The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Care And Repair Of The House

A sufficient quantity of 1-inch mesh wire netting, commonly called " chicken wire," to cover the surface of the boiler is needed.

As it is well to inclose the cement covering around pipe fittings in a canvas jacket, obtain a sufficient quantity of canvas for this purpose of the same weight as that on the air-cell covering.

For pasting the canvas laps on air-cell coverings and for fastening canvas jackets over pipe fittings, a suitable paste is sold by manufacturers of the covering material.

A satisfactory paste may be made of flour and water, similar to that used in paper hanging. Mix 1 part of powdered alum with 50 parts of sifted white flour and add enough cold water to make a smooth paste. Then pour on boiling water until the paste begins to thicken, at which point stop pouring and stir the mixture thoroughly.

Mixing and Applying Asbestos Cement.

Mix the asbestos cement thoroughly in a tub or similar container, using only enough water to make the mixture workable. At least two coats should be applied to the boiler and pipe fittings, and they should be put on when the pipes are warm to insure best results. For the boiler, use a 1-inch first coat and a half-inch second coat; for the pipe fittings, use one-half inch for each coat. The first coat in all cases should be applied roughly with the hands or with a plasterer's trowel, and the surface roughened or scratched so that it will form a good bond with the second coat.

Methods and Order of Procedure.

To start the job apply the first coat to the boiler so that it can dry while the pipe covering is being placed. When the first coat is fairly dry, and before applying the second coat, stretch and fasten the wire netting over the surface to hold the first coat. It probably will have cracked, but the wire will serve as a reinforcement for both coats.