The sun., 1901-10-09
l.l3E GLAcS IND IRE RiS. S.
BY WILLIAM DULLES. JR.

watching It burn one hour in a fire made
Of pine kindling wood saturated with
kerosine oil, making most intense heat,
were astounded that after n fOrty-pound
pressure stream of water had been thrown
on it the glass held intact and was as firm
as if heat and water had not come III
contact with it. 1t is the unanimous
opinion of the committee that approved
wire glass, when set in an approved
metal frame. is equal, if not better, than
any so-called standard fire shutters, III
its fire-ressting qualities, and this asso-
ciation will make the same allowance
when it is so used as is now made for
the standard shutters or doors to cut off
an exposure"
The above record of an experimental
test made by Insurance Underwriters is
proved correct by actual experience in Sc
we're fires, illustrating the recent develop
ment of new industry, which has in it
elements of great economy as well as
safety for life and property. At re-
cent fire in Chicago. storehouse Of Ar
mour & Co., filled with glue, valued at
not less than 100000, was saved by the
wire glass in one hundred and fifty win
dows, which stood the test of a severe
fire for two hours and half and kept
the fire confined as if by dead wall
The recent Tenement House Commits
SION in New York City has inserted in
the law recently passed requirements
that wire glass shall be used in many
places where for the sake of light win
dows are placed in airshafts and at other
points where there is exceptional expo
sure. This glass is made by inserting a
light wire netting of about three-quartcrs
or one inch mesh in the body of the glass.
The result is most remarkable, for,
when thus made. the glass can be cX-
posed TO the most intense heat, up to the
actual melting point, and even after long
exposure to fire water under usual fire
pressure can be applied without break
ing the glass. A cracked effect is pro-
duced, but the glass remains, and the
present problem in building is to make n
metal or other frcproof sash that will
stand the fire test as well as the glass.
This product necessarily takes rank
with insurance men and after recent
severe fire in Eighth street in Philadel-
rhia, the secretary of the Philadelphia
Underwriters stated that he believed
that if the I.irpilicott building had been
protected with standard wire glass win
dows on the western wall that building
- T..
derwriters everywhere have fully in
dnlSed this glass and allow reduced in
surance rates where it is used.
1t is interesting to find that glass with
its clearncss and light transmitting quail
tiles can be 50 manufactured MS to equal
if not exceed as n fire retardant. iroT
shutters, avoiding in great many place.
. the risk incident and time needed to clos
shutters and at the same time, whel
!, closed permitting fircmen and watchmel
TO discover any trace of fire, and if nee
cSsary, break through the glass to obtai
access TO the fire promptly.
', The use of this product has bccom
!. very extensive, for iii addition to its fir
resisting quality, if broken, it will nC
fall apart, the wire mesh retaining I'll
glass, so that ii is very widely used #
railroad train sheds and skylights whel
the risk Of hrcakage would involve dal
u ger to persons or property beneath II
Skyight Wire glass is thus better tia
q, the netting still sometimes used fo
~ though it may crack, ii will not brc;
u and fail, and can be easily cleaned.
al Polished wire glass is just beginnii
ut to be manufactured, and is in great d
1t mand for buildings. for windows whc
rr there is a fire exposure and yet nccessi
o. for clear glass. A large hotel was
u Gently required by the Building Dcpal
mcnt to use either iron shutters or wi
glass in exposed windows.
ne The glass is also used for shop wi
n dows and showcases, being both hrca
he age proof and burglar proof, while allo
as ing display OF articles of value.
ny
We Over 100000 feet have recently be
ire Shipped TO Japan for the naval buldin
A. of the government there. Official tes
II made by the United States Govcrnmo
80 at the Watertown Arsenal show til
I