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Historic commissioners weigh PVC porch products and opt for case‑by‑case, paint‑ready approvals
Summary
At the Dec. 19 meeting the Fernandina Beach Historic District Commission heard a lengthy presentation on Eratus PVC porch products, heard contractor concerns about field performance, and signaled a preference for case‑by‑case reviews and limited use of paint‑ready (Traditions) product for front elevations.
A company representative for Eratus PVC Exteriors presented product samples and test claims to the Fernandina Beach Historic District Commission on Dec. 19, prompting extended discussion about when composite or PVC porch materials should be allowed on historic properties.
The presenter said the company has installed a large volume of material nationwide and offered a lifetime warranty covering expansion or contraction, describing the product as "solid extruded PVC" and noting prior approvals in several historic districts. In presenting product features the representative said the Traditions line is paint‑ready and that prefinished lines include UV inhibitors and a longer repaint cycle.
Local contractors and residents raised concerns about real‑world performance and the risk of a slippery slope away from historic wood. Resident contractor Rob Schalkowski described mixed field results with alternative products and urged caution about broadly changing accepted materials. Board members discussed a middle path: reviewing composite porch materials on a case‑by‑case basis, limiting front‑facing approvals to paint‑ready (Traditions) products when appropriate, and allowing more latitude on rear or second‑story applications. The commission did not adopt a blanket policy at the meeting but asked staff to treat these as trial, case‑by‑case approvals and to return with guidance for applicants.
Quote highlights - Eratus presenter: "Eratus PVC Exteriors has been around since 2006." (company presentation) - Applicant/contractor (Rob Schalkowski): expressed frustration about uneven long‑term installations and urged careful vetting.
Why it matters The commission’s stance could shape what materials are allowable on front facades in Fernandina Beach’s Old Town — a decision that affects historic character, maintenance costs and contractor choices. By favoring case‑by‑case review and the paint‑ready Traditions line for visible elevations, the board signaled a cautious approach that preserves design oversight while permitting an alternative when original wood is demonstrably failing.
What’s next Staff will accept sample submittals and may require on‑site samples and installation documentation for future porch/replacement applications; applicants planning composite materials for front elevations should expect additional scrutiny and a likely case‑by‑case review process.
