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Newport commissioners signal preference for fiberglass over vinyl in visible window replacements
Summary
At the Oct. 15 meeting commissioners discussed a hierarchy of window materials and indicated increased reluctance to approve vinyl where fiberglass is available, asking staff to collect cost comparisons and to return with guidance in November.
Commissioners at the Oct. 15 Newport Historic Preservation Commission meeting discussed how to treat substitute window materials in future Certificate of Appropriateness decisions and signaled an informal shift in preference toward fiberglass as a more acceptable substitute than vinyl on elevations visible from public rights of way.
During wrap-up discussion commissioners reviewed fiberglass samples presented earlier in the meeting and said fiberglass products can better replicate wood profiles and joinery, can be painted, and have greater longevity than vinyl. Several members argued for an informal material hierarchy for future COAs: first, restoration of original wood; second, new wood windows; third, aluminum-clad wood; fourth, fiberglass; and lastly, vinyl.
Commissioners said they would be hesitant to approve vinyl windows on elevations readily visible from the public right of way now that fiberglass options that closely mimic wood are appearing in the local market and being presented at hearings. Several commissioners requested staff gather comparative cost and lifecycle information for vinyl versus fiberglass and to report back at the commission’s November meeting, to inform consistent decision-making and address potential economic-hardship concerns.
Staff said it had begun outreach to the Kentucky Heritage Council and would include any SHPO guidance in the November discussion. Commissioners emphasized they were not adopting a formal ordinance change at the Oct. 15 meeting; rather, they were directing staff to prepare information that could be used to craft clearer, consistent guidance for future COAs.
No formal policy change was voted on Oct. 15; commissioners asked staff for additional data and scheduled a discussion at the November meeting to consider whether to codify preferences into written guidance.
