Salem Historical Commission Practices Regarding Architectural Roof Shingles FINAL (1)
Salem Historical Commission
98 WASHINGTON STREET, SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS 01970
(978) 619-5685
SALEM HISTORICAL COMMISSION PRACTICE REGARDING ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLES
In recognition of industry changes in asphalt roofing shingles as well as impacts from increased wind
velocity due to a changing climate, the Salem Historical Commission has reconsidered its previous
guidance on the use of architectural roof shingles in the historic districts. As stated in the Commission’s
recently revised Design Guidelines: Architectural asphalt shingles with an even shingle exposure and
rectangular cut are typically acceptable to be consistent with the appearance of historic roofs.
Previously, the Commission approved the use of 3tab asphalt roofing shingles under a Certificate of Non-
Applicability. As the industry phases out this type of shingle, the Commission will now approve* certain
architectural asphalt roof shingles under a minor change category with the following conditions:
• Existing roof already has asphalt shingles – 3tab or architectural. Replacement of existing slate
roofs with asphalt shingles will not be considered under a minor change category;
• Roof replacement will not change or remove existing cornice details or other architectural trim.
*The Commission will review each application on a case by case basis and may find that some
architectural roof shingles are not appropriate for a particular architectural style and/or roof condition.
Proposed roof shingles must meet the following guidelines:
1) Proposed shingle color is dark gray or black;
2) Proposed shingle has a limited color variation;
3) Proposed shingle exposure is even, not three-dimensional;
4) Proposed shingle cut is straight/rectangular.
The Commission has found the following architectural shingles meet the above guidelines**:
Approved Manufacturers/Shingles Approved colors
Certainteed Landmark “Charcoal Black” or “Moire Black”
GAF Timberline NS “Charcoal” or “Pewter Gray”
GAF Slateline “Royal Slate” “Antique Slate” or “English Gray”
IKO Cambridge “Dual Black” or “Charcoal Gray”
Owens Corning Oakridge “Onyx Gray”
**The Commission has made this determination based on outward appearance only.
Owners of designated properties in Salem may apply for architectural shingles that meet the above
criteria through a Certificate of Appropriateness under the category of “minor change”. After
determining that the proposed shingle complies with the standards established by the Commission and
that the installation will not remove or damage historic materials, the Commission will dispense with a
public hearing after owners of all adjoining properties are notified and no objections are received.
Architectural shingles (manufacturer/model) approvable under minor change category
GAF Slateline shingles in “English Gray” (left) and Owens Corning Oakridge shingles in “Onyx Black”
(right)
Certainteed Landmark
(Approved at 15 Hathorne Street)
GAF Timberline NS
(Approved at 18 River Street or 248 Lafayette Street)
GAF Slateline
IKO Cambridge
Owens Corning Oakridge