Standing Seam Metal Roofing for Historic Asheville Homes

Asheville’s historic neighborhoods hold some of the most beautiful homes in Western North Carolina. From the grand estates of Grove Park to the charming bungalows of Montford, these homes represent architectural heritage worth preserving. When the roof on a historic home needs replacement, owners face a question: can modern standing seam metal roofing work on a historic property?

The answer is often yes, but with important considerations. Standing seam roofing actually has deep historical roots, and when selected and installed thoughtfully, it can protect a historic home for generations while respecting the property’s character.

Metal Roofing’s Historical Context

Standing seam metal roofing isn’t a modern invention. The technology dates back to the 1800s, and metal roofs have protected American buildings for over two centuries. Many of the original roofing materials on historic structures were in fact metal, including:

  • Tin-plated iron (common through the 1800s)
  • Terne-coated steel (lead-tin coating)
  • Copper (used on high-end buildings)
  • Zinc

When you see old photographs of downtown Asheville or historic neighborhoods from the late 1800s and early 1900s, many of those buildings had metal roofs. The standing seam profile specifically was a standard roofing method throughout this era.

What changed over the 20th century was the rise of affordable asphalt shingles, which displaced metal for residential use in many areas. But metal roofing never disappeared, and it remained appropriate for historic properties throughout.

This history matters because it means standing seam isn’t an anachronistic modern material being forced onto period homes. In many cases, metal roofing is actually more historically accurate than the asphalt shingles currently on a historic home.

Understanding Historic District Regulations

If your home is in a locally designated historic district or individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you’ll likely need approval before changing roofing materials. The specific process depends on your location.

Asheville Historic Districts

Asheville has several local historic districts with design guidelines, including portions of:

  • Montford
  • Grove Park
  • Biltmore Village
  • Downtown Asheville
  • Kenilworth

If your property is in a locally designated district, the Asheville Historic Resources Commission reviews exterior changes, including roofing. You’ll submit an application describing the proposed work, materials, and how they relate to the home’s historic character.

National Register Properties

Being listed on the National Register of Historic Places doesn’t automatically require approval for changes unless you’re using federal tax credits or funding. However, if you care about maintaining the property’s historic integrity (and most owners of significant historic properties do), following the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation provides useful guidance.

What Reviewers Look For

Historic review boards generally assess whether proposed changes are:

Compatible with the historic character: Does the new material look appropriate on the building? Does it match the scale, proportion, and visual character of the historic design?

Reversible when possible: Can future owners remove this change without damaging historic fabric? (Roofing is generally considered replaceable rather than permanent historic fabric.)

Differentiated but compatible: New materials don’t need to perfectly replicate originals, but they should harmonize rather than conflict with the historic design.

Standing seam metal roofing often passes these tests when the profile, color, and installation details are chosen thoughtfully.

Selecting Appropriate Standing Seam for Historic Homes

Not all standing seam profiles suit historic architecture. Here’s what to consider.

Seam Height and Width

Historic standing seam roofs typically had lower seam heights and narrower panels than some contemporary systems. A seam height of 1″ to 1.5″ and panel widths of 12″ to 16″ often look more appropriate on pre-war homes than aggressive 2″ seams on 18″ or wider panels.

Some manufacturers offer “traditional profile” standing seam specifically designed to replicate the appearance of historic metal roofing. These products work well on preservation-sensitive projects.

Color Selection

Historic metal roofs in the Asheville area were most commonly:

  • Dark green (called “verdigris” or “standard green”)
  • Dark red or maroon
  • Black
  • Natural oxidized metal (gray patina)

These colors remain appropriate choices. More modern colors like bright blue or stark white may raise concerns from preservation reviewers. Matte finishes generally look more historically appropriate than high-gloss finishes.

If the home’s original roof color is documented (through historic photographs, paint analysis, or building records), matching that color strengthens your case for approval.

Trim Details

The trim and flashing details on a standing seam roof affect its appearance significantly. Historic metal roofs had specific detailing at ridges, eaves, valleys, and penetrations. Replicating these details with appropriate profiles helps a new roof look like it belongs on the building.

Generic modern trim details can make an otherwise appropriate roof look wrong on a historic home. An experienced contractor familiar with historic properties understands which details matter.

Common Concerns and How to Address Them

“Metal looks too modern for my historic home”

Standing seam has existed since before most “historic” homes were built. The issue isn’t the material itself but the specific profile, color, and installation details. A traditional-profile standing seam roof in an appropriate color can look more historically accurate than replacement asphalt shingles ever could.

Bringing photographs of period homes with metal roofs to your historic review meeting can help demonstrate this point.

“The HOA or historic commission won’t approve metal”

Don’t assume rejection without asking. Many historic preservation officers are well aware of metal roofing’s historical appropriateness and will approve thoughtfully designed proposals. Contact your local historic resources commission before giving up on the idea.

Come prepared with:

  • Manufacturer specifications showing the traditional profile you’re proposing
  • Color samples in historically appropriate shades
  • Examples of similar metal roofs on comparable historic homes
  • If available, any documentation of what roofing material was original to your home

“My home had slate/tile/shingles historically”

If your home’s original roofing was something other than metal, the calculation changes. Historic preservationists generally prefer maintaining original materials when possible. If your 1920 home originally had slate, replacing with slate (or synthetic slate) may be the most appropriate choice.

However, practical considerations exist. Original slate replacement costs significantly more than standing seam. If budget requires an alternative, well-chosen standing seam may be acceptable as a “compatible substitute material.” Document your reasoning and discuss with the review board before proceeding.

“I’m worried about noise”

The “metal roofs are loud” concern comes up frequently with historic homes, which often have minimal attic insulation. Modern standing seam installed over solid roof decking with appropriate underlayment is remarkably quiet. If you’re adding insulation as part of the project (often worthwhile in historic homes for energy efficiency), noise concerns essentially disappear.

We can discuss specific details for your situation during the consultation.

Working With Preservation Requirements

If your project requires historic review approval, here’s a practical approach.

Step 1: Research First

Before meeting with reviewers, research standing seam options that match your home’s era. Look at historic photographs of similar houses with metal roofs. Check if any neighboring historic homes already have standing seam (approved examples make your case easier).

Step 2: Pre-Application Meeting

Most historic commissions offer informal pre-application consultations. Use this opportunity to discuss your idea before submitting formal plans. Staff can tell you what concerns they’d have and what documentation would strengthen your application.

Step 3: Comprehensive Application

Submit a complete application with:

  • Clear photographs of existing conditions
  • Manufacturer specifications for proposed materials
  • Color samples
  • Drawings or photos showing proposed trim details
  • Statement explaining why standing seam is appropriate for your specific property

Step 4: Attend the Review Meeting

Be present at the commission meeting where your application is reviewed. Commissioners often have questions that are easier to address in person. Demonstrating knowledge of your home’s history and thoughtful consideration of preservation concerns helps your case.

Step 5: Accept Reasonable Conditions

Sometimes commissions approve with conditions, such as requiring a specific color range or panel width. If the conditions are reasonable, accepting them moves your project forward. If conditions seem unreasonable, ask for the reasoning and whether alternatives exist.

Special Considerations for Asheville Neighborhoods

Montford

Montford contains Asheville’s largest collection of Victorian and early 20th century homes. Metal roofing was common during this neighborhood’s development. Traditional-profile standing seam in dark colors generally receives favorable consideration. The Montford Neighborhood Association and historic commission are familiar with metal roofing requests.

Grove Park

Grove Park’s estate-scale homes often had complex rooflines that work well with standing seam’s ability to handle valleys, dormers, and transitions. The neighborhood’s Arts and Crafts heritage aligns with natural materials including metal. Copper and bronze tones complement the warm colors common in this area.

Biltmore Village

Biltmore Village has strong architectural guidelines reflecting its origins as a planned community associated with the Vanderbilt estate. Working with the village association early in the process is important. The Tudor Revival and English cottage styles common here can accommodate standing seam if detailing is appropriate.

Kenilworth

Kenilworth features many Craftsman and Tudor homes from the 1920s. Standing seam works well with Craftsman architecture in particular. Earth tones and forest green are natural choices that complement the neighborhood’s character.

We Understand Historic Homes

At Secure Roofing, we’ve worked on historic properties throughout Asheville and understand the extra care these homes require. We know which standing seam profiles look right on period architecture, which colors preservation commissions typically approve, and how to execute details that respect a home’s character.

If you’re considering standing seam for a historic home, we’re happy to discuss your specific situation, review preservation requirements with you, and help develop a proposal likely to gain approval. Our consultation is free, and there’s no obligation.

Call 828-888-ROOF to schedule.