Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 May 1918 — HOME GREATEST OF INSTITUTIONS [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

HOME GREATEST OF INSTITUTIONS

Matter That Should Be First in the Thoughts of Every Citizen. PALACE AND COTTAGE ALIKE Main Point Is That Dwelling Should Be Well and Substantially BuiltSensible Design for House Is That Shown Here. Mr. William A. Radford will answer questions and give advice FREE OF COST on all subjects pertaining* to the subject of building, for the readers of this paper. On account of his wide experience as Editor, Author and Manufacturer, he is, without doubt, the highest authority on all these subjects. Address all inquiries to William A. Radford, No. 1827 Prairie avenue, Chicago. 111., and only enclose three-cent stamp for reply. By WILLIAM A. RADFORD. I have always been a believer in home building as a potent factor in making good citizens, and I admire the man who is willing to deny himself a little of the ready spending money as he goes along and puts it into a permanent home for himself and his loved ones. The home is the greatest of American institutions and the one on which all the rest are builded. By home I do not mean necessarily an expensive, elaborate dwelling. The humble cottage is just as truly a home, and represents just as much courage and devotion on the part of him who planned its building and carried the payments through to final possession. The point I want to make is this, that even the small dwelling, the cottage, should be well and substantially built if it is to be the source of satisfaction that rosy dreams had pictured. When building, don’t put up a shoddy makeshift that the winds will whistle through; nor a carelessly built firetrap that will easily burn down and perhaps catch the family within its smoldering ruins. One of the most common causes of fires in dwelling houses is defective chimneys. In puttipg up a new house, see that the chimneys are right; or in buying a house already built, ex-

amine closely all the chimney flues. If the chimney is not constructed properly it would pay the owner to build a new chimney rather than run the risk of having the house destroyed. Thousands of dollars are lost by fire each year which could be saved if proper attention were given to a few simple rules governing the chimney and connecting parts. Fires may start in defective flues, backs of ranges, under hearths and in other places which are not in view. Defective flues cause a great many fires of this kind and a little care in building may prevent a catastrophe. The chimney should be built from the ground with a substantial foundation of masonry. The foundation should be at least a foot wider at all points than the chimney. The use of wooden brackets as supports should be avoided. as they are liable to start fire around the base of the chimney.

Experts advise that chimneys be built at least three feet above flat roofs and two feet above the ridge of pitched roofs. The horizontal clearance above the top of the roof should be at least 12 feet. If these suggestions are observed the danger of fire from falling sparks will be greatly reduced and an increased draft will be obtained. The construction of a separate flue for each fire will lessen the liability of a conflagration. Terra cotta linings* of one-inch thickness may be used if the lining is started a foot below the lowest thimble. It is suggested that a good shoulder be provided for the fc-st section of the tile to rest upon.

In cases where there are two thimble# in a single flue, a flue stop should be provided for one. A chimney should not be offset at the roofline or on any floor to make it come out at the end of the roof or to conceal it in any closet. An overhanging projection in - a chimney causes cracks in the roof at the most favorable spot for a fire to gain a good headway. The Walls of chimneys should be six or eight Inches thick and should be constructed of cement mortar throughout. It is essential that the capstones correspond in size to the flues, else the draft will be poor. If there is any doubt in' the owner’s mind about the risk of fire from his chimney, the advice of an architect should be followed. This procedure may save the owner expense in the future and reduce the possibility of fire to a minimum. The accompanying six-room cottage is most substantially built, and is especially safe in regard to both fire hazards and the penetration of cold and wind. Concrete blocks with rough stone face are used for the front porch, foundation walls, and chimneys, giving an appearance of solidity that is very satisfying. This is a very sensible bungalow design. There is nothing about it to run into money, but is kept simple, straight-forward, and good to look at. A large living room with adjoining front bedroom occupy the front of the house. Then comes the dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms and adjacent bathroom. Above there is a good attic space that can be utilized in many ways. The cellar way opens from the rear hall near the kitchen door, which makes it very convenient. This house is the type that is so popular in many city suburbs. It goes nicely on a 30-foot lot.