Pleasant’s Historic District Planning Commission (HDPC), as it involved replacing cedar shake with a non-like-for-like metal roofing system. This added a layer of scrutiny and extended timelines.

Solution: Engineered Ventilation Meets Custom Historic Craftsmanship

RoofServ Charleston approached the project with a focus on precision, education, and collaboration. To address the ventilation challenge, a certified building envelope specialist conducted a detailed attic analysis to determine whether ridge venting could be eliminated without compromising airflow.

The solution involved strategically installing three power vents behind existing gable vents in separate attic zones. This system ensured sufficient air movement to maintain proper ventilation, even with a fully hand-crimped ridge.

Key steps included:

• Conducting a full attic airflow analysis with a certified building envelope specialist
• Designing an alternative ventilation system using three power vents behind gable vents
• Guiding the homeowners through material selection, recommending .032 aluminum for superior corrosion resistance in a salt-air environment
• Selecting a PVDF (Kynar) coating for long-term color retention and durability
• Custom fabricating a Charleston Red hand-crimped standing seam system to meet strict aesthetic goals
• Preparing and presenting a detailed application to the HDPC for approval
• Executing a careful tear-off and installation process to protect landscaping, neighboring properties, and the family’s day-to-day life

The use of aluminum allowed for enhanced longevity in the coastal climate, while the PVDF coating ensured lasting color vibrancy. Gulf Coast Supply & Manufacturing provided the system materials, supporting both product quality and warranty coverage.

Result: A Timeless Roof Built for Generations

The completed roofing system delivers a seamless blend of historic authenticity and modern performance. The hand-crimped standing seam design preserves the home’s traditional character, while the upgraded materials and ventilation system provide long-term protection against coastal weather conditions.

The homeowners now have a roofing system designed to last for decades — aligned with their vision of a “forever home.” Beyond durability, the project brings peace of mind, knowing their investment is protected by both material and workmanship warranties.

Despite a highly competitive bidding environment, RoofServ Charleston’s commitment to education, transparency, and technical precision helped secure the project and deliver a final result that exceeded expectations.

Trust & Proof: Expertise, Craftsmanship, and Long-Term Protection

This project reflects RoofServ Charleston’s ability to navigate complex historic requirements while delivering advanced roofing solutions. From engineering a custom ventilation approach to securing HDPC approval, every step demonstrated a high level of expertise and attention to detail.

The system includes:

• 20-year manufacturer substrate warranty (aluminum)
• 50-year manufacturer coating warranty (PVDF/Kynar)
• 25-year RoofServ workmanship warranty

The homeowners were thrilled with the outcome, particularly the balance between historical accuracy and modern durability. The job site was maintained with exceptional care throughout the process, ensuring minimal disruption to the property, landscaping, and surrounding neighbors.