The Saratoga Springs Design Review Board approved a roof replacement at 165 Filus Street on Oct. 15, voting to replace the primary roof with real slate and to use an asphalt slate-line product (GAF architectural slate line) on secondary, less visible roof sections.

Contractor Matthew Fortier of Benson Contracting told the board the two alternative products the board had suggested at a prior meeting were not available: “GAF no longer makes the true slate” and ReadySlate was temporarily unavailable because its manufacturer was involved in litigation with its substrate supplier, Fortier said. He recommended traditional slate on the main, highly visible sections and the GAF slate-style product on lower or less-visible planes.

The board reviewed photographs and elevations and discussed weathering, flashings and underlayment. Members said they wanted the most historically appropriate material on the principal roof planes and supported using heavier substitute products on rear or lower roofs if the applicant documents sightlines and visibility.

A motion to approve the historic review and roof replacement as presented carried unanimously. The motion included standard conditions that flashings, valleys and ridge treatments be durable and sympathetic to the slate installation; the applicant also agreed to replace leaking flat/membrane roofs with modern EPDM where required.

Contractor Fortier also presented composite and synthetic slate alternatives for the board’s consideration for other projects, and the board encouraged him to provide photographs of completed installations for the preservation community and staff reference.

The approval permits the applicant to proceed with replacement in accordance with the approved drawings and the board’s materials conditions.