Evening star., 1939-08-19
First Aid
for the
AHing House
By ROGER b. WHITMAN.

BY ROGER b. WHITMAN.
Question: I contemplate putting
asphalt shingles on top of the old
wooden shingles. I wish to have
shingles. so that the exposure will
be about five to five and one-half
inches. Is a roof which weighs 355
pounds to the square very much
superior to one which weighs 325?
Will the heavier roof last longer?
Some roofers flash the chimney with
the same material as the shingles,
others use copper. Which is prefer
able? Should any felt paper be
placed between the old shingles and
the composition shingles? Should
bevel edges be placed at the butts
of each row of wooden shingles be-
fore laying the new shingles?
Answer: In asphalt shingles the
weight of shingle will have bear
ing on the lasting qualities of the
roof Lighter and thinner shin
giles having less asphalt content will
have a tendency to dry and curl
sooner than the heavier shingle.
Thirty pounds difference to the
square is not very great, and will
not affect the lasting qualities
great deal Copper should be used
for flashings. There is no need for
asphalt paper under he new shingles,
but bevel strips should be used at
the butts of each row of the old
shingles. This will prevent the as
phalt shingles from following the
contour of the old shingles under
meath, when softened by the heat
OF the sun.
Laying Dust.
Question: Can anything be done
to lay the dust on road about 1000
feet long? At one time it was fine
gravel road, but for some years ashes
and cinders have been used to fill
in bad spots. The dust raised when
the weather is dry is terrific.
Answer: You can lay that dust
with calcium chloride. to be had
from dealer in mason materials
and some hardware stores. When
bought in the bulk the price is very
low. Scatter it on the road in dry
weather or after rain at the rate
of about pound and quarter to
the square yard. Even in dry wealth
er the chemical will absorb enough
moisture from the air to pick up
and lay the dust. When dust again
begins to show. add another three
quarters of pound per square yard.
The chemical has no effect on ami
mails feet. 1t is also a grass and
weed killer.
Soiled Concrete.
Question: Our front porch is made
of tan brick and the top railing or
pillar is concrete. This railing and
the floor and steps are rain-streaked.
How can I cover this unsightly
streaking? l do not wish to use
paint.
Answer: The streaking is only on
the surface. To get it out, first try
cleaning with coarse securing pow
der and a stiff brush with plenty of
water If this will not work. try
Javelle water, or any other bleach
ing liquid
Mix for Mortar.
Question: What proportion of
sand, cement and lime should be
used in making up a brick mortar?
Answer: The proportions are one
part Portland cement, three parts
of clean, sharp sand (graded from
fine to coarse and lime from 10 to
20 per cent of the cement.
Sun-Dial Setting.
Question: A sun dial has been
presented to me, but no one seems
to know how to place it. Can you
inform me?
Answer: You need not be fussy
In the accuracy Of the setting. The
sun dial should be so supported that
its surface is horizontal; check this
with spirit level. When your watch
shows IL o'clock turn the sun dial
so that the shadow indicates noon.
Then anchor the sun dial to its sup
port. I have yet to see sun dial
that could be turned for the differ