Experts assess Bangor's historic slate roof amid repair discussions

The Historic Preservation Commission meeting held on November 14, 2024, in Bangor City focused on the assessment and repair of historic roofs, particularly addressing the condition of a specific property. The discussion began with inquiries about the cost of a new asphalt roof and the dimensions of previously repaired patches, which were noted to be 4 feet by 4 feet.

A member of the commission provided insights regarding the roof's condition, suggesting that it likely falls on the higher end of the slate repair spectrum, although not as severe as another property referenced in the discussion. The speaker shared their experience in Bangor, noting that only a few roofs have been deemed non-repairable, highlighting one such roof located across from the discussed property on Broadway.

The conversation shifted to the historical significance of roofing materials, particularly slate, which was used as a fire-resistant option following the great fire that impacted the area. This context was emphasized as an important aspect of Bangor's architectural history, with the speaker mentioning that many houses in the region were retrofitted with slate roofs to prevent fire damage.

The speaker assessed the roof in question, indicating that while there was a significant amount of bad slate, their evaluation suggested that only about 5% of the slate was in poor condition. This perspective contrasted with previous assessments, underscoring the complexity of evaluating historic roofs.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of understanding the historical context of these roofs, as well as the need for careful consideration in repair decisions to preserve Bangor's architectural heritage. Further discussions on specific repair strategies and potential next steps were anticipated in future meetings.