The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
Care And Repair Of The House
It is recommended that any such material within 2 feet of the top of a boiler or furnace, or within 1 foot of a smoke pipe, shall at least be protected by a loose-fitting metal shield, arranged to preserve an air space of an inch or two between the metal and the wood. The air space may be provided by the use of small blocks of incombustible material between metal and joists, or by suspending the metal sheets on wires or hooks fastened to the joists. If tin is used for a shield, it should have locked joints, as soldered joints are not reliable.
Similar protection should be placed over any woodwork or wood lath and plaster partition, within 4 feet of the sides or back or 6 feet from the front, of any boiler, furnace, or other heating equipment. This covering should extend at least 4 feet above the floor, and at least 3 feet beyond the heating device, on all sides. It is advisable to have all such installations inspected by a representative of the fire insurance company.
5. INSTALLING PARTITIONS IN THE BASEMENT
A dry. clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated basement can be made a most useful part of a house by partitioning off spaces for different purposes. It is generally necessary, at least, to partition off a coal bin, and sometimes the furnace also is enclosed to protect the rest of the basement from dust and soot. The remaining space may be divided off for a laundry, a workroom for the handy man, or a playroom for the children. It may also be desirable to provide a cold room for the storage of preserves and fruits and vegetables.
If a definite storage space is set aside for garden tools, bicycles, and various equipment, they can be kept in good condition and more readily located when needed. An orderly arrangement in a basement tends to encourage neatness and lessen work.
Before partitions are put in, a careful study of the requirements should be made and a plan outlined, so that, regardless of the order in which the partitions are built, they will conform to the general scheme.
The partitions may be of wall board, lumber, brick, tile, or concrete, depending upon the wishes of the owner regarding permanence and the amount of money available for the purpose.
If the partition is to be sheathed with wall board or lumber it will be first necessary to construct a framework on which to nail the sheathing. For this purpose, 2 by 4 inch lumber is generally used for plates and studs, as in ordinary wall construction. If wall board is used, the studs should be placed on 16-inch or 24-inch centers depending upon the width of the material. If a tight, neat-appearing wooden wall is desired, tongued-and-grooved three-quarter-inch boards may be used.
If brick, concrete blocks, or hollow tile are used, the question of thickness is not important, as the wall is not a load-bearing wall. It should, however, be substantial enough to withstand considerable lateral pressure and rough usage.
