Contractor representatives told the Design Review Board on Sept. 10 that the slate roof at 165 Filas Street is deteriorated beyond reasonable repair and recommended full replacement. The board agreed the roof needs replacement but emphasized slate as the historic, character‑defining material for the house’s roofline.

Contractor Matthew Fortier explained rows of slate were sliding, nails had failed and repairs would be short‑term. Board members and preservation advocates discussed alternatives: full natural slate, thinner natural-slate systems marketed to reduce labor intensity and weight (vendors referenced included TrueSlate and other “thin slate” products), or high-end “designer” asphalt shingles (e.g., GAF slate-like lines or similar heavy‑duty products) that approximate slate appearance. The board said it will require materials compatible with the home’s historic character — slate is preferred — and encouraged the applicant to investigate slate alternatives and possible financial assistance (state tax credits) to offset cost.

No vote was required: the board found the roof beyond repair and recommended the applicant return with material samples and cost/installation options for a subsequent review. Preservation advocates offered to consult on options and noted the main front roof is the highest‑visibility element; mixing materials (slate on the front gable with a different product on less-visible secondary roofs) could be a potential compromise to preserve the character-defining primary roof while lowering overall cost.