Commission approves roof replacement and targeted rafter repairs at 260 North High Street

The Landmarks Commission approved application CA26019, authorizing Owens Corning Duration asphalt shingles in onyx black and permitting documented structural repairs to a rotten rafter tail and tongue-and-groove sheathing where needed.

Staff summarized the prior concerns that had prompted a tabled review: damaged tongue-and-groove sheathing above the roof and one rotten rafter tail that will require removing shingles and replacing the rafter. The applicant's contractor explained the repair approach and mockup: “that whole rafter and the rafter tail has to be replaced…we're gonna have to go up the roof, cut that rafter out, replace that rafter, do the decorative rafter tail, and then sister both sides of that…with carriage bolts or headlock bolts,” and described building a sectional soffit/ladder to preserve the historic look while stabilizing the overhang (Contractor, speaker 9). Commissioners asked clarifying questions about sheathing thickness, fastener type and whether the mockup would be painted; staff and the contractor confirmed a plan for inspection after shingles are removed and for paint-matching the repaired elements.

Commissioners voted to approve the application as presented so the work to dry the building in could proceed; staff reminded the applicant to provide a final method statement and to allow inspection once the mockups and rafter repairs are exposed.