Roof Replacement in the Savannah Historic District: What Homeowners Need to Know Before Choosing a Roofing Material

Choosing a new roof is already a significant decision. If you own a home in the Savannah Historic District, there can be another layer of questions. You may be wondering which material will protect your home, complement its architecture, fit your budget, and satisfy any preservation requirements that apply to the property.

Those concerns can make what seems like a straightforward roof replacement project feel complicated. Additionally, in Savannah’s Historic District, exterior changes to properties may be subject to design standards and review.

This guide can make your options clearer. Before planning a roof replacement in the Savannah Historic District, it helps to understand how architectural character, local requirements, and climate can affect your decision.

Start With Your Savannah Home, Not the Roofing Material

Historic Savannah includes homes representing different architectural periods and styles. A roofing material that looks natural on one property might seem out of place on another.

Before comparing products, look at what’s already there. Consider your roof’s shape and pitch, the original or existing material, how visible the roof is from the street, and architectural features such as dormers and porches.

Preserving those details can be particularly important for a historic property. Depending on the applicable standards, original roof configuration and materials may influence what you’re permitted to change. Once you understand your home, you can determine what approvals may come before material selection.

Check Historic-District Requirements Before Roof Replacement

One of the most frustrating outcomes would be choosing a roof you love, ordering materials, and then discovering that the project doesn’t meet requirements for your property.

The City of Savannah advises homeowners in designated historic areas to contact its Historic Preservation Office to determine whether special requirements apply. Certain changes within the Savannah Historic District may require a Certificate of Appropriateness.

Roof replacement may qualify for administrative review in some circumstances, while the exact process depends on the property and proposed work.

Asphalt Shingles & Historic Savannah Homes

Architectural asphalt shingles can offer a useful balance of appearance, performance, and cost. They’re available in many colors and profiles, which can make it easier to select a roof that complements the exterior without overwhelming the home’s architectural details.

Savannah’s standards allow architectural asphalt or similar shingles in certain historic-district applications, although what’s acceptable depends on the property and type of work.

Asphalt shingles can also appeal to homeowners concerned about the cost of maintaining an older property. Historic homes can bring unexpected expenses, particularly if removing the old roof reveals damaged decking or other problems. Choosing shingles may leave more room in your budget to address those underlying issues.

Metal Roofing & Savannah’s Architectural Character

Metal roofing has deep visual ties to Southern architecture and can look at home on many Savannah properties. Depending on the applicable historic standards, standing seam and other approved roofing configurations may be permitted.

Metal can also be appealing in Savannah’s hot, humid, storm-prone environment because homeowners often prioritize durability and long-term performance.

However, “metal roof” covers several different styles. Panel profiles, seams, colors, finishes, and installation details can significantly change the finished appearance. On a historic property, those details may matter just as much as the material itself.

When considering metal for roof replacement in Savannah’s historic areas, confirm that the proposed profile and other visible characteristics comply with the requirements that apply to your home before work starts.

Choosing Between Asphalt & Metal for Your Historic Home

Instead of asking which material is universally better, ask which one works better for your particular house.

If budget is a major concern, architectural asphalt shingles may provide the combination of performance and appearance you’re looking for at a more approachable initial cost. If longevity and the traditional appearance of metal are priorities, an approved metal roofing system may be worth the additional investment.

Also consider how long you plan to own the property, expected maintenance, the roof’s current structure, and whether hidden repairs may be necessary.

Most importantly, don't make your roof replacement in the Savannah Historic District a material-only decision. The roof should work with the home as a whole.

JW Roofing Asphalt Shingle & Metal Roofing Options

JW Roofing provides Savannah homeowners with several options for replacing an aging or damaged roof. For homeowners interested in asphalt roofing, we install GAF Timberline HDZ® shingles, which provide the dimensional appearance many homeowners prefer from architectural shingles.

We have also achieved GAF Master Elite® status, a certification held by a select group of roofing contractors that reflects GAF requirements related to licensing, insurance, reputation, and ongoing professional training.

For homeowners considering metal, JW Roofing offers several styles, including metal shingles, metal tile, metal shake, and vertical metal panels. These choices make it possible to compare different appearances rather than assuming every metal roof has the same look.

Our team can help you evaluate roofing options for your home, but historic-district approval ultimately depends on the requirements that apply to your specific property.

Plan Your Roof Replacement Project in the Savannah Historic District

If your Savannah roof is leaking, deteriorating, or simply reaching the point where replacement makes sense, don't wait until an urgent problem forces you into a rushed decision.

Reach out to JW Roofing to schedule an inspection and discuss your roof replacement options for your home in the Savannah, GA, Historic District. We’ll help you compare asphalt and metal roofing options so you can move forward with a clearer understanding of your choices.