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Landmarks Commission approves composite-tile roof and copper gutters for 406 Windsor Drive with conditions
Summary
After a lengthy discussion about materials, cost and tax-credit trade-offs, the commission approved a certificate of appropriateness to replace the clay tile roof at 406 Windsor Drive with a composite tile product (Brava) and copper gutters and flashing, requiring the owner to notify the commission if materials change and urging caution on installation.
The Waukesha City Landmarks Commission on July 9 approved a certificate of appropriateness for roof work at 406 Windsor Drive in the Capels Park Historic District that allows the owner to use a composite tile product (marketed as Brava) instead of original clay tile, and to replace gutters and chimney flashing with copper. The approval includes explicit caveats: the owner must notify the commission if he changes materials, and the commission cautioned him to accept installation and product responsibility and to seek multiple estimates.
Homeowner John Rosenberg told commissioners he has pursued multiple contractors and materials options after repeated leaks and hail damage, and presented several estimates he said ranged from roughly $42,000 (for partial repairs) to as high as $90,000 for full tile replacement. He said some companies advised that a polymer composite product he selected had shown warping in field observations, and that he had just received a written review noting durability concerns. Rosenberg told the commission he was also offered a 50-year warranty on the proposed composite tiles.
Commissioners debated the trade-off between preserving original materials and the pragmatic constraints of availability and cost. Several commissioners said they recognize that exact historic materials may be unavailable or prohibitively expensive and that a visually similar modern product can be acceptable when installation quality and long-term performance are addressed. At the same time, commissioners noted that use of a non-original product could affect eligibility for Wisconsin historic rehabilitation tax credits and urged Rosenberg to weigh that consideration.
The commission voted to approve the COA as presented — composite tile in a Tuscan clay color, copper K-style gutters and copper chimney flashing — with the requirement that Rosenberg return if he chooses a different product and that he assume responsibility for the selection and installation. The commission also advised Rosenberg to obtain additional competitive estimates and to verify installer experience with the selected product.
Next steps: staff will document the approval and the owner will proceed with permitting and contractor agreements; any change in materials will require return to the commission for review.
