December, 1909 
AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS vii 
or concrete becomes monotonous to the ob- 
server even where there is but a sprinkling of 
concrete among buildings of more pleasing con- 
struction. 
“Tf to the strength, cheapness, durability, 
and fire-resisting properties of concrete can be 
added impermeability to moisture and decora- 
tion, we will have a building material as 
nearly perfect as the world has ever seen, and 
this within the means of every builder. 
“In recognition of this fact, various con- 
cerns and individuals have placed on the mar- 
ket and recommend as a solution to the prob- 
lem, various treatments and coatings. 
“For the sake of convenience, I will divide 
these into four classes. In my investigation of 
the various treatments and materials included 
in these classes, I have endeavored to be un- 
prejudiced, and to give to each its true worth 
and full value. 
“T. Waterproofing Compounds in Liquid 
or Powdered Form, Mixed with the Concrete 
in Its Preparation. 
“This is a help in that it lessens and retards, 
in a measure, the moisture-absorbing tendency 
of concrete. It fails in the desired attainment 
for the following reasons: 
“Improper distribution, which is difficult of 
regulation. 
“When properly distributed, it does not ren- 
der concrete entirely impervious to moisture. 
“Tt has a tendency to weaken the tensile 
strength of concrete. 
“Tt does not decorate. 
“The increase in value is not proportionate 
with the increase in cost. 
“It deteriorates with age, that is, a concrete 
block containing the waterproofing compound, 
on the first application of water will absorb 
certain varying quantities. On subsequent ap- 
plications, allowing the block to dry in each 
instance, larger quantities are absorbed. 
“TI. Treatments Preparatory to the Use of 
Linseed-oil Paints. 
“Treatments in various forms have been 
advanced and recommended by some of our 
leading master painters, and endorsed by most 
able research chemists. For the sake of brev- 
ity, I have included in my paper but three of 
these treatments: (a) Hydrochloric or muri- 
atic-acid wash; (4) a wash consisting of a so- 
lution of zinc sulphate and water; (c) a wash 
consisting of ammonium carbonate and water. 
“From a chemical standpoint, muriatic acid, 
no matter in what strength, nor what the char- 
acter of the concrete, is not only useless as a 
remedy, but detrimental in its action. Master 
painters who have endeavored to put it in prac- 
tice have discovered to their sorrow a con- 
firmation or a demonstration of the chemical 
theory. 
“Theory favors and practical tests confirm 
as the best adapted to the purpose, the former 
of the two latter methods.” 
The author proceeds to give the chemical 
reactions of these various washes with the con- 
crete ingredients, and shows’ in a convincing 
manner the reasons why they fail in their de- 
sired object. He adds: 
“The treatment with zinc sulphate or am- 
monium carbonate, even though successful, 
does not ofter a solution to the problem, be- 
cause a linseed-oil paint is unsuited for either 
exterior or interior painting of concrete. “The 
gloss robs the surface of the appearance of 
stone or masonry. Linseed oil has water- 
absorbing and lacks water-resisting properties. 
It can not be applied over a damp or wet sur- 
face, which means that following a rainstorm 
or rainy season, a painter must wait weeks and 
perhaps months before he can commence work 
on or complete a contract already begun. 
“TII. Colorless Liquid Coatings. 
“Certain of these may be of some value or 
service in retarding moisture absorption and 
efflorescence, but they are all alike found lack- 
ing in the following respects: 
We borrowed this dance 
From the days of the past 
And the wonder grows as 
we dance it— 
How they kept up the pace 
And the strength of the race 
without 
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Seay 
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