MASON SAFETY VAULT LIGHTS
The distinguishing features of the Mason
construction of vault lights are that it presents a level, non-slippery
surface, and the maximum of light area to total surface consonant with
the requisite strength and durability. It is so constructed that the
lenses do not shiver and crack from contraction and expansion, these being
provided for in setting both the panels and lenses. Repairs are easily
made and lenses replaced without injuring the appearance of the surface.
These conditions seem to be possible only with an all-metal construction.
The surface is made non-slippery by the introduction of grooves or
rebates filled with lead and by placing Mason Safety Tread in sinkages
upon the border frame and panels.
The lenses are 2 × 3 inches in size,
and the metal is placed where it will do the most good, and the whole
structure is remarkably strong. I-beams should be placed 4 inches below
the finished grade, and not more than 2' 10" O.C. for panel supports.
The joints are watertight, and are not liable to get out of order.
The Mason Safety Vault Light has been
specified by some of the best architects in the United States, and has
been in use a sufficient length of time to prove its superiority over
all others.
The Colonial Theater Building, Boston,
vault light, covering the entire street area, was installed in 1900,
and has been entirely satisfactory; although under part of it is the
boiler room, which subjects it to a very severe test, no leaks have
been developed.
The Easton Building vault light was
installed in 1904, and continues to give complete satisfaction to the
architects and owners. The panel vault light of the Suffolk Savings
Bank is an excellent example of vault light in sections, as is that of
the Minor Building, also of Boston. A few other examples are those of
the Mason Temple at Philadelphia, the Arcade Building at Philadelphia
(a combination of Luxfer Prism and Mason Vault Light constructions),
Merchants and Mariners Building, also at Philadelphia, the Desert News
Building, Salt Lake City, the New England rust Building, the Hornblower
& Weeks Building, and the new Commonwealth Trust Building (see page
20), and the Boston Safe Deposit & Trust Company in Boston.
METHOD OF INSTALLING MASON SAFETY SIDEWALK LIGHT WITHOUT
INTERRUPTING PUBLIC TRAFFIC OR INTERFERING WITH FREE ACCESS TO THE
STORE
Our method of installing sidewalk vault
light is shown above. In this, as in all other cases when necessary,
we used a movable bridge for sidewalk traffic, and this left a clear
passageway to the entrance. At the right of the picture the panels
have been placed, but the bordering strips of Mason Safety Tread have
not been installed. This work was done in the heart of the retail dry
goods district of Boston.
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