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brick, limestone, flagstone, sandstone and stucco shall be cleaned only when necessary to halt deterioration or to remove stains, and shall be done with a method acceptable for the preservation of the surface: i.e. low pressure water and soft natural bristle bushes. When repairing stucco, stucco mixture compatible in composition, color and texture shall be used. Recommended Whenever possible, the original building materials should be restored. Metal or vinyl siding may be used when it is the only alternative to maintaining or replacing the original surface material. When used over wood surfaces, this siding should be the same size and style as the original wood. Every effort should be made to retain the original trim around windows, doors, cornicles, gables, eaves and other architectural features. Ample ventilation must be afforded the structure when metal or vinyl siding has been installed in order to prevent increased deterioration of the structure from moisture and/or insects. Mortal joints should be repointed only when there is evidence of moisture problems or when sufficient mortar is missing to allow water to stand in the mortar joint. Existing mortar shall be duplicated in composition, color, texture, joint size, method of application and joint profile. It is emphasized that, prior to initiating any restoration or rehabilitation effort, the property owner should contact the Historical Preservation Commission of South Bend and St. Joseph County which is located in the County/City Building of South Bend. The Commission is an invaluable source of information about all facets of rehabilitation and restoration. Prohibited Wood siding shall not be resurfaced with new material which is inappropriate or was unavailable when the building was constructed, such as artificial stone, brick veneer asbestos or asphalt shingles. Sandblasting or the use of harsh detergents shall not be used on masonry including brick, stucco, limestone, flagstone and sandstone. This method of cleaning erodes the surface material and accelerates deterioration. Brick surfaces shall not be painted unless they had been painted originally. Repointing shall not be done with a mortar of high Portland cement content which can often create a bond that is stronger than the building material. This can cause deterioration as a result of the differing coefficient of expansion and the differing porosity of the material and the mortar, which can result in serious damage to adjacent brick. Paint shall not be removed from masonry surfaces indiscriminately. Not Recommended Waterproof or water repellent coatings or surface consolidation treatments should not be used on masonry surfaces unless required to solve a specific problem that has been studied and identified. Coatings are frequently unnecessary and expensive, and can accelerate deterioration of the masonry. Mortar joints which do not need repointed should not be repointed. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The applicant is prepared to replace the existing cedar trim as allowed for with RME #2018- 0809 but has voiced concern that replacing the Cedar shingles is considered cost prohibitive by the homeowner. Because of the location of these Cedar shingle portions of the house, the degradation of the material has been accelerated leading to regular and continued maintenance by the contractor. As an alternative, Staff was willing to consider the replacement of the shingles with LP Smartside. Staff is of the understanding that this material — when cut to fit the roofline of the structure — will have a higher probability of being compromised by the elements (specifically water at the seams) as well as the temperature extremes of Indiana seasons (with expansion and contraction). The final option presented with this application is preferred by the contractor/applicant: replacing the cedar shingles with a polypropylene siding replicating the style of cedar siding. The majority of this siding is at the rear of the structure and has limited visibility from the street. The Standards and Guidelines for the district do allow for the installation of metal or vinyl siding in the event that it is the "only alternative to maintaining or replacing the original material." However, Staff believes that replacement Cedar shake shingles are readily available. In a best case scenario, Staff recommends replacing the shingles with new Cedar Siding. In lieu of that option, staff is conflicted and offers no recommendation. Written by Adam Toering Historic Preservation Specialist Approved by Elicia Feasel Historic Preservation Administrator Commissioner Gordon made a motion to approve COA #2018-0809A with the replacement • double -seven perfection shingle. Seconded by Commissioner Molnar. 15