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HARB conditionally approves synthetic slate for church roof, asks for curved mock-up and staff sign-off
Summary
After extensive discussion about aesthetics, durability and insurance impacts, the board approved Brava/Bridal synthetic slate for the tower and committed to the same material for the rest of the roof when replaced, contingent on a curved mock-up and staff approval; the church emphasized timing before hurricane season.
The Historic Architectural Review Board on March 19 conditionally approved a synthetic slate replacement for the conical tower and roof of the Romanesque Revival church at 27 Seville Street, asking the applicant to provide a curved mock-up showing 2–3 courses of the proposed Brava/Bridal composite slate for staff review and to commit to the material for the remainder of the roof when it is replaced.
Staff described samples submitted by the applicant and noted differences between the original slate found in the tower attic and the proposed composite, including a thicker profile and distinct edge. The roofing contractor, Ryan Cruz of Florida Specialty Roofing, said the composite product can be field-customized and that Brava offers a 50-year product warranty and a 10-year color guarantee; he also noted the product's wind performance when installed with two screw fasteners.
Board members voiced concerns about a plastic sheen, behavior on a steep conical surface, and the potential insurance-company response to composite materials on long-term roof replacements. The church treasurer, Hugh Peters, said the congregation had discussed insurance implications with carriers and believed the product would be a net positive for premiums.
After extended technical discussion the board resolved to approve the composite material for the entire roof with a condition that the applicant submit a 2–3-course curved mock-up (approximately 2 feet of curved plywood) and allow staff to review and sign off; if staff is not comfortable the matter will return to the board. The decision included explicit direction that future work on the remainder of the roof will need to come back to HARB if it deviates from the approved material.
