
Transform Charleston Roofing, Siding & Gutters is your trusted roofing company in Charleston, SC, specializing in high-quality roof repairs and roof replacements. We offer premium roofing solutions designed to withstand the Lowcountry climate, including stone-coated steel roofing, Brava composite roofing, slate tile roofing, metal roofing, and shingle roofing. Need help finding what roof is best for you? Check out what our experts have to say or see the Brava Roof Life Cycle Chart. Whether your home needs a durable new roof installation or expert storm damage repairs, our skilled team is committed to delivering top-tier craftsmanship and long-lasting protection. At Transform Charleston, we take pride in enhancing homes with superior materials and exceptional service to be the best roofing company in the area. Get your freeinspection today!


FAQ
A new roof is a huge investment, and if not properly educated, can lead to issues down the line. The contractor’s level of installation expertise, estimated return on investment, average lifespan of different roofing materials, and pros/cons of different roof types all need to be considered when buying a new roof. If a roofing contractor is trying to sell you only one type of roofing material, or 1 type of roof material in 3 different ways, RUN!
There are over 100+ roofing material options available in the Charleston, SC roofing market right now! It is crucial that you are thoroughly educating yourself when considering a roof replacement, making sure you are choosing the best roof system in line with your financial goals. With our experience, precision, and passion for treating homeowners as family, we will walk you through the roof buying process so that you are aware of all of the pitfalls and contractor gimmicks. Whether you choose Transform Charleston as your roofing contractor or not, we would love to serve you.
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturer’s Association (ARMA) did a study a few years back and found the average lifespan for a roof in the United States is actually only 18-20 years. Therefore, if you are in your forever home, or in a home that plans on being passed down to children or family, it may be a much better investment for you to choose a roofing material, such as metal or composite, that will actually last 2-3x longer than an asphalt shingle roof. Why pay for a roof three times, with inflation, when you can optimize your investment now by purchasing a roof that is built to last 50+ years.
If a new roof is not installed EXACTLY according to local building code and manufacturer specifications, the manufacturer holds the authority to void their warranty. The main reason shingle manufacturers void their warranties are due to improper installation of shingles, or inadequate ventilation. Also, sometimes contractors can overprice their asphalt shingle quotes, leaving homeowners unable to see a return on their investment. When interviewing contractors on your next roofing project, it is crucial to thoroughly ask roofing installation related questions and make sure you are working with a company who truly has your best interest at heart.
At Transform Charleston we offer a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty. We believe if we do not improve daily, we will not be fit to best serve our homeowners. With this approach, we are 100% confident that all roofs will be completed with near-perfect craftsmanship and precision.
1. Removal of Old Roofing Materials
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Shingles, Tiles, or Other Materials: All old roofing materials (shingles, tiles, etc.) are stripped from the roof deck. This includes removing any layers of old roofing.
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Underlayment: The old underlayment (the protective barrier between the shingles and the roof deck) is removed as well.
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Debris Cleanup: The roofing contractor will clean up all debris, such as nails, shingles, and underlayment, often using a magnet to pick up stray nails.
2. Inspection and Repair of Roof Deck
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Deck Inspection: Once the old roof is removed, the roof deck (the wooden surface to which the roof is attached) is inspected for any damage or rot. If there’s any structural damage, the decking will be repaired or replaced as needed.
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Plywood Replacement: If part of the deck is damaged or deteriorated, some plywood or other decking material may need to be replaced.
3. Installation of Underlayment
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Synthetic or Felt Underlayment: A new layer of underlayment (either felt paper or synthetic material) is installed over the roof deck. This provides an additional waterproof layer beneath the shingles or other roofing materials.
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Ice and Water Shield: In areas prone to ice damming (like near gutters or at the roof's eaves), an ice and water shield may be applied as an additional moisture barrier.
4. Flashing Installation
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Flashing Around Roof Penetrations: Flashing is installed around areas where the roof meets vertical surfaces (chimneys, vents, skylights) to create a waterproof seal.
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Valley Flashing: Flashing is also placed in the valleys of the roof where two roof planes meet. Valleys are vulnerable areas that direct rainwater off the roof, so proper flashing is crucial to prevent leaks.
5. New Roofing Materials
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Shingles, Tiles, or Other Materials: The new roofing material (shingles, metal panels, tiles, etc.) is installed. The type of material chosen will dictate the exact installation process.
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Asphalt Shingles are the most common, and they are installed in overlapping rows.
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Metal Roofing involves panels that interlock or overlap to provide a water-tight seal.
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Tile or Slate is more labor-intensive, with each individual tile or slate piece being installed.
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Starter Shingles: These are placed at the eaves to help prevent water from getting underneath the first row of shingles.
6. Ridge Vent and Ventilation
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Roof Vents: Roofs are often equipped with vents along the ridge or in other areas to allow for proper attic ventilation. This helps to prevent moisture buildup and overheating in the attic, which can damage the roof and structure.
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Ridge Cap Shingles: Special shingles are placed along the roof's peak (ridge) to provide a finished look and help prevent leaks.
7. Gutter and Downspout Installation/Repair (Optional)
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New Gutters: If your gutters are being replaced, new gutters are installed along the eaves of the roof.
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Gutter Guards: Some homeowners opt to install gutter guards to prevent leaves and debris from clogging the gutters.
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Downspouts: New downspouts may be added or repaired to ensure proper drainage.
8. Cleanup and Final Inspection
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Cleanup: The contractor will remove any debris from the yard, the driveway, and the surrounding area. They will also perform a final magnetic sweep to ensure all nails and metal debris are picked up.
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Final Inspection: The roofer typically performs a final inspection to ensure everything is installed correctly, the roof is properly sealed, and there are no issues with ventilation or flashing.
9. Warranty
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Manufacturer's Warranty: The roofing material manufacturer will typically provide a warranty that covers defects in the materials.
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Labor Warranty: The roofing contractor will usually provide a labor warranty, covering any installation issues or defects.
Additional Considerations:
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Repairs and Extras: If the roof decking or underlayment is in poor condition, the contractor may need to make repairs, which can add to the overall cost.
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Permits: Some areas require permits for roof replacements, and the contractor should handle obtaining these permits as part of the job.
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Disposal Fees: The cost of disposing of the old roofing materials and debris is usually included in the overall cost of the replacement, but it's worth confirming this with the contractor.
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1. Shingles (or other roofing material)
Alignment: Ensure the shingles or other roofing materials are properly aligned, straight, and uniformly spaced. There should be no misaligned or crooked shingles.-
Nailing: Check that the nails used to secure the shingles are properly placed (they should not be overdriven or underdriven) and are not exposed.
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Shingle Overlap: Verify that the shingles overlap correctly, especially around the edges and at the seams, to prevent water from getting underneath.
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Gaps and Curling: Look for any gaps between shingles or signs of curling, which could indicate poor installation or low-quality materials.
2. Flashing and Ventilation
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Flashing Installation: Inspect the flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and valleys to ensure it’s installed properly and sealed to prevent leaks. It should be tightly affixed with no visible gaps.
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Vents and Roof Penetrations: Check that roof vents are properly installed and unobstructed, allowing for adequate airflow to prevent moisture buildup in the attic.
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Vent Caps: Ensure that vent caps and covers are securely in place and undamaged.
3. Drip Edge
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Ensure the drip edge (metal flashing at the edges of the roof) is correctly installed, running along the perimeter of the roof. It helps guide water off the roof and into gutters.
4. Gutters and Downspouts
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Proper Installation: Make sure gutters are securely fastened, properly aligned, and not sagging. Check for any signs of leaks or loose joints.
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Debris Removal: Confirm that debris such as leaves or nails were removed from the gutters and downspouts.
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Water Flow: Ensure water flows freely from the gutters and downspouts to avoid pooling or water damage around your home.
5. Attic Inspection
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Proper Ventilation: Check that the attic is well-ventilated, and ensure that any vents are clear and functional.
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Moisture or Leaks: Inspect the attic for any signs of moisture, damp spots, or leaks, especially around the roof deck or insulation.
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Roof Decking: If possible, check the roof decking for any signs of damage during the installation process, such as dents or cracks.
6. Overall Cleanliness
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Ensure that the area around your house is cleaned up. Roofers should have removed debris like nails, scraps of shingles, and other materials used during the installation.
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Magnetic Sweep: A magnetic sweep is often used by roofers to pick up stray nails. Make sure this has been done thoroughly to prevent injury or damage.
7. Warranty and Documentation
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Warranty Coverage: Verify that you’ve received the manufacturer’s warranty for the roofing materials and the contractor's warranty for labor. Ensure you have all necessary paperwork.
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Manufacturer's Instructions: Check that the roofing materials were installed according to the manufacturer's specifications (this is often important for warranty coverage).
8. Final Visual Check
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Do a final walkaround to check the aesthetics of the roof. Look for any inconsistencies in color, damaged materials, or visible flaws.
9. Weatherproofing
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If the roof is new during the rainy season or has been installed in a region prone to storms, monitor how it handles the weather over the next few months. Check for leaks after heavy rains or strong winds.
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