YOUR OWN REPAIRS

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 13, 6 April 1927, Page 10

YOUR OWN REPAIRS

IRON ROOFS AND GUTTERS In most cases dwellings have galvanised iron as a whole or portion of their roof coverings, and the preser\ ation of that iron, when it begins to oxidise or perish, is knowledge worth having, as replacement is comparatively expensive. The weakest part of an iron roof, that which perishes quickest, appears on first sight to be the strongest. That is, the laps where two sheets overlap each other. The reason for this is that damp and dew collect between the sheets, and, being unable to evaporate, quickly deteriorate the iron. The preventive is to have the two lapped sides painted before screwing down. If the iron has gone too far, place a small sheet of iron under the top one, allowing it to well overlap, and then screw down. On otherwise good sheets, there might appear rust and holes. The sheets are too good to be scrapped, so the following method should be applied in covering the bad patch. Secure a piece of strong calico or similar cloth, soak in varnish, goldsize or paint, and hang out to dry. Give the patch a coat of similar material and allow to dry. When dry place sufficient of the cloth over the patch, press well down, on the edges in particular, and give it one or two coats of paint. This should last for years. If the hole is rather large, it would be as well to fill it in with cement first, and, when dry, treat as above. Any roof in a rusty condition should be painted with red oxide and boiled linseed oil. Be sure the oil is boiled and not raw.

Gutters which are holey should be treated in a somewhat similar manner. Work from the inside, first cleaning away all dust and dirt. If the hole is a gaping one, it would be wise to place a piece of tin over the hole first, and then cover the whole of it over with a layer of cement. When dry, putty the joints and paint or treat the same as the roof. Be careful not to lean the ladder on gutter after the cementing is done.

Rugs should always be placed parallel with the walls, with a border of floor about 10 to 18 inches. One large rug covering the floor is better than four or five small ones; small rugs strewn promiscuously around a room are destructive of repose and lacking in dignity.

It is always a good plan, when buying a house, to endeavour to make arrangements to rent the place for a few months. This gives the prospective purchaser time and opportunity to study the house at leisure, and discover any serious drawbacks or defects.

Stained piano keys can be cleaned by rubbing them with a piece of soft flannel dipped in methylated spirit, taking care not to omit going between the keys. Afterwards dry and polish with a soft silk duster.