Sheet Metal ContractorCharlottesville VA
Charlottesville VA

Sheet Metal Contractor
Charlottesville VA

Sheet metal work is one of those things most people don't think about until something goes wrong. A chimney flashing that's been leaking for two seasons. A metal roof panel that lifted in a windstorm. A box gutter liner that finally gave out on a 100-year-old house near the UVA Grounds. When it goes wrong it goes wrong fast. We've been doing sheet metal contracting in Charlottesville VA for years and we do it right.

Get a Free Estimate Call 434-984-3898
What We Do

What a Sheet Metal Contractor Actually Does

A lot of people hear "sheet metal" and think of HVAC ductwork. That's part of the trade but it's not what we do. Our sheet metal work is all roofing and building envelope — metal roofing systems, flashing at every roof penetration, chimney caps, drip edges, fascia metal, soffit metal, valley flashing, custom fabricated components, and all the detail work that keeps water out of a building.

Charlottesville has a real mix of housing stock — historic homes from the 1800s near the University, mid-century colonials in neighborhoods like Greenbrier and Forest Hills, newer construction out in Crozet and Pantops, and commercial buildings all over the county. Every one of these building types has specific sheet metal needs and we've worked on all of them.

Sheet metal done right is some of the most durable work on a building. Metal roofs last 40–70 years. Copper flashing and caps can outlast the house. The key is doing it correctly the first time — proper seams, the right material for the application, and details that account for thermal expansion and water runoff patterns.

Sheet metal work we do:

  • Metal roofing installation and replacement
  • Standing seam metal roof systems
  • Chimney flashing repair and replacement
  • Chimney cap installation and repair
  • All types of roof flashing installation
  • Custom sheet metal fabrication
  • Drip edge and valley flashing
  • Fascia and soffit metal work
  • Vent flashing installation
  • Copper roofing and architectural details
  • Commercial sheet metal roofing systems
  • Sheet metal maintenance and inspections
Why Metal

Why Homeowners in Charlottesville Choose Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has become one of the most requested options we get calls about in Charlottesville. Here's why it makes sense for a lot of homes in this area — and a few things to know before you decide.

⏳

Exceptional Lifespan

A properly installed metal roof lasts 40–70 years depending on the material. You're looking at one roof for the rest of your ownership — possibly longer.

🌧️

Virginia Weather Performance

Metal handles heavy rain, hail, and ice far better than asphalt shingles. In Charlottesville's climate where we get significant rainfall and occasional ice storms, that matters.

🌡️

Energy Efficiency

Metal roofs reflect solar radiation rather than absorbing it. In Virginia summers that can make a noticeable difference in cooling costs, especially on homes without heavy attic insulation.

🔥

Fire Resistance

Metal is non-combustible. A Class A fire rating is standard for most metal roofing materials — the highest available. That can also impact homeowner's insurance premiums.

🍃

Low Maintenance

No shingles to blow off, no granule loss, no rot. Metal needs far less maintenance than asphalt over its lifespan. Annual inspection and gutter cleaning is typically all it needs.

🏡

Works on Historic Homes

A lot of Charlottesville's older homes originally had metal roofs. Replacing with modern standing seam or copper is historically appropriate and technically superior to shingles for steep or complex rooflines.

Full Service List

Our Sheet Metal Services in Charlottesville VA

We handle the full range of sheet metal work for residential and commercial properties. Every service listed below is something we do in-house — no subcontracting the detail work out to someone who doesn't know what they're doing.

Metal Roofing Installation

Metal roofing installation is the core of what we do. Whether it's a standing seam system on a new build in Crozet, a metal roof replacement on a historic property near the Downtown Mall, or a corrugated metal roof on an agricultural or commercial building out in Albemarle County — we size and install the system correctly for the building type, roof pitch, and local climate.

Metal roofing installation requires more precision than shingle work. Panels have to be installed with proper clearances for thermal expansion. Flashings at every penetration, ridge, valley, and eave have to be done right or you get leaks. We do the whole job including all the metal detail work — not just the panels.

  • Standing seam, exposed fastener, and corrugated panel systems
  • Steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc options
  • Proper thermal expansion clearances on every panel
  • All flashings and trim fabricated and installed in-house
  • Residential, commercial, and agricultural applications

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Standing seam metal roofing is the premium choice for most residential and commercial applications. The raised seams interlock to create a continuous weatherproof barrier with no exposed fasteners — nothing for water to get under, nothing for UV to degrade over time. It's the system we recommend for homes where permanence is the goal.

Standing seam performs especially well on complex rooflines with multiple pitches, dormers, and valleys — which is common on older homes throughout Charlottesville's historic neighborhoods. The concealed fastener system also handles thermal expansion better than exposed fastener profiles, which matters in Virginia's temperature swings from summer to winter.

  • Concealed fastener system — no exposed screws
  • Factory finish in dozens of colors including Kynar 500 coating
  • 40–70 year service life with proper installation
  • Available in steel, aluminum, copper, and zinc
  • Works on roofs as low as 3:12 pitch

Metal Roof Replacement

When an existing metal roof has reached the end of its service life — or when an asphalt shingle roof is being upgraded to metal — we handle the full replacement including tear-off of the old system, inspection and repair of the roof deck, and complete installation of the new metal roofing system. Most metal roof replacements in Charlottesville are completed in one to three days depending on the size and complexity of the roof.

Sheet Metal Roofing

Sheet metal roofing is a broad category that covers everything from traditional standing seam systems to corrugated steel panels, ribbed metal roofing, and flat-seam copper roofing on historical properties. We work with all of these systems and can match existing sheet metal work on older buildings — including historic properties where specific profile and material requirements apply.

Metal Roof Repair

Metal roofs are durable but they're not immune to problems — lifted panels from wind, failed seams, damaged flashing, rust spots on older galvanized steel, and fasteners that have backed out over time. We diagnose the actual problem and repair it correctly rather than just coating over it and hoping for the best. Most metal roof repairs in Charlottesville are completed in a single day.

Chimney Flashing Repair

Chimney flashing is the single most common source of roof leaks in Charlottesville. The flashing is the sheet metal that seals the gap where the chimney penetrates the roof deck. It has to handle both the movement of the chimney (which expands and contracts with temperature) and the movement of the roof structure. When it fails — usually at the step flashing or counter flashing — water runs straight down into the house. We repair and replace chimney flashing correctly using the right metal for the application.

Chimney Cap Installation

A chimney cap sits on top of the chimney crown and keeps rain, animals, and debris out of the flue. Without one, water falls directly into an unlined or deteriorating flue and accelerates the breakdown of the chimney interior. We fabricate and install custom sheet metal chimney caps sized to the exact dimensions of the chimney crown. Galvanized steel, stainless, and copper options are all available.

Chimney Cap Repair

Existing chimney caps rust, crack, blow off in storms, or get damaged by animals and falling debris. A damaged chimney cap is an open door for water. We repair bent or damaged caps when the repair will hold and replace them when it won't. We also inspect the chimney crown and flashing when we're up there — if those need attention we'll let you know.

Roof Flashing Installation

Roof flashing is the sheet metal installed at every transition point on a roof — valleys, eaves, walls, skylights, vents, pipes, dormers, and anywhere the roof plane changes direction or is penetrated. Every one of those transitions is a potential leak point if the flashing is wrong. We install all types of roof flashing as part of new roofing work and as standalone repairs when existing flashing has failed.

Flashing Repair & Replacement

Old or improperly installed flashing is behind the majority of roof leaks we investigate. Step flashing at dormers and sidewalls, valley flashing, vent pipe boots, skylight flashing — all of it deteriorates and all of it can be repaired or replaced without necessarily replacing the entire roof. We isolate the problem area and fix it properly rather than just caulking over it and leaving it for the next rain to expose again.

Valley Flashing Installation

Roof valleys carry more water than almost any other part of a roof — they're the channels where two roof planes meet and all the runoff from both sides converges. Valley flashing needs to be wide enough, installed at the correct overlap, and made from a material that won't corrode or fail under that volume of water. We install open metal valley flashing on metal and steep-slope roofs and woven or closed-cut valley systems on shingle roofs.

Drip Edge Installation

Drip edge is the metal strip installed at the eave and rake edges of a roof that directs water away from the fascia and into the gutter. It sounds simple but missing or incorrectly installed drip edge is a major cause of fascia rot and water intrusion at the eave. We install drip edge on all new roofing jobs as standard practice and can retrofit it on existing roofs where it was never installed or where the old piece has failed.

Metal Trim Installation

Metal roofing and sheet metal systems require trim at every edge, ridge, hip, rake, and transition. Ridge caps, hip caps, rake trim, eave trim, transition trim between roof sections — all of it has to be properly fabricated and installed for the system to be both weatherproof and finished looking. We fabricate metal trim in-house to match the panel profile and color of the roofing system.

Fascia Metal Installation

Metal fascia cladding is installed over the fascia board to protect it from moisture and give the roofline a clean finished look. It's especially common on metal roofing systems where matching the fascia to the roof material makes sense. We bend and install fascia metal in the same materials and colors as the roofing system for a cohesive finished appearance.

Soffit Metal Work

Metal soffit panels are installed on the underside of roof overhangs to protect the rafter tails and provide ventilation for the attic. They're common on commercial buildings and increasingly popular on residential metal roofing systems. We install vented and solid metal soffit panels and can match existing soffit profiles on addition and repair work.

Vent Flashing Installation

Every plumbing vent stack, exhaust fan outlet, and roof-mounted equipment penetration needs a properly sealed flashing boot or curb. Vent flashing is one of those details that gets cut short on a lot of roofing jobs and then becomes a leak source within a few years. We use the correct boot material for each roofing type — lead, rubber, or metal — and size them correctly for the pipe diameter.

Metal Roof Panel Installation

Metal roof panel installation covers the full range of panel profiles we work with — standing seam, exposed fastener ribbed panels, corrugated panels, snap-lock systems, and flat seam copper panels. Each profile has specific installation requirements for fastening pattern, end lap, side lap, and trim details. We know the right method for each system and execute it correctly.

Copper Roofing Work

Copper is the premium material for roofing and architectural sheet metal details — it solders beautifully, lasts over 100 years, and develops a patina that gets better with age. We do copper standing seam roofing, copper flat-seam roofing on low-slope sections, copper valley flashing, copper chimney caps, and copper gutters and downspouts. Copper work requires specific fabrication and installation skills and we have them.

Aluminum Sheet Metal Work

Aluminum is lightweight, rust-proof, and an excellent choice for flashing, trim, fascia, soffit, and gutter work where long service life without maintenance is the goal. We work with aluminum sheet for custom fabricated flashings, drip edge, valley metal, chimney caps, and architectural trim. Aluminum also takes paint well and can be color-matched to existing roofing or trim.

Galvanized Steel Roofing Components

Galvanized steel is the workhorse material for a lot of sheet metal roofing components — exposed fastener panel roofing, agricultural buildings, commercial roofing, flashing, and trim where cost-effectiveness matters. We work with galvanized steel for full roof systems and for individual components where the application and budget call for it. Properly installed galvanized steel with a good paint system lasts 30–40 years.

Waterproof Metal Sealing

Seams, penetrations, and transitions in metal roofing systems require proper sealant application to maintain weathertightness. We use the correct sealant for each application — butyl tape at panel laps, urethane sealant at penetrations, and metal-to-metal sealant at trim overlaps. Improper or missing sealant is behind a large percentage of metal roof leaks we're called to investigate.

Sheet Metal Maintenance

Metal roofing and sheet metal systems need periodic inspection and maintenance to perform at their best for 40, 50, or 70 years. We offer maintenance visits that include inspection of all seams and fasteners, re-torquing of backed-out fasteners, touch-up of any sealant that has deteriorated, and cleaning of debris accumulation at valleys and around penetrations. Catching small problems early is far cheaper than waiting for them to become leaks.

Commercial Sheet Metal Roofing Systems

Commercial buildings have specific sheet metal roofing requirements — larger roof areas, more penetrations, different load requirements, and often flat or low-slope sections that need specific system types. We've done commercial sheet metal roofing work on office buildings, churches, warehouses, retail properties, and multi-family buildings throughout Charlottesville and Albemarle County. We understand commercial project requirements including warranties, documentation, and coordination with general contractors.

Gutter Installation for Homes Charlottesville

Because we're already at the roofline doing metal work, we also offer gutter installation for homes in Charlottesville. Seamless aluminum gutters are the standard — cut to exact length on-site, properly pitched, with downspouts positioned to protect the foundation. We carry multiple colors and profiles and do gutter work as part of larger metal roofing jobs or as a standalone service.

Materials Guide

Sheet Metal Roofing Materials — What's Right for Your Project

The material you choose for a sheet metal roofing project affects cost, lifespan, maintenance requirements, and appearance. Here's a breakdown of what we work with and where each one makes the most sense.

Most Popular

Galvalume Steel

Galvalume is an aluminum-zinc coated steel that combines the strength of steel with the corrosion resistance of aluminum and zinc. It's the most popular substrate for standing seam and exposed fastener metal roofing in the US.

Factory-applied Kynar 500 paint coatings on Galvalume panels carry 40-year warranties and come in dozens of colors. For most residential and commercial metal roofing jobs in Charlottesville, painted Galvalume steel is the best combination of cost, durability, and appearance.

Lightweight

Aluminum

Aluminum is about a third the weight of steel and completely rust-proof — it won't corrode even with no paint coating. It's the right choice for coastal environments and areas with high moisture exposure, and it's our go-to for flashing, trim, fascia, and gutter work.

For full aluminum standing seam roofing, the panel gauge needs to be appropriate for the span and load — we size this correctly. Aluminum costs more than steel but eliminates any corrosion concern for the life of the building.

Premium

Copper

Copper is the oldest roofing metal still in use and for good reason — it lasts over 100 years, it's beautiful, and it gets better looking as it develops a natural patina. We use copper for premium standing seam and flat-seam roofing, valley flashing, chimney caps, gutters, and architectural details on historic and high-end properties.

Copper requires specific installation knowledge — it can't be in direct contact with certain metals and it needs to be installed with the right fasteners and allowance for thermal movement. We've been doing copper work for years and do it correctly.

Architectural

Zinc

Zinc is popular in European architecture and increasingly specified on high-end residential and commercial projects in the US. It forms a natural protective patina similar to copper and has a lifespan of 60–100 years. Its matte gray color and architectural appearance works particularly well on contemporary and transitional design styles.

Zinc is more expensive than steel and aluminum and requires specific installation techniques. It's a premium option for projects where architectural appearance and extreme longevity are the priorities.

Commercial

Galvanized Steel

Hot-dip galvanized steel is the traditional material for agricultural buildings, commercial roofing, and utilitarian sheet metal work. Properly painted galvanized steel lasts 30–40 years and is the most cost-effective option for large commercial roof areas, agricultural buildings, and installations where appearance is secondary to function and budget.

We use galvanized steel for exposed fastener panel roofing on commercial and agricultural projects, and for individual sheet metal components like flashing and trim where the application doesn't require the premium performance of Galvalume or aluminum.

Historic

Terne-Coated Steel & Lead-Coated Copper

Terne-coated and lead-coated copper are traditional materials used on historic buildings throughout Charlottesville — particularly on properties built before 1950. When restoring or replicating original sheet metal work on historic properties, using the correct traditional material matters both for historic accuracy and for compatibility with existing metal work.

We source and work with these materials for historic preservation projects including properties in the University of Virginia area and Charlottesville's historic districts.

Where Leaks Start

Every Type of Roof Flashing — And Why It Matters

Most roof leaks in Charlottesville don't come through the roofing material itself — they come through failed, missing, or improperly installed flashing. Here's every type we work with and what each one does.

Step Flashing

L-shaped metal pieces installed one per shingle course along the sidewall where a roof plane meets a vertical wall or dormer. Each piece overlaps the one below it. When step flashing fails or is missing, water runs behind the siding and down the wall framing — often not visible until significant damage has occurred.

Counter Flashing

The piece that overlaps the step flashing at a chimney or wall and is embedded in the mortar joint or reglet. Counter flashing allows the chimney to move independently from the roof. When counter flashing separates from the masonry — common on Charlottesville's older brick chimneys — water runs directly into the house.

Valley Flashing

Sheet metal installed in the valley where two roof planes meet. Valleys carry high volumes of water and need wide, properly lapped flashing to handle heavy Virginia rainfall. Open metal valleys are the most reliable for metal roofs and steep-slope applications.

Drip Edge

Metal strip at the eave and rake edges that directs water off the roof edge and into the gutter rather than letting it run back under the roofing material. Missing drip edge causes fascia rot — one of the most common repairs we do on older Charlottesville homes.

Vent Pipe Flashing

Rubber or lead boot around plumbing vent stacks where they penetrate the roof. These deteriorate faster than other roofing components — rubber boots typically fail in 10–20 years even when the rest of the roof is fine. A cracked or shrunken vent boot is a common source of sudden interior leaks.

Skylight Flashing

Head, sill, and step flashing around skylight units. This is one of the most technically demanding flashing installations on a residential roof. Skylight flashing kits provided by manufacturers often aren't detailed enough for proper installation — we install with additional custom fabricated pieces at the high-risk corners.

Kickout Flashing

A small but critical piece at the bottom of a sidewall where the roof meets a wall. Kickout flashing directs water from the roof plane out into the gutter rather than letting it run behind the siding at the corner. Missing kickout flashing causes concealed wall damage over time — very common on houses built before this detail was standard.

Chimney Flashing

The most common leak source in Charlottesville. The full chimney flashing system includes base flashing, step flashing up the sides, saddle flashing at the high side of a wide chimney, and counter flashing embedded in the mortar. All four elements have to be present and correctly installed for a chimney to be watertight.

Chimney Work

Chimney Flashing & Cap Work in Charlottesville VA

Chimneys are the most leak-prone area on most residential roofs. Here's what we actually do when we work on a chimney and why each part matters.

Chimney Flashing Repair

When a chimney flashing repair call comes in, we start by finding the actual source — not just where the water is showing up inside. These are often two different places. Water can enter at the counter flashing joint, run down behind the step flashing, and show up as a stain on a first-floor ceiling 10 feet away from the chimney.

We pull back existing flashing, inspect for underlying damage to the roof deck and framing, repair any rot or deterioration, and then install the correct flashing system. On brick chimneys we repoint mortar joints where counter flashing is embedded. We don't patch over failed flashing with sealant and call it done — that approach fails within a season.

  • Full flashing system assessment before any work starts
  • Roof deck inspection for water damage beneath
  • Correct step and counter flashing installation
  • Saddle flashing on wide chimneys over 30 inches
  • Mortar joint repointing where counter flashing embeds
  • Stainless, galvanized, copper, or aluminum — right material for the situation

Chimney Cap Installation & Repair

A chimney without a cap is an open hole in your roof. Rain falls directly into the flue, saturates the firebrick and liner, and causes serious deterioration of the chimney from the inside. Animals — particularly raccoons, squirrels, and birds — also use uncapped chimneys as entry points and nesting sites.

We fabricate chimney caps in-house to the exact dimensions of the chimney crown. Stock caps from a home center rarely fit correctly. A properly fitted cap sits tightly on the crown, has enough overhang to shed water clear of the chimney top, and uses mesh sides to keep animals out while allowing draft. We use stainless steel for most caps because of its corrosion resistance, and copper for premium applications where appearance matters.

  • Custom fabricated to exact chimney crown dimensions
  • Stainless steel, galvanized, and copper options
  • Welded construction — no loose fasteners to back out
  • Mesh sides to prevent animal entry
  • Crown inspection and repair at the same visit when needed
  • Multi-flue caps for chimneys with multiple openings
In-House Fabrication

Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication in Charlottesville VA

One of the things that sets us apart from general roofing contractors is that we fabricate custom sheet metal components in-house. When a standard off-the-shelf piece doesn't fit or doesn't exist, we make the right piece. Here's what that looks like in practice.

Custom Chimney Caps

Every chimney is a different size. We measure the exact crown dimensions and fabricate a cap that fits correctly — not a stock cap jammed down and sealant-gunned into place.

Transition Flashings

Where different roof sections meet, or where a new addition ties into an existing roof, the flashing transition often has to be custom fabricated to fit the specific geometry of the junction.

Architectural Trim Profiles

Historic and custom homes often have non-standard fascia profiles, cornice details, and trim dimensions. We can replicate or match existing metal trim profiles for additions, repairs, and replacements.

Custom Gutters & Downspouts

Box gutters, half-round gutters in non-standard sizes, and custom downspout profiles for historic properties are all things we fabricate. We've matched original copper box gutter profiles on homes near the UVA Grounds.

Saddle Flashings

Wide chimneys require a saddle or cricket — a small peaked flashing structure built behind the chimney to divert water around it. We design and fabricate saddle flashings for every chimney wider than 30 inches.

Equipment Curbs & Stands

Rooftop HVAC units, fans, and other equipment need weatherproof curb flashings. We fabricate curbs to the equipment footprint dimensions and install them with the roofing system for a properly sealed, permanent installation.

How It Works

Our Sheet Metal Contracting Process

Sheet metal work requires more planning than standard roofing. Here's how we approach a job from first call to finished installation.

1

On-Site Assessment

We come out and look at the actual conditions — the roof, the existing metal work, the structure underneath, and any problem areas. We don't price sheet metal work over the phone. The details matter too much.

2

Detailed Written Estimate

You get a written quote that specifies the material, the system, the scope of work, and what's included. No vague line items. For larger projects we can provide a material takeoff showing exactly what we're installing.

3

Material Selection and Fabrication

Once the project is approved we order materials and fabricate custom components in-house. Chimney caps, transition flashings, custom trim, and any non-standard pieces are made before we get on the roof so we're not improvising on the job.

4

Existing Material Removal and Deck Inspection

Before installing anything new we remove the old material and inspect what's underneath. Rotted deck boards and damaged sheathing get repaired at this stage. New metal work over a compromised deck is a problem waiting to happen.

5

Installation with All Detail Work Completed

Panels, flashings, trim, caps, drip edge — all of it is installed in the correct sequence by people who know the trade. We don't separate the "main work" from the "detail work." The details are the work.

6

Water Testing and Final Inspection

On repair and flashing jobs we water-test the area before we leave. On full roof installations we do a complete inspection of all seams, fasteners, trim terminations, and flashing details. We don't sign off on a job until we're confident it's watertight.

7

Cleanup and Documentation

We clean up completely and haul off all old materials. For warranty purposes we can provide documentation of the materials installed and the installation date. Metal roofing warranties often require installation records.

Charlottesville Seasons

Sheet Metal Performance Through the Charlottesville Seasons

Virginia's climate puts specific demands on metal roofing and sheet metal components. Here's what to watch for throughout the year and when to act.

Spring

Post-Winter Inspection

Winter freeze-thaw cycles stress flashing seals, can work fasteners loose, and cause thermal fatigue at panel seams. Spring is the time to inspect all flashing, chimney caps, and any areas that showed problems during winter.

Summer

Thermal Expansion Season

Virginia summers push metal roof surface temperatures to 150°F or higher. Properly installed metal roofing handles this through concealed fastener systems designed for movement. Improperly installed systems show fastener pullout and panel distortion by their second summer.

Fall

Debris and Gutter Load

Heavy leaf drop fills valleys and backs up against transitions. Metal valleys especially can accumulate debris that holds moisture against the flashing. Annual fall inspection and cleaning is worth scheduling before the winter rain season starts.

Winter

Ice and Snow Performance

Metal roofs shed snow more easily than shingles — the smooth surface lets it slide off rather than accumulating. However, ice dams can still form at eaves if attic insulation is insufficient. Proper drip edge and eave flashing detail matters more in winter than any other season.

What to Expect

Sheet Metal Contractor Costs in Charlottesville VA

Pricing for sheet metal work varies widely based on material, complexity, access, and scope. Here are ballpark ranges to help you plan. We always provide a written estimate before any work starts — no phone quotes on sheet metal jobs.

Chimney Flashing Repair$350–$900
Chimney Cap Installation (custom)$300–$700
Roof Flashing Repair (per location)$150–$500
Drip Edge Installation$2–$5 per linear ft
Valley Flashing Installation$8–$18 per linear ft
Metal Roof Repair$300–$1,200
Standing Seam Roof Installation$10–$20 per sq ft
Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing$6–$12 per sq ft
Copper Roofing & DetailsCall for Pricing
Custom Fabrication WorkCall for Pricing
Commercial Sheet Metal RoofingCall for Pricing

All estimates are free and provided in writing. Material, access, roof complexity, and existing damage all affect final pricing. Call 434-984-3898 to schedule.

Why Melvin T. Morgan

Why Charlottesville Trusts Us for Sheet Metal Work

Sheet metal contracting requires a different level of skill and knowledge than standard roofing. Here's what we bring to every job.

🔩

True Sheet Metal Trade Skills

Real sheet metal work — fabrication, soldering, seaming, custom forming — is a trade. We have the skills and equipment to do it right, not just install pre-made panels.

🛡️

Licensed & Insured

Fully licensed and insured on every job. This matters especially on sheet metal work where precision installation is required and errors can cause significant interior damage.

🏛️

Historic Property Experience

We've worked extensively on historic properties throughout Charlottesville and the University of Virginia area where matching original materials and profiles is required.

⚙️

In-House Fabrication

We fabricate custom components in-house. When the right piece doesn't exist off-the-shelf, we make it. No subbing out the detail work that determines whether a system leaks.

📋

Written Estimates Always

Every job gets a detailed written quote before we start. Sheet metal work has a lot of variables — we account for them up front.

🏢

Residential & Commercial

We work on everything from single-family homes to large commercial buildings. The skill set and attention to detail is the same regardless of project size.

Common Questions

Sheet Metal Contractor FAQs — Charlottesville VA

How long does a standing seam metal roof last? +
A properly installed standing seam metal roof with Galvalume or aluminum panels and a quality Kynar 500 paint finish typically lasts 40–70 years. Copper standing seam roofs can last over 100 years. Lifespan depends on the quality of the material, the quality of the installation, and basic maintenance — primarily keeping debris from accumulating in valleys and around penetrations.
Why does my chimney leak even though the roof is new? +
Chimney leaks almost always come from the flashing — not the chimney masonry or the roofing material. If a new roof was installed without properly replacing the chimney flashing, or if the counter flashing wasn't correctly embedded in the mortar joints, you'll get leaks even though the shingles or metal panels are brand new. We see this regularly when we're called to investigate leaks on roofs that were recently replaced by contractors who didn't prioritize the flashing detail work.
What is the difference between standing seam and exposed fastener metal roofing? +
Standing seam metal roofing has concealed fasteners — the panels interlock at raised seams and there are no screws exposed to weather. This is the premium system for residential and commercial applications. Exposed fastener roofing (corrugated, ribbed panels) has screws through the face of the panel sealed with neoprene washers. These washers deteriorate over time and can allow water infiltration. Exposed fastener systems cost less upfront and work fine for agricultural and industrial applications but aren't the first choice for a permanent residential roof.
Will a metal roof be noisy in the rain? +
Metal roofing installed over solid sheathing with proper underlayment is no louder than a standard shingle roof in most cases. The noise concern comes from metal roofing on open framing with no solid deck underneath — like an agricultural building. On a residential installation over OSB or plywood sheathing with a quality underlayment, most homeowners report little to no difference in rain noise compared to their previous shingle roof.
How do I know if my chimney flashing needs to be replaced? +
Common signs include water stains on the ceiling near the chimney, visible rust or corrosion on the flashing metal, flashing that has pulled away from the chimney masonry or the roofing surface, or caulk that has been applied over the flashing joints (a sign a previous repair was done improperly). If you're seeing interior staining near the chimney after rain, chimney flashing failure is the first thing to investigate.
Can you install metal roofing over existing shingles? +
In some cases yes, but we generally recommend a full tear-off before installing metal roofing. Installing over existing shingles can trap moisture, prevent proper inspection of the deck, void manufacturer warranties, and create an uneven surface for the new panels. If weight is a concern or a full tear-off isn't feasible, we'll discuss the tradeoffs honestly and let you make an informed decision.
Do you do sheet metal work on historic properties in Charlottesville? +
Yes. We have specific experience working on historic properties in Charlottesville including properties in the University of Virginia area and the city's historic districts. This includes matching original metal profiles and materials, working with traditional materials like lead-coated copper and terne, and understanding the specific requirements that historic preservation guidelines place on roofing and sheet metal work. If you have a property with specific historic requirements, let us know up front and we'll discuss the right approach.
How much does chimney flashing repair cost in Charlottesville VA? +
Chimney flashing repair in Charlottesville VA typically ranges from $350 to $900 for most residential chimneys depending on the chimney size, how much of the flashing system needs to be replaced, whether the underlying deck has damage, and what material is used. A small chimney with only failed counter flashing is toward the lower end. A large chimney requiring a full base and step flashing replacement plus a new saddle is toward the higher end. We provide a written estimate after seeing the actual conditions.

Sheet Metal Service Areas

We serve Charlottesville VA and surrounding communities for all sheet metal contracting work. Not sure if we cover your area — just call.

Charlottesville VA
Albemarle County
Crozet
Ivy
Keswick
Waynesboro
Staunton
Belmont
Fry's Spring
Greenbrier
Forest Hills
Barracks Road
North Garden
Pantops
University Area
Downtown Mall Area
Woolen Mills
Central Virginia

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