Custom Panel Fabrication
Custom Panel Fabrication | Metal Roofing | Roofing | Charleston
Breezy summers, salt-laden air, and surprise coastal storms make Charleston a beautiful place to live—if your roof is ready for the challenge. HEP’s in-house custom panel fabrication turns raw coils into precision-cut profiles the very day you order, letting you watch your metal roofing take shape before it’s loaded onto the truck. Every seam, rib, and fastener layout is engineered for Lowcountry architecture, delivering a roof that shrugs off corrosion, high winds, and relentless UV without sacrificing curb appeal.
Because your panels are built right here in Charleston, you skip weeks of freight delays and cookie-cutter sizing. Lighter weight reduces structural load, reflective finishes lower attic temperatures, and an industry-leading warranty guards your investment for decades. From historic downtown cottages to sprawling waterfront estates, HEP pairs craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to make metal roofing the last roof you’ll ever need.
FAQs
What exactly is custom panel fabrication for metal roofing, and how does it differ from buying pre-made panels?
Custom panel fabrication means we take raw coils of metal and roll-form them to the exact length, width, profile, and finish your roof requires instead of cutting down stock panels. This eliminates horizontal seams, reduces on-site waste, and ensures every panel lines up with your roof’s unique dimensions, hips, and valleys. Pre-made panels come in set lengths that often require overlaps and additional fasteners, which can detract from appearance and create more potential leak points. With custom fabrication you receive a roof that looks cleaner, installs faster, and performs better against Charleston’s heavy rains and coastal winds.
How does Charleston’s coastal climate affect the choice of metal and coatings for my roof?
Charleston’s salty air, high humidity, and hurricane-grade winds place extra stress on roof systems. We recommend Galvalume or aluminum panels with Kynar 500®/PVDF paint because they provide superior corrosion resistance against salt spray. If your home is within 3 miles of the shoreline, we often specify aluminum or even copper to prevent red-rusting. We also upsize panel clips and fasteners to meet 140-mph wind-uplift requirements set by local building codes. All panels are fabricated with striations or minor-rib stiffeners to minimize oil-canning—a cosmetic waviness intensified by heat and humidity.
What metal options, profiles, and finishes do you offer, and can panels be fabricated on-site?
Metals: 24- & 26-gauge Galvalume steel, .032 & .040 aluminum, 16-oz copper, and 0.7 mm zinc. Profiles: 1” and 1.5” mechanical-lock standing seam, snap-lock standing seam, 5V-Crimp, R-Panel, and custom soffit/wall panels. Finishes: Over 35 standard Kynar colors, matte and metallic effects, plus acrylic-coated Galvalume and bare copper/zinc that will patina naturally. On-site roll-forming: For projects with panels longer than 35 ft or sites with limited access, we bring a portable roll former to your driveway so panels can be run in one continuous piece, reducing shipping damage and crane costs.
How long does the whole process—from measurement to a finished metal roof—usually take?
1. Site visit & laser measurement: 1–2 days. 2. Design confirmation, color selection, and contract: 3–5 business days. 3. Coil ordering & shop scheduling: 1–2 weeks (most colors are in local stock; special orders can add a week). 4. Panel fabrication: 1–3 days depending on roof size; same day if we roll-form on-site. 5. Tear-off & dry-in of existing roof (if needed): 1–2 days. 6. Panel installation, trim, and flashing: 3–7 days for an average 3,000 sq ft roof. Overall, a typical Charleston residence is completed in 3–4 weeks from signed contract, weather permitting. Commercial or intricate historical projects can run 5–6 weeks.
Are custom-fabricated metal roofs more expensive than asphalt shingles, and what savings can I expect long-term?
Up-front, a standing-seam metal roof in Charleston generally costs 2–3× more than architectural shingles. However, metal lasts 40–70 years versus 12–20 years for shingles. Factor in: • Zero or minimal tear-off and disposal fees for two additional shingle cycles. • Energy savings of 10–25 % due to metal’s reflective coatings and optional vented assemblies. • Possible insurance discounts for Class 4 impact resistance and 140-mph wind ratings. • Higher resale value—metal roofing recovers ~85 % of its cost in the Southeast according to Remodeling Magazine. When amortized, homeowners often spend less per year of service life with metal while enjoying reduced maintenance and greater storm resilience.
Do I need permits or HOA approval for a new metal roof in Charleston, and will your team handle the paperwork?
Yes. The City of Charleston and surrounding municipalities require a building permit and wind-uplift engineering letter for metal roof installations. Historic districts may also require BAR (Board of Architectural Review) approval specifying panel profile, color, and trim details. Many local HOAs have design guidelines as well. Our staff handles the entire permitting process: we provide stamped engineering documents, material specs, and color samples, submit the permit application, and schedule required inspections. If you belong to an HOA, we prepare the submittal packet and attend any review meetings upon request, ensuring your project stays compliant and on schedule.