Page 19 Advertisements Column 1

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21562, 5 August 1933, Page 19

MODERN BUILDING METHODS Permanent, Fire-res':ting Construction at Low Cost ——* INTERESTING EXPLANATION New Zealand is ju»t at the point of emerging from the pioneer stage of her history. The raupo whare and slab hut have practically disappeared into the limbo of the past. Day by day we see the old-fashioned doublestorey frame shop blocks being replaced with up-to-date structures of reinforced concrete or brick. No longer ia the false front tolerated." In the construction of residential buildings also there ia a definite desire for permanence, a desire tempered always by the financial capacity of the person who contemplates building a home. We all yearn for that home constructed in such a manner that the ravages of time will leave it unaffected, that wind and storm may rage, yet all within will be peace and quiet, that in the fierce heat of summer will be a cool haven of delight—a home centre reminiscent of those roof trees of our British forebears. However, the economic development of our country had not progressed to that extent where we could support entirely a building programme of such solidity. Hence wo have become accustomed to the entire timber construction of homes, because that material was the cheapest, easiest secured and worked, material available. In pa?t years the mounting bill of maintenance costs, the appalling fire losses and the general educated demand for comfort and permanence has brought several important developments to the building field in order to overcome these costs and losses and give our people their desired standard of residential comfort and security. Foremost, amongst these was the application of the principle of reinforced concrete to the external walls of residences and light occupancy buildings. This was made possible through the introduction of ** Steeltex." " Steeltex " is a mesh of high tensile, copper bearing steel rods, which are electrically welded at 2-inch centres on both the transverse and longitudinal strands. The resultant mesh, which is highly galvanised as a positive proof against corrosion, is tested to withstand a strain of not less than 70,0001b. to the square inch 'of section. To thiii mesh, by means of an ingenious crimp wire attachment, is •ecured • composite backing, impo/tant parts of which are, firstly, a layer of purs natural asphalt, and, secondly, a waterproof felt. The mesh and backing are attached to the usual wooden stud framework of the building by means of the " Steeltex " Patent Furring Nail. This nail hat a small spacing attachment as a component part of it. The attachment serves to space the reinforcing mesh away from the backing, •o that, when the various coats of cement mortar are applied, the steel mesh is embedded in its correct position in the slab. The resultant walls of " Steeltex" and cement mortar furnish what is, in effect# a vertical slab of reinforced concrete, erected in accordance with the best-known principles and standards. ' FIRE AND EARTHQUAKE RESISTANCE Tha affect of wrapping around the framework of the building with these vertical walla of reinforced concrete is to render the building practically immune from any riak of external fire hazard, a feature of most vital importance in this country, where the national fire losses exceed a million pounds annually. - r Further, the mesh of high tensile steel, firmly and permanently embedded in the cement slab, binds the complete framework of the building together in one almost immovable mass, so that, in the event of earth tremor* or upheavals, you will find that no damage is sustained. This fact was indisputably demonstrated during the Hawke's Bay calamity of February. 1931. and again in the Wairoa disaster of September, 1932. You will see published here undeniable testimony of the efficacy of "Steeltex" construction under earthquake conditions by carefully reading fbe facsimile letter produced. nmon w» Memorandum from inu a c4Te**» roc •UCMtM m*m put AD tU lIOOMJ JtWtWUvtIUHI 4th- October l«» Maria, ftrtit ni Porlt SBakers and (Son/eetionert i In reply to jour enquiry as to ho» our Steeltex no as* at Napier Ed., wairoa fared la the Earthquake Of lfitb. Sapteober, we fsel that we are exceedingly fortunate to boring decided to use Steeltex for this building. After the experlenoa of Steeltex in ths Hawkes Bay Earthquake oo 3rd. February. 1931, ■« decided to build using thle material.«a stnee February 1931 we have been continually having shakes sad of ceurte ccuia not tell whoa a big 'quake would cone. 3teeltex Is used oo the exterior of our house sad the Inside la lined with Plaster 'sllbosri. ths Joints between sheets were filled and then the whole wss papered. Hi?| a single Joint opened up. and neither was the paper c raeVaJ" at 'a IIT There Is not a oraok in the who la of ths exterior walla, which are rough cast oo Steeltex. The 'quake on Septeober 16th. was really very severe, a wardrobe was knocked ovei on to tha floor, and we lost everything In the ehape of china, glassware, ornaaeuts etc. Surrounding houses of Weatherboard rare badly raoksd and of oourse sost brick ohioneys fell. Our ohlitneys vers of Selnforced Conorete, but. did not cooe down, We are firaly ooorlooed that the braolng effect to the wooden frame that la given by the nae of Steeltex was the oblef reason for no etruotual daasgs bain* dons. Jha sensation during the 'quake «»• alalia* to that on a boat in a rough sea. We consider oareelvee luoky lo cfot having to »»> for repairs ae la the eaaa of a large nuaber of others with weatherboard housaa. We thank you for bringing Steeltex to our notice and strongly recoooenj Its use to aoyons considering building. roars faithfully* The decision to use " Steeltex," which was based on the performance •f ** Steeltex " in the Hawke's Bay earthquake of 1931, proved to be a wise one. No greater test than an earthquake can be applied to building construction. " Steeltex" construction emerged successively from two upheavals in New Zealand with flying colours. '"Steeltex " walls are designed, primarily, to displace the unsatisfactory weatherboard linings previously commonly used. The natural resources of our country are still called into request in the timber framing, in the supply of our New Zealand-manufactured cement, and locally-secured sand. " Steeltex " protect* and helps to support the framework. MAINTENANCE AND DEPRECIATION It further protects the small home owner against that continual nightmare of maintenance coat. It obviates the -necessity for repainting at regular intervals; there is no risk of attack by borer or vermin, with the consequent high czpenaa of replacement of timber* and possibly the effect on the value of the whole house; there are no cracked or warped board* or blistering paint. The elimination of all these feature* most considerably reduce* tha •mount of depreciation in value which must be allowed for year by year. Thu* the equity in the home is preserved over a considerably longer period.. COMFORT Th« complete homogeneous slab of cement mortar and steel! wrap» tho houis around like a blanket, *o that in winter there are no discommoding draught* to contend with. Wind, rain or storm may rage outsida, yet all i* aecurity within. _ . , ' Tho internal heat generated by fire* or radiator* i* not disseminated through numerous openings in the outside walls. m iM '' "" '" 7 ' • V ' ' * T: * In .ummer the busy does not have to contend with the annoying infiltration of dust, while the fierce rays of the sun and high temperatures without are completely repulsed. . All this makes for " livability"—a most essential necessity to any h ""°' REMARKABLE LOW COSTS , I. I. .n astounding y.t n.v.rth.l... truly d«mon.U.b . f»=t th«l " Steeltex " external walls cost no more than ordinary weatherboard wails When you consider the manifold advantages that have been retailed to you here, is it any wonder that this form of construction .* da.ly gam.ng in popularity and being adopted by the majority of the home builders? * It is estimated that there are, either under construction or due for commencement at an early date, no less than 70 residence, of varying size embodying " Steeltex " construction in their external wall*. .. .. j i ; Lack of space precludes us from dealing with other important developments affecting the roof and internal lining of the modern home. Alll these features have been cared for in a manner similar to the complete metho of "Steeltex." Further inquiry, which is offered below, will bring yo information on these important points. In conclusion: The progressive firm of Winstone, Ltd., whose address is at 69-77 Queen Street, will be pleased to furmah. other on receipt ot ppstal or personal application, complete and illustrated information regard to tha variou* material* and methods which have been featured m tK The?r Cl stoff of trained and practical .alesmen are at the disposal of intending home builder*, entirely without obligation, and they cordially invite you to make use of this service in the firm belief that advice which they can give you will be to your decided present and future advantage.