TIMBER FOR 



With the public at present somewhat influenced by the bug- 

 aboo that "wood burns" many prospective builders attempt to 

 use non-combustible materials. Here again amateur effort is 

 not likely to bring gratifying results, and if the architect is 

 called in the builder will have an opportunity to learn the 

 actual relative merits and fire hazard of different types of 

 dwellings. Even if the factors of beauty and economy can be 

 taken care of in the home built of other than frame construc- 

 tion there remains the fundamental cause of fire, which is in no 

 way influenced by the character of the structure. The elim- 

 ination of individual carelessness is the first essential, after 

 which the severity and frequency of the dwelling house fire is 

 determined by the character of the contents. 



The frame dwelling has advantages of warmth, low cost, 

 beauty and comfort which no other type can equal. All the 

 sentiment of home centers around the "homey" character of the 

 wood of which it is built. The treasures of the home will burn 

 as quickly and completely within non-combustible walls as in 

 a frame of wood. To banish the fire hazard, we should build 

 for safety by cutting off vertical openings, by proper flue, 

 chimney and fireplace construction, and, if the home is not 

 isolated from neighboring dwellings, by using a fire-retardent 

 compound on the wooden shingles and a fire-resistant paint on 

 the side walls. Then eliminate individual carelessness, take 

 proper precautions always, and the home and all it means will 

 be safeguarded. 



Fire A development which increases the adaptability 



Retardents of wood for many purposes, is along the line of 

 fire retardents. Processes and materials have been 

 perfected which are eminently practical. They are in most 

 cases a paint or chemical, which can be applied with a brush or 

 by an immersion process. Special investigations on this subject 

 are in progress and for the present it is sufficient to say that 

 there are now on the market fire retardents which are especially 

 adapted to shingles, and will render them permanently fire 



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