Targeted Roof Restoration in Charleston’s Historic District

• Location: Downtown Charleston, SC
• Property Type: Historic Residential Home
• Roof Type: Hand-crimped standing seam metal (installed ~1980)

The Challenge

A homeowner in Charleston’s historic district contacted RoofServ after experiencing four active leaks throughout their home:

• Two leaks on the third floor (office)
• One leak in the second-floor master closet
• One leak in the first-floor TV room

Given the age of the roof (~46 years old) and prior recoating (last done in 1989), the initial assumption could have easily been full roof replacement. However, our team conducted a detailed investigation to identify the true root causes.

Findings

Upon inspection, our team identified multiple contributing issues:

1. Improper HVAC Mounting (Primary Cause – 3 Leaks)

• Three rooftop HVAC units were mounted on 4×4 lumber installed perpendicular to the roof slope
• This created water damming, allowing rainwater to pool behind the lumber
• Over time, standing water degraded the protective coating, penetrated metal seams, and caused extensive wood rot beneath the roof system

This directly accounted for both third-floor leaks and the second-floor master closet leak.

2. Rear Roof Separation (Cause – 1 Leak)

• At the rear of the home, the metal roof had separated from the drip edge
• This allowed water intrusion into the first-floor TV room

3. Front Roof Coating Failure (Preventative Concern)

• The front section showed severely cracked and failing coating
• The steel substrate was exposed to salt air and wind-driven rain, resulting in active rusting — though no leaks yet

The Solution

Rather than recommending a costly full roof replacement, RoofServ designed a targeted, multi-phase restoration plan:

Section 1: Front Roof

• Apply new protective coating system
• Reseal and extend lifespan of existing metal

Section 2: HVAC Areas (Critical Repair)

• Full replacement of two affected roof sections
• Install new hand-crimped standing seam metal
• Correct structural issues caused by water damage
• Coordinate with HVAC contractor for temporary unit removal and proper reinstallation

Section 3: Rear Roof

• Repair and reseal detached drip edge connection
• Eliminate active leak source

The Outcome

This customized approach will:

• Eliminate all active leaks
• Restore structural integrity in compromised areas
• Preserve viable portions of the existing roof
• Save the homeowner significant cost vs. full replacement
• Deliver a fully watertight system before hurricane season

Why This Matters

In historic cities like Charleston, roofing challenges are rarely one-size-fits-all. This project highlights RoofServ’s commitment to:

• Diagnosing root causes — not just symptoms
• Designing tailored solutions for each roof section
• Balancing performance, preservation, and cost-efficiency
• Treating every home like it’s our neighbor’s — because it is

Project Timeline: Completion scheduled within the next few weeks to ensure the home is protected ahead of hurricane season.

RoofServ — Protecting Charleston Homes with Precision, Not Shortcuts.