March, 1912 AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS ix 
HINTS ON USING COPPER ON OUT- 
SIDE BUILDING WORK 
By A. C. VARIAN 
OPPER is being very largely used 
these days instead of tin and galvanized 
iron for outside building work. Cornices, 
gutters, valleys, leaders, etc., are made of 
it, and it should prove very satisfactory 
for such purposes, as it resists to a remark- 
able degree the harmful attacks of time and 
weather. But experience has shown that it 
cannot always be used in the same manner 
as tin and galvanized iron, on account of 
its being so much more susceptible of ex- 
pansion and contraction than they are. The 
usual method in using it has been to place 
it in position in exactly the same way as 
if tin or galvanized iron were being em- 
ployed. But certain defects soon develop 
if such a course is followed. This article 
will not enter into technicalities, as that 
would be beyond its scope, but it will state 
in simple language some ideas which if used 
will enable the work to be accomplished in 
so efficient a manner that it will last for 
a long time. For the convenience of the 
reader the writer has divided the article into 
sections, each with an appropriate title. 
COPPER IS A FAR SOFTER MATERIAL THAN 
EITHER TIN OR GALVANIZED IRON. 
Copper is a far softer material than tin 
or galvanized iron. This means that it 
must be carefully protected while it is being 
put up, and also after the work is finished. 
A blow that would not injure tin or galvan- 
ized iron, will often seriously damage cop- 
per. lf outside copper gutters are used, 
it is best to have the outer edge made with 
an iron rod. This will afford some protec- 
tion in case the gutter is struck by a ladder. 
or otherwise subjected to an unusual strain. 
It will also stiffen the gutter and render it 
more durable. The expense is not large 
to add the rod when the gutter is being 
constructed. 
DO NOT USE COPPER WHICH IS TOO THIN. 
As copper is so much more expensive 
than either tin or galvanized iron, it 
is often made in a very thin form, the idea 
being that as it will not rust, it will last a 
long time, even though it has not much 
thickness. But this theory has frequently 
been carried to the extreme in practice, and 
some valleys, gutters, etc., have been con- 
structed of copper which will not last. 
Specify the thickness (or weight) of any 
copper that you may wish used on your 
buildings, and do not for a small saving 
use too thin a material. It may prove 
costly in the end. 
HOW TO AVOID THE DELETERIOUS EFFECTS OF 
EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION. 
As I mentioned at the beginning of this 
article, copper is very susceptible of expan- 
sion and contraction. All outside work is 
necessarily subjected to extremes of heat 
and cold. Picture for yourself a metal roof 
in the bright sunlight, on a hot Summer’s 
day when the mercury stands at ninety or 
ninety-five degrees in the shade. Think 
how much heat it will absorb, especially if 
it is made of copper. Then also consider 
how much expansion there will be during 
the day, but remember in addition, that 
when the roof cools during the night there 
must be much contraction. All copper 
roofs are subjected to much strain from 
stich causes. Let us now consider how a 
copper roof may be laid so as to make it 
as durable as possible. 
COPPER ROOFING. 
I have already said that copper cannot be 
used to advantage for some purposes in 
the same way that tin or galvanized iron 
could be. This especially applies to copper 
roofs. When they are constructed in the 
OOTs 
Too 
Should 
a in 
a 
WHETHER your floors are old or new, of 
soft wood or hard, painted or unpainted, 
stained or unstained, or covered with linoleum or oil- 
cloth, you can easily keep them in a beautiful, bright, 
sanitary condition with Z 
STANDARD VARNISH WORKS 
PLASTICA 
J rane EY 
FLOOR FINISH 
Look for the Trade-mark on a Yellow Label. All others are imitations 
The One Perfect Floor Varnish 
ELASTICA is especially intended for use on wood floors, oilcloth 
and linoleum. By following the directions on each can of ELASTICA, 
you can easily secure a beautiful, sanitary, faultless surface which 
defies the hardest sort of wear—a floor which is heel proof, caster 
proof and “boy proof.” 
SEND FOR BOOK 94 
“How to Finish Floors””—Home Edition. Profusely illustrated, rich 
in suggestions for making and keeping floors beautiful. Also, ask 
_ for a set of exquisitely colored postcards showing handsome in- 
terior, which will be sent with our compliments. Address 
STANDARD VARNISH 
29 Broadway, New York, 2620 Armour Avenue, 
Chicago. Ill., 301 Mission St., San Francisco, 
Cal., or International Varnish Co., 
Ltd., Toronto, Canada 
»Camden, S.C. 
OR the winter months, December to May offer a climate 
unsurpassed in the middle South among the pines, the long 
leaf kind of South Carolina, dry sandy soil and health-giving at- 
mosphere, one can play golf, tennis and ride or drive every day. 
The hotel, a first-class American plan more like a home of re- 
finement and in a true southern town, colonial homes 
and gardens, that and more is what we offer. 
T. EDMUND KRUMBHOLZ 
Of the Sagamore on Lake George and the 
ontclair, New Jersey 
= 
hE L 
ae: 
