What is the Best Roof For a Charleston, SC Home?

Charleston Climate

Charleston is renowned as a vacation destination due to its natural beauty and tropical weather. The tropical conditions in Charleston are comparable to those of the Caribbean, with mostly sunny skies and temperatures reaching into the 90s during the summer months. With this tropical sunshine come tropical rains and storms, including named storms and hurricanes. Additionally, the Charleston winds carry a high salt content, distributing salt up to 50 miles inland. Though the summer weather in Charleston is longer than in most places, the city also experiences all four seasons, with winter temperatures occasionally dropping into the 20s. Every year, it gets cold enough to snow in Charleston. Despite the occasional cold snap, the mild winter weather offers a welcome break from the intense summer heat, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the charm and beauty of this historic city year-round.

Picking a New Roof in Charleston?

You came to this blog to find out which roof is the best for Charleston, so why are we talking about the weather? We are discussing weather because the environment plays the biggest role in determining which components will create the best roof system for you. Factors such as the amount of rain, the level of heat the components must resist, the area's humidity, the need for protection against snow and ice, and the force of winds the roof system is expected to withstand are all crucial considerations. 

In this blog, I’ll break down how these factors come together in Charleston to create a particularly harsh environment for roofs and what we at Transform Charleston recommend as the best roof systems for a healthy home. We will explore three levels: the shingle roof system, the metal roof system, and the composite system. Each has its advantages and disadvantages and will be affected by different aspects of Charleston's environment. Learn more about Charleston's climate in this article by Climate Check.

The Most Important Question When Picking A New Roof

The most important question when deciding on a new roof is, is this home a forever home? The length of time you plan to live in the home matters because it directly affects your return on investment (ROI) on a new roof system. According to Forbes, the average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is 15-30 years in the United States, but according to State Farm shingle roofs last a definitive 20 years. Due to Charleston being located in a harsher climate, the average lifespan of a Shingle Roof is more likely on the lower end of that national average, closer to the 15-18 year range. Charleston’s harsh UV exposure, excessive moisture, consistent strong storms, and high winds are all reasons why there is a reduced lifespan for shingle roofs in this area. Now in contrast, according to Architectural Digest, metal and composite roofs can last 50 to 80 years without fading or cracking and require little to no ongoing maintenance. That is a 2.5-4x longer lifespan than an asphalt shingle roof system. For a more in-depth look at ROI on the different roof systems check out our comparison blog.

Why the Shingle Roof Would Be the Best Roof for You

Asphalt shingle roofs are usually half the price of a metal roof or composite roof, making them the best economic system for a Charleston resident. As an added benefit, they have the least complicated installation, so they are completed faster than other roof systems. Shingle roofs make the most sense if you plan to stay in the home for 10 years or less. This is because the average shingle roof in Charleston is estimated to last 15 to 18 years. To get the best return on investment (ROI), it is best to sell before or at the 10-year mark. If you wait any longer, you are nearing the end of the roof's lifespan. Additionally, insurance companies are increasingly reluctant to insure shingle roofs after 15 years. ABC News reports that in Florida, insurance companies will not insure a shingle roof over 15 years old. Homes For Sale Listing notes that this practice is spreading throughout the Southeast, impacting homeowners in Charleston. Shingle roofs are a great choice for anyone planning to sell within 10 years, but not ideal for those planning to stay in their home long-term because you will end up needing a new roof within 20 years effectively costing you the same amount of money or more. This would be especially frustrating when factoring in that metal and composite roofs can have lifespans past 70 years. Now that you understand the economic side, let's look at what shingle roofing systems offer the best protection.

The ideal shingle for Charleston would protect your roof from strong winds, intense heat, constant rain, and algae. While most shingles do a good job of protecting against strong winds, heat, and rain, few offer protection against algae. Algae on your roof may seem like a minor issue, but it can destroy shingles and expose your roof to the elements. The specific algae that grows on shingles is called Gloeocapsa magma. It appears as black streaks on roofs but is actually a blue-greenish color. This algae consumes limestone, a component of asphalt shingles. Once it begins to grow, it cannot be stopped and will spread to other shingles, causing them to fail prematurely.

The shingles that provide the best protection in Charleston’s climate are Atlas shingles. Atlas shingles are made with technology that resists algae so effectively that they offer a lifetime algae warranty. They also offer the highest impact rating (class 4), the highest fire rating (class A), and excellent wind resistance, withstanding winds stronger than 150 mph. For more information about Atlas shingles, check out our blog on all things Atlas Shingles.

Shingle roofs are the most economical choice for roofing systems in Charleston for a shorter periods of time. Their ease of installation and cost-effectiveness make them an attractive option for homeowners. To withstand Charleston's harsh climate, Atlas shingles offer the greatest protection, providing a combination of durability, resistance to algae, and the ability to endure strong winds and intense heat. By choosing high-quality shingles like Atlas, you not only ensure the longevity and reliability of your roof but also enhance the overall value and appeal of your home. Investing in the right roofing system can give you peace of mind and safeguard your property against the elements, making it a wise decision for any homeowner in Charleston.

Why A Metal Roof Would Be the Best Roof For You

Metal roofs are exactly what they sound like—a roof system created from metal. They are a great option because they’re extremely durable and have incredible longevity, with some lasting as long as 80 years. In the roofing world, this is known as a "forever roof," making it an excellent choice for your forever home or if you plan to live in a home for 10 years or longer.

The standing seam metal roof system is the most popular metal roof on the market. Its distinctive ridges across the roofline have made it a popular choice worldwide. Known for its great durability, the standing seam metal roof boasts the highest impact rating. Metal roofs are also renowned for their ability to withstand harsh environments, including extreme heat, blistering cold, the weight of ice and snow, and being fireproof. You might think that Charleston's extreme heat would make a metal roof hotter, but on the contrary, metal roofs help cool down the temperature of the home. 

It's time to talk about the ROI that metal roofs offer homeowners. Standing seam metal roofs are a luxury option, often costing double or more than shingle roofs. However, if you had a metal roof that lasted only 50 years, you would spend less money over time on the metal roof than you would on the three shingle roof replacements needed during that period. Installing a metal roof on your home instantly increases its value. Savvy homebuyers often inquire about the age of the roof, and for those with metal roof systems, a 30-year-old roof is still considered young. Additionally, metal roofs help lower energy costs by keeping your system cool. Here is an article by the Department of Defense about how materials like metal help homeowners save on energy costs.

Charleston’s environment presents one significant disadvantage for metal roofs—its salt-filled winds. Salt is highly corrosive to metals, so much so that some companies will not allow the installation of a metal roof within 1,500 feet of the coastline. Using the wrong metals too close to the coastline can result in a metal roof lasting only 10 years. However, there is a saving grace: if you choose stainless steel or aluminum for your roof, you will have no issues with salt corrosion, even on the coastline. Galvalume is the least expensive metal on the market for metal roofs, making it a popular option even in Charleston. Unfortunately, this has led to premature roofing failures due to salt corrosion. We don’t recommend anyone in Charleston choose anything other than stainless steel or aluminum for their roofs, even if they are farther than 1,500 feet from the coastline. Here is an article showing that coastline winds in Charleston can push salt as far as 50 miles inland.

Being a lifetime roof system, standing seam metal roofs offer many benefits. They are extremely durable in Charleston’s environment and provide incredible longevity. Installing a metal roof instantly increases your home’s value and offers a significant advantage if you ever decide to sell your home. Not to mention, they add sought-after curb appeal. If these benefits align with your needs, then a metal roof is the right choice for you.

Why A Composite Roof Would Be Best For You

 Composite roofing is another luxury option with pricing and longevity comparable to metal roofs. Composite roofs are highly durable, with the highest impact rating (class 4), extreme fire resistance (class A), and the ability to withstand hurricane-force winds. The best in composite roofing is the Brava tile. With a lifespan of over 80 years, Brava tile is a "forever" product, making it an excellent option if you plan to stay in your home for more than 10 years.

Most composite materials are made of plastic, which becomes more brittle when exposed to UV rays from direct sunlight. However, Brava tile is made from recycled plastic, giving it immunity to UV rays. The plastic within Brava tile has already undergone the chemical change caused by UV exposure, making it unaffected by further UV rays. Another significant challenge for composite roofing in Charleston is the hurricane-force winds during the hurricane season. Brava tiles are tested and approved to withstand winds over 200 mph. They perform so well against strong winds that many resorts in the Caribbean, such as Sandals Resort, and even Disneyland in Orlando, trust Brava tile for their roofs.

Brava tiles offer the same return on investment (ROI) as metal roofs. Choosing a Brava roof not only increases your property value but also gives you leverage if you decide to put your home on the market. Brava offers many styles, with Scotts Roofing highlighting the most popular ones. The three most requested designs we provide include:

• Cedar Shake: Characterized by their rustic appearance, these thicker roof tiles create a shadow effect similar to the natural offering they’re inspired by.

• Slate Tile: The classic slate tile is understandably popular but often carries a supremely high price tag. Our composite tiles provide a more budget-friendly option – without skimping on quality in any measure.

• Spanish Barrel Tile: Another traditionally popular option, many homes can’t handle the original design due to their weight. Our tiles are made from composite materials that achieve a near-identical look without any of the structural strain.

There’s no compromise here – just the exact look you want for your home with all the practical benefits.

In summary, composite roofs are an excellent luxury roofing option, offering both durability and longevity comparable to metal roofs. With the highest impact rating (class 4), extreme fire resistance (class A), and the ability to withstand hurricane-force winds, composite roofs are well-suited for Charleston’s challenging climate. Brava tiles, in particular, stand out due to their immunity to UV rays and their capability to endure winds over 200 mph. The impressive lifespan of over 80 years makes Brava tiles a "forever" product, ideal for homeowners planning to stay in their homes for an extended period. Additionally, installing a composite roof like Brava tiles increases property value and provides leverage when selling your home. With a variety of styles available, composite roofs offer both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits, making them a top choice for a long-lasting and reliable roofing solution.

Conclusion 

Charleston's environment presents a variety of challenges when considering the best roofing system for your home. As we’ve established, the length of time you'll stay in the home is also a key factor in deciding which roofing system to choose. We’ve examined three different systems and selected the best products for asphalt shingle roofs, metal roofs, and composite roofs. For more information about each specific roofing system, we have included a blog at the end of each section.