Evening star., 1939-10-07
First Aid
For the
Aiing House
Bv ROGER b. WHITMAN.


Question: have heard that i'm
ported burlap is stronger than do
mestic. Is that true? I want to
use 1t as foundation for hooked
rugs, and the ordinary burlap dries
and wears out quickly. Is there any
other stronger foundation for
hooked rugs?
AnsWer-It is generally conceded
that imported burlap makes better
foundation for hooked rugs than do
mestic. The fiber is less brittle. I
do not know of anything that may
make better or stronger founda-
ton.
Green Color on Copper.
Question: should like to know
how to treat copper roofing in order
to obtain dark green color and
whether or not such treatment
would injure the copper. The roof
has been on for 10 years. It is of
fairly heavy sheet metal.
Answer-The Copper and Brass
Research Association at 420 Lexing-
ton avenue, New York City, will
send you booklet on request, de-
scribing in detail the method of
developing green color on copper.
The shade of green obtained is a
bright one and not dark. The
treatment will not injure the copper.
Laying Linoleum.
Question-My future husband is
planning to lay linoleum in the
kitchen and bathroom of our new
home over an under layer Of paper.
What kind Of cement should be
used?
Answer-The laying of linoleum
Is job that requires considerable
experience and skill, for otherwise
there are likely to be openings be-
tween the sheets and along the mar
gins that will make trouble.
strongly recommend that you have
the Job done professionally. Limo
leum makers provide the special
cement that is needed, but one
variety comes with the cement
already applied to the linoleum and
needing only to be moistened.
Bungalow Heater.
Question-What kind OF a heating
system would you advise for my
bungalow?
Answer-1f the bungalow is to be
permanently occupied during the
winter q compact hot-water heating
system would give excellent results.
But if the house is to be used only
occasionally for week ends and holi-
days I recommend some form Of
circulating hot-air heater. AS this
system contains no water there is
no danger of freezing pipes, so that
the job Of pipe-draining on leaving
the house is eliminated. Another
point is that heat comes up almost
as soon as the fire is started.
Fireplace Heater Unit.
Question-There Is fireplace
heater unit made to bring in fresh
air through a louvre in the outside
of the chimney. Is that an advan-
tage in house with cellar only
under the kitchen? I am wondering
If too much cold air would come in.
The house is of frame construction.
We are afraid the cold air intake
would not give us the comfort we
expect from the fireplace. Would
rain be harmful to the fireplace and
fire screen that rolls up like shade?
Answer-The cold-air intake in
units of this type can be adjusted.
Fireplace units have been in wide
use in recent years as auxiliary heat
units and have proved very salts
factory. The small amount of rain
or dampness that may come down
the chimney will not cause any
serious damage to the unit or the
screen.
Renovating.
Question-1n doing over an old
farmhouse, intend to strip walls
and ceilings of all lath and plaster
and to run necessary pipes and con-
duits before replastering. Would it
be better to use wood or metal lath?
There is no heat and do not ex-
expect to put it in at once, but will
install risers for steam or hot water
while the plaster is off. Would you
prefer steam or hot water? Why?
Answer-For house that is to be
occupied only occasionally I should
prefer some form of circulating
warm air. With both steam and
hot water all water would have to
be drained of on leaving and on
opening up the house it would be
many hours before the system could
be filled and the radiators heated.
With warm air all of this would be
avoided. Do not overlook the need
for putting good metal weather.
strips on all windows and outside
doors.
Damp Spots in Plaster.
Question-My house is four years
old. The ceilings in the bedrooms
and living room show damp spots
whenever it rains or on a damp
day. Can this be patched? Please
advise if anything can be done to
help these damp streaks.
Answer-Look for the causes of
these damp spots. If they are To-
Gated near the chimney it is pos
sible the roof flashings around the
chimney are leaking. Damp spots
IN the ceiling near windows may
indicate the need of caulking be-
tween the window frames and out
side walls. Leaks in a roof might
be possible cause. After correcting
the trouble the plaster can then be
painted.
Plastic Paint.
Question-Is lime ever used for
plastic paint walls? What is a good
medium rough finish? Can plastic
paint be put on over old plaster?
Are the ceilings given the same tex
,ture as the walls?
+ Answer-Plastic paint contains
glue or some other adhesive and will
stick to any surface. including old
plaster. Gypsum plastic paint is
/ $500