The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
Care And Repair Of The House
Furring is always advantageous, but it adds to the cost to such an extent that in some cases, recourse is had to waterproofing, applied to the inside surface of the masonry wall before plastering is put on. This waterproofing may be of bituminous material which is swabbed on with a roofer's mop, or may consist of a scratch coat of Portland cement mortar containing waterproofing compound. A recent development in bituminous waterproofing demands that the material be applied through a gun, which method is considered more efficient than swabbing. It is claimed that by spraying a more water-tight job is possible, since the pores and inequalities in the surface are more thoroughly filled. If bituminous or other plaster material is used, plastering should be applied while the bitumen is still sticky, to insure proper adhesion. Waterproofing of any kind when used by itself will tend to stop leakage only through the joints and will provide no insulation against condensation.
Insulating Old Walls.
The simplest way to treat old walls to make them warmer and prevent " sweating " is to nail furring strips over the old plaster upon which to apply new lath and plaster, insulating board, or insulating material and wall board.
Before the new surface is applied, it will probably be necessary to remove the trim and, when the wall is finished, to insert pieces of wood behind the trim before it is replaced, to bring it forward to form a suitable offset. Another method is to leave the old trim in place and to apply new trim on top of this after plastering.
Replastering, especially in a furnished house, is rather objectionable, because of dampness resulting from the large quantity of water required and because of the splashing and spattering in applying the materials. There are several good wall boards and insulating boards on the market, however, which can be applied upon the stripping in place of lath and plaster, and with less difficulty. A specially prepared joint-treating system is used with these boards, and when completed the wall has the appearance of a plastered surface and may be decorated if desired. Directions covering the application and decoration of these boards are usually furnished by the manufacturers.
6. INSULATING THE ATTIC
Heat passes through a wall or roof if there is a difference in temperature between the two sides. The direction of flow is from the warmer to the cooler side, and heat seeks the lowest temperature level just as water seeks the lowest plane.
It is therefore apparent that, in order to heat a house economically it is necessary to prevent, as far as possible, this flow of heat. In the wintertime for economy the heat must be kept within the house and in the summertime for comfort the out-of-doors heat must be kept out.
