The Wells name has been tied to high-end roofing and historically correct copper work for decades. What began as a family trade grew into Wells Roofing, and later focused into Copperworx—a shop dedicated to precision copper fabrication and faithful historic reproduction.
Timeline
- 1960s–1970s — Family trade roots
The Wells family works in roofing and sheet metal, passing along old-school methods and values: honesty, durability, and details that don’t fail.
- 1984 — Wells Roofing established
Wells Roofing opens, serving discerning homeowners, architects, and preservation projects. Focus on standing seam copper, hand-soldered flashings, and traditional detailing.
- 1990s–2000s — Growth & reputation
Increasing historical work and custom copper details: leader heads, scuppers, louvers, chimney caps, and radius/elliptical pans. Known around Charleston/Lowcountry for solving the “hard” details the right way.
- 2008 — Award recognition
Samuel Gaillard Stoney Conservation Craftsmanship Award for preservation craftsmanship (Charleston). Reinforces Wells’ standing in historic restoration circles.
- 2013 — National copper recognition
North American Copper in Architecture Award highlights the team’s skill with historically correct copper assemblies and architectural details.
- 2018 — Continued excellence
Second Samuel Gaillard Stoney Conservation Craftsmanship Award acknowledges long-term commitment to craftsmanship and conservation.
- Late 2010s–Early 2020s — Refocusing the craft
After exploring a succession plan for field operations, and discovering how challenging it is to pass along such high-level craftsmanship to others, Joe decides to wind down Wells Roofing to protect standards and focus where precision is highest: the shop. Copperworx becomes the active brand: shop-only custom fabrication, labeled and crated for installation by your roofer/GC, with Joe providing selective consulting.
- Today — Copperworx leads with shop precision
Complex radius and elliptical work, hand-soldered flashings, windscreens & caps, range hoods, countertops, cladding, and complete flashing packages. Trusted by builders, architects, and preservationists who want copper done the right way.
Accomplishments & Methods
- Historical reproduction: Accurate profiles and assemblies using traditional techniques—double-lock standing seam, hand-soldered seams, shrinker-stretcher forming, correct temper and thickness.
- Complex forms: Radius/elliptical window and door caps, domes, curved band flashing, finials and steeple elements.
- Architectural detailing: Leader heads, louvers, scuppers, vents, ornate trims, and copper cladding.
- Kitchen craftsmanship: Custom range hoods and countertops (living or sealed finishes).
- Builder-friendly packaging: Every component labeled, bundled, and crated with installer coordination.
- Consulting: Joe assists selectively on specifications, details, and historic accuracy—often the most valuable step happens before metal is cut.
Awards & Recognition (Selected)
- 2008 — Samuel Gaillard Stoney Conservation Craftsmanship Award
- 2013 — North American Copper in Architecture Award
- 2018 — Samuel Gaillard Stoney Conservation Craftsmanship Award (second honor)
Press & Features (selection): Charleston Home Magazine, Carolina Homes & Interiors, Palmetto Home Magazine, Veranda, Best Building Pros, Roofs with Deep Roots.
(See the Awards & Media page for images and context.)
Wells Roofing (Legacy)
Wells Roofing (est. 1984) built its reputation on roofs and details that lasted—especially copper. In later years, a transition attempt for field operations did not meet the Wells standard. To protect the name and the craft, Joe chose to wind down field roofing and continue the work through a dedicated shop.
Copperworx (Today)
Copperworx is the active expression of the Wells craft: shop-only custom copper fabrication and historical reproduction. We:
- Build the parts that make roofs last—flashings, pans, caps, windscreens, louvers, leader heads, vents, cladding.
- Handle complex radius/elliptical work and ornate reproductions.
- Label, package, and ship nationwide.
- Coordinate with your installer and, when needed, consult so details are correct from the start.
The standard hasn’t changed. We still believe in work that outlives trends—copper done the right way.