Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Preservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission tables request to apply exterior foam insulation at 9735 Socorro Road
Summary
The El Paso Historic Landmark Commission heard a proposal to add exterior insulated-finishing (EIFS) to a contributing house at 9735 Socorro Road but tabled the item to allow the owner to provide more information after staff warned exterior foam can damage masonry.
The City of El Paso Historic Landmark Commission on Monday heard a certificate-of-appropriateness request for exterior foam insulation (EIFS) at 9735 Socorro Road and voted to table the item to the next meeting to allow the applicant to submit additional information.
A staff member told commissioners EIFS is commonly harmful on historic masonry, arguing it "tends to suffocate the masonry" and "holds water against the masonry," and that interior insulation or gentler treatments are preferred. Staff recommended approval only with modifications and suggested that, where possible, insulation be applied on the interior rather than as an exterior foam system.
Commission discussion noted that the property record date (1976 in CAD) might reflect later construction or additions, and that even if the building is not adobe it could suffer long-term damage from exterior foam. The chair moved to table the item to the end of the meeting; later, after telephonic participation, commissioners moved item 1 to the next Historic Landmark Commission meeting to allow the owner or representative to provide product specifications and additional justification.
Next steps: the owner is expected to submit product details and installation methods for the proposed system for staff review prior to consideration at the next meeting.
