725 Mandeville St

District: Faubourg Marigny - Full Control

Owner: Simone Cifuentes

Rating: Contributing

Applicant: Simone Cifuentes

HDLC Guidelines:

Section 5, Page 5 of the Guidelines for Roofing state that Metal Roofs were popularized after sheet metal production was expanded following the mid 19th century, and can be found on commercial and industrial buildings, as well as residences and outbuildings. Traditional sheet roofing metals include lead, copper, zinc, tin plate, tern plate and galvanized iron. Many metal roofs require regular painting with traditional colors including silver, grey or green to minimize the potential for corrosion. On shallow pitch roofs like galleries, porches, cupolas or domes, small rectangular pieces of flat seam metal roofing were installed with edges crimped together and soldered to form a weather-tight surface. On steeper pitched roofs, long continuous seams were used, typically in a standing seam configuration, providing regular ridges down roof slopes. Corrugated or other paneled metal roofing was also common on commercial and industrial buildings as well as outbuildings, such as sheds and garages. Metal roofs are typically not appropriate for highly visible roof slopes or where the original roofing material would have been slate, especially on higher style buildings. Metal roofs may be considered for installation where minimally visible.

Staff Recommendations:

The applicant is requesting to remove the existing asphalt shingle roof for installation of new standing seam metal roofing. Based on FEMA survey research, the Creole cottage type building appears to have been constructed between 1835 and 1845 and features a prominent street-facing side gable roof that is visible from both directions, including high visibility from the direction of travel along Mandeville Street. A previous CofA issued in 2008 confirms the building originally had a slate roof, which was removed at that time for installation of the existing asphalt roof shingles. Roof ridge tiles did not exist on the roof at that time, nor do they exist presently. As per the HDLC Guidelines, metal roofs are typically not appropriate for highly visible roof slopes or where the original roof material would have been slate, especially on higher style buildings. Based on this, Staff recommends denial of the request for new metal roofing and recommends the applicant consider utilizing an asphalt shingle to mimic the appearance of slate. However, if approval for metal roofing is granted, Staff recommends a proviso that it be specified in a dark color with a less reflective finish.

• Staff Recommendation: Denial