ArcJdtccture in the United States. 



235 



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cities are proverbial : their extension is cansed in nrne cases out of 



ten, by our wooden roofs. We 



danj^crous character, 



for in case of fire, ovir first attention is always directed to ibc rooft 

 of the neighboring houses ; here our apprehensions fix tliemselves 

 most keenly, and on them the engines most iinrcmittingly play, 

 "If the roof can be saved" is the universal cry, "all is safe." Is 

 it not most strange then, tliat people will still continue the practice 

 of roofing with such combustible materials, or that if they will do so, 

 that state authorities do not interfere and {)ut a stop at once to tho 

 evil? The practice, so dangerous, often so widely destructive, cann5t 

 even plead economy in its support. I have received from an emi- 

 nent architect in New York, some very valuable memoranda, shewing 

 the comparative expense of various kinds of roofing in tliat city, which 

 will furnish us with some useful data : I regret tliat our limits will not 

 allow me to lay the whole before the reader. 



The following will shew the present prices cf roofing in that city, 

 and the time each kind will last. 



Prices. 



20 In, white pine shingles, in three thick- 

 nesses, laid on white pine boards, with square 

 edges, per 100 superficial feet, 



30 In. white cedar shingles, in three thick- 

 nesses laid on oak laths, tlxe laths 1 inch by 

 2 1-4 inches, 



16 In. Welsh slate, laid on 1 1-4 inch plank, 

 with square edges, close and leaded at the 

 ridge, 



16. In. Welsh slate, laid on oak laths, and plas- 

 tered between the laths with lime and sand 



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mortar, and leaded, 



Tile laid on oak laths 1 1-4 inch square, and 

 pointed on the underside between the latlis, 

 witli lime and sand mortar, 



Common bright tin, with grooved edges, laid on 

 1 1-2 inch white pine plank, ploughed and 

 grooved, the groves of the tin first put togetli- 

 er with white lead and well beat down. 



16 Oz. sheet copper, (or one pound io the 

 square foot,) with grooved edges laid on 1 1-2 

 inch pine plank, grooved as above. 



from $7 to 9^ 



Time which they 

 will last on a roof 

 inclined 26° 30' 



from 20 to 25 years. 



" mo to 12 



" 35 to 40 " 



M 



$12 to 14 



" 35 to 40 « 



" $14 to 16 *' 40 to 45 « 



Cfi 



$12 to 15 " 60 to 70 



t4 



(C 



f IS to 20 " 25 to 30 « 



u 



$35 to 40 « 55 to 60 « 



These prices include the expense of boarding, lathing and plastering 



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