Fireplaces, Chimneys and Fireproofing 



Old fireplace and accessories at Bull Run, N. Y. Photograph by Julian Dimock 



between cover of the hot-air chamber and cover of the furnace, that the ceiling 



above may not be overheated. A galvanised-iron shield, 6 inches larger than 



the diameter of the 



heater, should be 



suspended from the 



ceiling above the 



heater, leaving a 



sufficient air space 



between it and the 



ceiling. Never use 



other than a metal 



ash can; wood is too 



dangerous. Always 



keep matches in 



fireproof boxes with 



cover. 



Shingle roofs 

 laid in mortar, 

 though expensive, 

 make a fire-resisting 

 surface where it is | 

 often sorely needed. 

 If ever an absolutely 

 fireproof mixture is produced, the place for it above all others is on the shingle roof. 



Gutters should be either metal or metal lined; many fires are started from 

 burning firebrands lodging in them after rolling ofF the roof. For the above 

 reasons slate is preferable to shingle, and metal gutters to those of wood. 



All wooden structures should have stone or brick underpinning at least 12 

 inches from the ground, and no woodwork should come below that height unless 

 otherwise properly protected from the possibility of fire from burning grass. 

 Openings under piazzas and porches for lattice work should not be made 

 nearer to the ground than 12 inches, and the lower step and step buttresses are 

 best constructed of non-combustible material. 



A flagging of brick, stone or composition should extend fully 16 inches from 

 the wall of the cellar bulkhead. The reason for the above precaution is that 

 mischievous boys and careless workmen often start serious fires while burning out 

 grass, and it is well to forstall this as far as possible. 



Fireproof paper should be laid between all under and upper floors, between 

 the outside boarding and sheathing of all vertical wooden walls, and between 

 roof shingles and roof boards. The ordinary floor deafening, which is usually 

 composed of cement, sand and cinders, makes an excellent reinforcement to the 

 fireproof paper in floor construction. 



One length of fire hose placed on each floor, including the cellar and attic, 

 so as to cover the entire area, is advised. It should be in an open hall way, pre- 

 ferably near the stairway, and should always be connected and ready for use. It 

 should be located near a night light so that it can be easily found in the dark, and 



