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Newspaper
Middletown Journal
Location
Middletown, Ohio, United States of America
Date
Jul 30, 1949
Page
8
A home improvement Q and A outlines minimal alcove sizes for portable versus built in dining, urging 7 ft 6 in square for portable and 4 ft 6 in by 5 ft for built in. It also covers plaster drying times, siding choices, fireplace construction, bath tile issues, frost foundation depths, and porch nail fixes.
The shift to smaller, less costly houses continues with FHA data showing 65 percent of 1938 financed homes under 6000 versus 56 percent in 1936. Space saving heating plants and redesigned slim radiators, wall tucked convectors, insulation and better construction cut heating loads and eliminate drafts, freeing basement space for recreation.
Automatic heating controls are growing in use and can provide even temperatures and fuel efficiency if properly installed. A room thermostat with damper control is good but a double control offers better regulation. bonnet temperature must be adjusted as outdoor temperatures change.
Chimney pots come in dozens of styles and sizes and can complement any home. Built into the chimney top they improve both function and roof appearance, offering jaunty to classic looks from plain to ornate.
The piece suggests converting unused spaces such as back porches attics or alcoves into sleeping areas for holiday guests. It outlines simple carpentry like sealing spaces adding bunk frames with drawers beneath beds and placing two large closets to form private alcoves. Financing painted bright designs and curtains to finish the look.
Poor grading may cause damp basements. Rebuild grade to slope away from the building. Backfill in 12 inch layers, puddle and compact each. Install open joint drain tile near footings sloping to a dry well or sewer, cover with gravel, remove debris, and keep finish grade eight inches from wood.
The article argues lower ceiling heights aid heating and ventilation, saving construction and heating costs while preserving livability. It notes Victorian rooms with 10 to 12 foot ceilings stored warm air and that spaces over 12 inches above window heads need thorough ventilation. It also gives brick cleaning tips for fireplaces using hot soapsuds boiled oil and vinegar.
The color of a roof influences indoor comfort in hot weather. Lighter roofs reflect radiant heat better than dark ones, reducing cooling load. Studies estimate about one quarter of a room's heat enters via the ceiling, largely through the roof.
Experts advise placing the thermostat low on the living room wall, about 30 inches above the floor, to improve comfort. The scheme works especially with gas or oil furnaces as heat is cut off quickly when the room warms, allowing a cooler period before heating resumes.
If a house contains more than four rooms, it may be built more economically as a two story structure than as a bungalow.
The modern small house favors a combined study sitting room over a separate library. Book cases serve decorative and practical aims, and when placed near a fireplace they enhance height and dignity throughout the room.
Corner cupboards can improve a dining room by adding storage for china and glass or by serving as decorative display. Glass doors suit practical storage, while decorative setups may omit doors altogether for a lighter look.
Leaks damage plaster, paint, wallpaper and rugs so fix promptly. Locate the leak by tracing water flow along rafters, then repair shingles with copper flashing or replace damaged shingles. Asphalt shingles need section removal and new tiles or roofing compounds. tin roofs use caulking and patches.
The piece explains common home modernization questions and offers practical aging house guidance. It covers window alterations and structural safety, floor repairs for edgegrain versus flat-grain boards, winter storage for screens, suitable interior wood finishes, and causes of moist fireplaces due to leaking flashings.
The article highlights the nursery as a crucial home room for families with children. It recommends a light airy design with pastel colors, a sleeping-porch annex to boost health and space, and features like wall-bracket lighting, ample closet space, and built-in shelves for toys and nursery items.
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