Evening star., 1942-05-02
Aid
the
|Aiing
BY ROGER B. WHITMAN.

by hOIEh d. WhI1 MAN.
@. Which requires more fuel 70
comfort, a hollow tile or brick house
considering that both are Of tn
same dimensions?
A. A solid brick house will requir,
more fuel than one of hollow-til
construction with stucco or brio
exterior. Whether the plaster 1
applied over Turing and lath o.
directly on the tile or brick alst
will make some difference in hea
loss. The furred wall will requir'
less fuel.
Applying Asbestos Cement.
@. Can asbestos cement be applied
to the outside Of boiler and part
of steam pipes during the heating
season, or Is 1t proper to apply i
when the system is not in operation
A. Use 1t only when the surfaces
are cold. Quick drying may crack
the cement.
Bubbles In Shingles
@. After five years the asphalt
shingles on my roof show many all
bubbles. The manufacturer says al
times a condition of the sort appear!
on asphalt shingles. If 1 have te
reshingle the roof, will 1t be neces'
sary to pull of all the shingles OF
will it be o. K. to lay a new roof or
top of the blistered roof?
A. If the blisters are not large
that is, less than / inch in diameter
new shingles may not be affected
Large blisters should be slit in the
center to permit plastic roofing ce-
ment to be- introduced under the
raised layer; the blister is then
pressed down. With the surface fiat.
tened, new shingles can be laid over
the old.
Banging Steam Pipes.
@. Why do pipes and radiators
knock and bang when steam begins
to come up?
A. Pipes and radiators bang and
knock because of interference with
the free return of water to the
boiler when steam is coming up
This condition is usually caused by
the drop in the pitch Of the steam
main or the branch pipe from the
riser to the radiator. II the latter,
raising the radiator by placing u or
u inch blocks under the legs OF
the radiator will help. Keep the
radiator supply valve open wide.
Also. have your heating man check
the pitch of the main and location
of the quick vent valve on same.
The valve should be at least Is
inches from the end OF the main.
Banging Door.
@. An entrance door OF light con-
struction bangs every time children
90 in or out. AS it proves very
nerve-racking, I would like to know
of something that will stop the
noise. Have you any suggestions?
A. You can get a small inexpen-
siye door check which Is made Tor
screen and storm doors only. Your
hardware dealer should be able to
get it for you.
Dulled Chromium.
@. Is there anything to restore an
even gloss to chromium plate?
Some one used securing powder or
soda solution to wash piping around
kitchen tiles with bad results, max
ing the chromium not only CLOUDY
but less shiny; the same on the
faucets.
A. If washing with soap and
water. rinsing with clear water and
wiping with q dry cloth does not
improve the appearance, nothing
but replating will help; because the
finish has been dulled by scratching.
Care of Baby Carriage.
@. How can treat a baby carri-
age. no longer in use, so that wnen
I need 1t again it will still be nice?
The carriage is maroon with leather
hood and lining, wooden body,
chromium fittings and black painted
wheels.
A. Wash the leather with saddle
soap, then apply leather dressing
Clean all metal parts, including the
wheels, also the body of the car
riage, with mild soap and water: Re-
move all traces of soap with damp
cloth, then wipe dry. Cover the
chromium plated parts with vase
lire, but avoid getting any OF 1t on
the rubber tires. Cover the car
riase well to keep on the dust.
Store in a cool, dry place.
Damp Stonework.
O.I have fireplace built OF
native stone, which looks like gran
ite. laid up with cement mortar.
When we have q heavy rain the
stonework above my mantel is wet In
places. Can you suggest a remedy
for this?
A. Look for possible leaks IN the
mortar Joints in the stonework,
also check on the conditions of the
Hastings around the chimney. In
some cases where stone exposed to
the weather is soft and porous.
dampness has been stopped by
coating the masonry with damp
proof cement base paint. This
comes in powder form and is mixed
with water for application by brush.
Home Decoration.
@. When spring comes l should
like to reupholster some OF my
furniture and make some slip
covers and curtains. Where can /
get information?
A. There is much practical In
formation on these and similar
subjects In book recently issued
called Beauty Treatments for the
Home" by Kay Hardy, and pub
lished by Funk & Wagnan, New
York. II can be had from book
dealers and can be seen at public
libraries.
Unused Battery.
@. Will a new storage battery de-
teriorate II discharged and left
lying idle for several years?
A. Yes unless you keep 1t filled
with distilled water and recharge
the battery about once a month.
Note: Mr.. Whitman Is sorry he
can no longer answer personal
letters. He does, however, offer
readers leaflets on a variety OF
subjects. Today's leafiet covers
"Bleached Wood Finishes" Be
sure to send . scent stamped.