Fireplaces, Chimneys and Fireproofing 



129 



of the chimney breast should be carefully looked to. Before setting the furring 

 the ceiling should be lathed with metal lathing and rough plastered from the 

 chimney outward as far as the breast will extend. After the furring studs have 

 been set, two courses 

 of brick and mor- 

 tar should be laid 

 upon the floor space 

 thus enclosed and 

 on the partition 

 footing. Brick and 

 mortar stops should 

 also be inserted on 

 the partition head 

 to the under side of 

 the flooring. 



The wooden 

 partition about the 

 staircases, and such 



rooms as contain 

 staircases, should be 

 filled solid with 

 brick and mortar 

 from the first-floor 

 beams up. The said 

 beams should be 

 properly supported 

 in the cellar to carry 

 this extra weight, 

 and should be cov- 

 ered with metal lath- 

 ing and plastered, 

 so as not to leave 

 any exposed sur- 

 faces. If the par- 

 tition should not have a bearing or support from the cellar up, or be built about 

 the stairs and upon the stringers, two courses of brick and mortar, extending 

 horizontally on cross bindings at intervals of not less than 3 feet, beside the usual 

 number of courses at the foot and head of the partition, should be used. Pro- 

 vision should be made in the framing to carry this extra weight. The space between 

 the stringers at intervals of 3 feet should be filled solid with mortar mixed with 

 plaster of paris. Wherever the stringers set on the floor or landing in such a way 

 as to offer a bearing, this space could be filled to the limit with bricks and mortar. 

 It is always best in the planning of the staircase motive to have the connection 

 continuous from cellar to attic. This arrangement admits of cutting off by double 

 (or single) doors on each story, so that the stair well becomes, with proper fire- 

 proofing, practically an independent tower. If this is done, cellar stairs should 



An old Salem mantel of simple, direct design. It is to be regretted that the 

 of the old fireplace is to be harnessed to a stove 



