Historic Resources Committee

Oakum was also used in wooden sailing ships as a filler/sealer between hull planks. Old lines (ropes, presumably sisal) were picked apart for their fiber, which was mixed with coal tar or pitch. The picking part especially was crummy work, which the captain may have reserved for crew whom he thought deserved it. I mention this because the maritime reference may help with your research.
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Joseph Catalano AIA
Joseph Catalano AIA
Sierra Madre CA
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William Singer AIA
Gruzen Samton - IBI Group
New York NY
-------------------------------------------
The caulkers guild in Venice  was one of the most important, severely restricted and highly paid during Venice's reign of maritime supremacy--similarly for Genoa, and all other maritime powers. Prepared hemp or sisal fibers before being made into woven rope were used with pitch, as Mr. Catalano states below. 




Original Message:
Sent: 08-09-2011 01:04
From: Joseph Catalano
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps

Oakum was also used in wooden sailing ships as a filler/sealer between hull planks. Old lines (ropes, presumably sisal) were picked apart for their fiber, which was mixed with coal tar or pitch. The picking part especially was crummy work, which the captain may have reserved for crew whom he thought deserved it. I mention this because the maritime reference may help with your research.
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Joseph Catalano AIA
Joseph Catalano AIA
Sierra Madre CA
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For flooring applications does it make a difference if the sisal rope derived from true sisal (agave sisalena), hemp fibers (from cannibas), or manila hemp fibers (from abaca)?  My guess is most of the sisal rope and twine available at your hardware store is from cannibas plants (though not the smoking variety).

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Ronald Wendle AIA
Wells & Company
Spokane WA
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-10-2011 10:32
From: William Singer
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps



-------------------------------------------
William Singer AIA
Gruzen Samton - IBI Group
New York NY
-------------------------------------------
The caulkers guild in Venice  was one of the most important, severely restricted and highly paid during Venice's reign of maritime supremacy--similarly for Genoa, and all other maritime powers. Prepared hemp or sisal fibers before being made into woven rope were used with pitch, as Mr. Catalano states below. 

Ronald,

Thank you for your note. I'll have to take a look when we next go to the site. More later!

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Mary Colette Wallace Assoc. AIA
President
The Wallace Research Group
Bellevue WA
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-11-2011 11:53
From: Ronald Wendle
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps

For flooring applications does it make a difference if the sisal rope derived from true sisal (agave sisalena), hemp fibers (from cannibas), or manila hemp fibers (from abaca)?  My guess is most of the sisal rope and twine available at your hardware store is from cannibas plants (though not the smoking variety).

-------------------------------------------
Ronald Wendle AIA
Wells & Company
Spokane WA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-10-2011 10:32
From: William Singer
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps



-------------------------------------------
William Singer AIA
Gruzen Samton - IBI Group
New York NY
-------------------------------------------
The caulkers guild in Venice  was one of the most important, severely restricted and highly paid during Venice's reign of maritime supremacy--similarly for Genoa, and all other maritime powers. Prepared hemp or sisal fibers before being made into woven rope were used with pitch, as Mr. Catalano states below. 

Rope for marine applications was frequently made of hemp, rather than sisal, well into the last century. Although generally outlawed, some farmers were licensed to grow hemp supplied to the Navy. Despite the supposedly miniscule THC content, i've heard on unimpeachable authority that the birds-and farm workers-tended to be very merry at harvest time.

The discussion reminds me that i've indeed used oakum in (generally unsuccessful) plumbing repairs. And yes, the stuff was disgusting: almost as vile as wax seals.



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David Cornelius AIA
Sole Proprietor
David Gregory Cornelius, AIA, PE
Ardmore PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-11-2011 11:53
From: Ronald Wendle
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps

For flooring applications does it make a difference if the sisal rope derived from true sisal (agave sisalena), hemp fibers (from cannibas), or manila hemp fibers (from abaca)?  My guess is most of the sisal rope and twine available at your hardware store is from cannibas plants (though not the smoking variety).

-------------------------------------------
Ronald Wendle AIA
Wells & Company
Spokane WA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-10-2011 10:32
From: William Singer
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps



-------------------------------------------
William Singer AIA
Gruzen Samton - IBI Group
New York NY
-------------------------------------------
The caulkers guild in Venice  was one of the most important, severely restricted and highly paid during Venice's reign of maritime supremacy--similarly for Genoa, and all other maritime powers. Prepared hemp or sisal fibers before being made into woven rope were used with pitch, as Mr. Catalano states below. 

Re. Mr. Wendle's post, the U.S. government was growing hemp domestically for ships' hausers during WW2. I recall that as of about 1990 it still was re-seeding and growing wild along roadsides in some places, known colloquially as "ditchweed." As reported by the NY Times, one hardware store proprietor in Indiana said that he sold out of plastic garbage bags every weekend. So it must have been at least marginally smokable (but abundant and free). 

-------------------------------------------
Joseph Catalano AIA
Joseph Catalano AIA
Sierra Madre CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-11-2011 11:53
From: Ronald Wendle
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps

For flooring applications does it make a difference if the sisal rope derived from true sisal (agave sisalena), hemp fibers (from cannibas), or manila hemp fibers (from abaca)?  My guess is most of the sisal rope and twine available at your hardware store is from cannibas plants (though not the smoking variety).

-------------------------------------------
Ronald Wendle AIA
Wells & Company
Spokane WA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-10-2011 10:32
From: William Singer
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps



-------------------------------------------
William Singer AIA
Gruzen Samton - IBI Group
New York NY
-------------------------------------------
The caulkers guild in Venice  was one of the most important, severely restricted and highly paid during Venice's reign of maritime supremacy--similarly for Genoa, and all other maritime powers. Prepared hemp or sisal fibers before being made into woven rope were used with pitch, as Mr. Catalano states below. 

In the course of this dialogue we have assembled some good historical material about sailing ships, plumbing seals, free weed and on-board punishment. While I do admit to having contributed to this, I wonder if there is actually any information about the historical use of oakum in floorboards?

-------------------------------------------
Joseph Catalano AIA
Joseph Catalano AIA
Sierra Madre CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-12-2011 02:15
From: Joseph Catalano
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps

Re. Mr. Wendle's post, the U.S. government was growing hemp domestically for ships' hausers during WW2. I recall that as of about 1990 it still was re-seeding and growing wild along roadsides in some places, known colloquially as "ditchweed." As reported by the NY Times, one hardware store proprietor in Indiana said that he sold out of plastic garbage bags every weekend. So it must have been at least marginally smokable (but abundant and free). 

-------------------------------------------
Joseph Catalano AIA
Joseph Catalano AIA
Sierra Madre CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-11-2011 11:53
From: Ronald Wendle
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps

For flooring applications does it make a difference if the sisal rope derived from true sisal (agave sisalena), hemp fibers (from cannibas), or manila hemp fibers (from abaca)?  My guess is most of the sisal rope and twine available at your hardware store is from cannibas plants (though not the smoking variety).

-------------------------------------------
Ronald Wendle AIA
Wells & Company
Spokane WA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-10-2011 10:32
From: William Singer
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps



-------------------------------------------
William Singer AIA
Gruzen Samton - IBI Group
New York NY
-------------------------------------------
The caulkers guild in Venice  was one of the most important, severely restricted and highly paid during Venice's reign of maritime supremacy--similarly for Genoa, and all other maritime powers. Prepared hemp or sisal fibers before being made into woven rope were used with pitch, as Mr. Catalano states below. 

-------------------------------------------
Craig Morrison AIA
Craig Morrison Architect
New York NY
-------------------------------------------
In my experience with early Philadelphia buildings, the floor boards were simply allowed to separate with the gaps left open. They generally were of yellow pine, unfinished, and subjected to frequent scrubbing with strong soap.





Original Message:
Sent: 08-15-2011 00:26
From: Joseph Catalano
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps

In the course of this dialogue we have assembled some good historical material about sailing ships, plumbing seals, free weed and on-board punishment. While I do admit to having contributed to this, I wonder if there is actually any information about the historical use of oakum in floorboards?

-------------------------------------------
Joseph Catalano AIA
Joseph Catalano AIA
Sierra Madre CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-12-2011 02:15
From: Joseph Catalano
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps

Re. Mr. Wendle's post, the U.S. government was growing hemp domestically for ships' hausers during WW2. I recall that as of about 1990 it still was re-seeding and growing wild along roadsides in some places, known colloquially as "ditchweed." As reported by the NY Times, one hardware store proprietor in Indiana said that he sold out of plastic garbage bags every weekend. So it must have been at least marginally smokable (but abundant and free). 

-------------------------------------------
Joseph Catalano AIA
Joseph Catalano AIA
Sierra Madre CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-11-2011 11:53
From: Ronald Wendle
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps

For flooring applications does it make a difference if the sisal rope derived from true sisal (agave sisalena), hemp fibers (from cannibas), or manila hemp fibers (from abaca)?  My guess is most of the sisal rope and twine available at your hardware store is from cannibas plants (though not the smoking variety).

-------------------------------------------
Ronald Wendle AIA
Wells & Company
Spokane WA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-10-2011 10:32
From: William Singer
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps



-------------------------------------------
William Singer AIA
Gruzen Samton - IBI Group
New York NY
-------------------------------------------
The caulkers guild in Venice  was one of the most important, severely restricted and highly paid during Venice's reign of maritime supremacy--similarly for Genoa, and all other maritime powers. Prepared hemp or sisal fibers before being made into woven rope were used with pitch, as Mr. Catalano states below. 

I have been interested in the comments on this subject; I have sailed since I was a kid, and there are a lot of interesting comments.  There are modern sealants that take the place of sisal and are used to seal between the deck boards on old and new boats.  Maritime Wood products makes a teak deck caulk

"Maritime Teak Deck Caulk is a one-part, air curing, oxime silicone adhesive/sealant specially formulated for caulking teak decks. It provides outstanding adhesion to teak and other naturally oily woods and requires no primer when used as directed. Maritime caulk stays permanently flexible to complement the expanding and contracting, as well as the flexing, of teak decking. Fast curing and sandable in 24 hours. There will be no air bubbles to create unsightly voids and gaps. Extremely high UV resistance for long life. No primer needed."

-------------------------------------------
John Weaver AIA
Weaver Architects
Jackson MS
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-15-2011 00:26
From: Joseph Catalano
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps

In the course of this dialogue we have assembled some good historical material about sailing ships, plumbing seals, free weed and on-board punishment. While I do admit to having contributed to this, I wonder if there is actually any information about the historical use of oakum in floorboards?

-------------------------------------------
Joseph Catalano AIA
Joseph Catalano AIA
Sierra Madre CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-12-2011 02:15
From: Joseph Catalano
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps

Re. Mr. Wendle's post, the U.S. government was growing hemp domestically for ships' hausers during WW2. I recall that as of about 1990 it still was re-seeding and growing wild along roadsides in some places, known colloquially as "ditchweed." As reported by the NY Times, one hardware store proprietor in Indiana said that he sold out of plastic garbage bags every weekend. So it must have been at least marginally smokable (but abundant and free). 

-------------------------------------------
Joseph Catalano AIA
Joseph Catalano AIA
Sierra Madre CA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-11-2011 11:53
From: Ronald Wendle
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps

For flooring applications does it make a difference if the sisal rope derived from true sisal (agave sisalena), hemp fibers (from cannibas), or manila hemp fibers (from abaca)?  My guess is most of the sisal rope and twine available at your hardware store is from cannibas plants (though not the smoking variety).

-------------------------------------------
Ronald Wendle AIA
Wells & Company
Spokane WA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-10-2011 10:32
From: William Singer
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps



-------------------------------------------
William Singer AIA
Gruzen Samton - IBI Group
New York NY
-------------------------------------------
The caulkers guild in Venice  was one of the most important, severely restricted and highly paid during Venice's reign of maritime supremacy--similarly for Genoa, and all other maritime powers. Prepared hemp or sisal fibers before being made into woven rope were used with pitch, as Mr. Catalano states below. 

I'm curious where this discussion is headed.  Surely no one is suggesting using oakum as part of a finished floor.  My recollection of oakum is a material (with lead) used to seal cast iron sewer pipe joints.  Similarly, oakum used in ships used pitch, or pine tar, for the binder/sealer.

-------------------------------------------
Michael Steiner AIA
Malesardi Steiner Keyes McCommons Architects
Washington DC
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-10-2011 10:32
From: William Singer
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps



-------------------------------------------
William Singer AIA
Gruzen Samton - IBI Group
New York NY
-------------------------------------------
The caulkers guild in Venice  was one of the most important, severely restricted and highly paid during Venice's reign of maritime supremacy--similarly for Genoa, and all other maritime powers. Prepared hemp or sisal fibers before being made into woven rope were used with pitch, as Mr. Catalano states below. 

Yes, I heard about the usage of rope in the large gaps between some floorboards of an old East Coast house. Tommy on one of the "ASK This Old House"  episodes brought it up and helped the homeowner fix a larger gap in the same manner. I didn't see the repair, but heard the word 'oakum' (my presumption at spelling phonetically). So, wanting to prevent insects and critters from coming up underneath a covered and screened porch with deck boards (cedar) about 3/8" apart, at an island studio, I thought of the rope fix. And to seal the deck after a light sanding and installation of the sisal with a waterproof sealer. Since we won't be submerging the building (even though there are occasional squalls), we're hoping that the combination of friction and waterproof sealer will keep the deck 'ship-shape'.

Apparently from the wealth of knowledge that has been shared here, oakum has been a historic fix for many issues; however, in this case, not for punishment....nor for 'entertainment'. And, in reply to someone's question, yes, the rope says it is made of sisal not hemp.

Who knew that a simple material could spark such a discussion!


-------------------------------------------
Mary Colette Wallace Assoc. AIA
President
The Wallace Research Group
Bellevue WA
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-11-2011 17:15
From: Michael Steiner
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps


I'm curious where this discussion is headed.  Surely no one is suggesting using oakum as part of a finished floor.  My recollection of oakum is a material (with lead) used to seal cast iron sewer pipe joints.  Similarly, oakum used in ships used pitch, or pine tar, for the binder/sealer.

-------------------------------------------
Michael Steiner AIA
Malesardi Steiner Keyes McCommons Architects
Washington DC
-------------------------------------------






Original Message:
Sent: 08-10-2011 10:32
From: William Singer
Subject: Sisal rope for wood flooring gaps



-------------------------------------------
William Singer AIA
Gruzen Samton - IBI Group
New York NY
-------------------------------------------
The caulkers guild in Venice  was one of the most important, severely restricted and highly paid during Venice's reign of maritime supremacy--similarly for Genoa, and all other maritime powers. Prepared hemp or sisal fibers before being made into woven rope were used with pitch, as Mr. Catalano states below.