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HDC approves TimberTech porch flooring for 12 Russell Ave.; commission notes material tradeoffs but not requiring change
Summary
The Gaithersburg Historic District Commission voted 3-0 to approve replacement of non-original porch flooring at 12 Russell Avenue with TimberTech composite planks, finding the porch boards are non-historic and the proposed material acceptable under the design guidelines.
The Gaithersburg Historic District Commission on Aug. 27 approved an application to replace non-original porch flooring at 12 Russell Avenue with TimberTech composite planks, concluding the existing porch boards are not a historic or significant element and that a composite product meeting the appearance standards is acceptable.
Preservation staff said the concrete porch slab and the porch boards installed in February 2003 are not original elements of the house, which made replacement more acceptable under the materials section of the Brooks, Russell and Walker Historic District design guidelines. "The existing porch boards were first installed in 02/2003. So they are not a historic or significant element to the house, making their replacement more acceptable," the staff report said.
Applicant Matthew Glinsman, owner of 12 Russell Avenue, told the commission the current wood has been difficult to maintain: "It just wants to deteriorate. ... Our proposal is simply to make it look like pristine new tongue and groove board. It's just a PVC application of that. And from the road, it should not have any different appearance than what it does." He said the proposed installation will use an understructure (sleepers) over the concrete and that the product will be fastened with angled screws so it does not read visually as deck boards.
Commissioners discussed practical implications of composite flooring. Commissioner Mark Feinstein said composite surfaces can get hot in sun and advised the applicant to be aware of that; commissioners also discussed allowing extra gaps to accommodate TimberTech's higher thermal expansion compared with wood. The commission suggested (but did not require) that the new boards follow the orientation of the existing tongue-and-groove boards to preserve the historic appearance. The suggestion was framed as a recommendation, not a condition of approval.
A motion to approve HIST10161-2025 for change in porch flooring material to TimberTech at 12 Russell Avenue passed 3-0. The record includes staff's recommendation and notes on installation technique, but does not impose an orientation requirement.
Votes at a glance HIST10161-2025 — Change porch flooring material (non-original porch) to TimberTech at 12 Russell Ave. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Morgan: Aye; Feinstein: Aye; Dean Bentoza (Chair): Aye. Tally: Yes 3, No 0, Abstain 0.
Next steps: Applicant to proceed with installation; staff will review installed details as part of normal permit/inspection processes.
