GUTTER PROBLEM 317 



In some localities diplomacy is required to banish alcohol, and 

 keep the men contented when the evergreen roof-tree nailed to the 

 ridge proclaims that the roof is raised, but a small present generally 

 solves this difficulty. 



Floors. 



Diagonal the rough floor as in sheathing. It means more labor 

 and material, but gives a far better braced building, a firmer grip on 

 finish floor, and there is less chance of buckling or getting out of shape 

 than when both floors are laid straight. 



The accurate furring-up of an uneven under floor is a job the 

 mediocre carpenter invariably shirks, as he does the knee-aching task 

 of scraping the finish floor surface. Both are essential, and omission 

 of the former will cause even furniture of the best construction to 

 appear wobbly and a poorly finished floor makes a fine dirt gripper 

 and retainer. 



A partial over-floor covering either of expensive half-inch cork 

 boarding or the cheaper cork matting both non-absorbent and soft 

 under foot, without the drawing objection to rubber will ease ach- 

 ing feet of cook and laundress and take the chill and slip out of a 

 tiled bathroom. Service room floors can be made fireproof with 

 patent cement flooring. Hardwood floors mean from one-half to 

 one-third less work to satisfy good housekeeping. 



Stud crippling midway between floor and ceiling not only braces 

 and ties, but stops fire draught. 



Cut, square headed nails are preferable to wire for flooring, and 

 blind nailing is essential. 



The effect of a level long distance floor means the passing of the 

 door saddle, that retainer of dust, disturber of carpets, and space 

 shortener, but its use where rugs and carpets closely edge openings 

 means a tighter fitting door. If the mat is inset there is no conflict 

 with the front door. 



Convent cell and hospital ward simplicity should in a measure 

 guide for health the mind that plans our sleeping rooms, yet com- 

 fort must reign. 



Sound readily carries through partitions and flooring unless 

 guarded against, hence no false beams should be placed until ceil- 

 ings are plastered, nor may one commit the error of having the floor 

 or floor beams of one story form the ceiling of another. Heavy felt- 

 ing between floors will not entirely eliminate noise. 



The Gutter Problem. 



If the concealed cypress gutter is used, it should be V-shape 

 within to prevent ice from splitting it, and should of course be metal 

 lined. Leaks occur through imperfect roof covering and sides as in 

 split shingle and clapboard, in outside chimney breast, top, bottom, 

 and sides of windows and doors, in carelessly flashed valleys and 



