Frequently Asked Questions-1940s Style

Some of the questions asked most often today were also asked when Lustrons were introduced. For answers, we looked to a 1940s brochure (excerpted below) prepared by the Lustron Corporation, Answers to Your Questions about the Lustron Home, which targeted prospective home buyers.

CAN WALLS BE PAINTED?

Lustron Homes have a permanent porcelain enamel finish and should not be painted. Panel surfaces damaged through extreme abuse can be repaired or replaced. . . . You many choose among several exterior color combinations. Interior colors are neutral shades. Colors have been carefully selected by expert color designers to blend harmoniously with all types of home furnishings and to give pleasing variety to the exteriors.

CAN YOU WALLPAPER?

No. Wallpaper is not satisfactory. Lustron walls are of permanent, washable finish. . . .

CAN I HAVE A BASEMENT?

The heating unit, water tank, and other utilities which you are accustomed to finding in a basement, are located in the utility room of the Lustron Home, thus eliminating stairclimbing and saving you the expense of a basement.

IS THERE AN ATTIC?

Not much. This space is used for structural members, assuring even greater safety and stability, and for heating and insulating, giving you greater living comfort.

ARE SCREENS INCLUDED?

Yes. Window screens come with the house. Combination screen and storm doors, separate screen doors, and storm windows may be obtained from your dealer as accessories.

DO THE JOINTS BETWEEN PANELS EVER NEED REPLACEMENT?

No. The sealing strip between the panels is made of a special plastic. Laboratory tests have indicated a life as long as the life of the house.

Some of the answers from the Lustron Corporation need revision based on experience in the many decades since the houses were produced . . . .

CAN ADDITIONAL ROOMS BE ADDED?

No. The Lustron Home is a permanent structure and cannot be expanded or moved about.

Today’s perspective: Expanding a house is still not a good idea, but it might be necessary to move a house to preserve it. Houses can be moved in a single piece, or carefully disassembled and reassembled in another location.

IS THE LUSTRON HOME INSULATED?

Yes, completely.

Today’s perspective: Lustron houses were well insulated for their time, but the insulation is inadequate by twenty-first-century standards. Adding insulation to the attic makes the house more energy efficient. Also, insulation can be installed in the cavity of exterior walls by removing panels (not drilling through them!). Weather-stripping windows and adding storm windows (to the interior, either as a single pane or with the divisions following the pattern of the original windows) can also decrease energy consumption.

WILL THE FINISH OF THE HOUSE CHIP?

No, not unless abused.

Today’s perspective: “Abuse” happens, sometimes intentionally but often unintentionally. For guidance on how to deal with chips in panels, click here.

IS THE ROOF PERMANENT?

The roof is porcelain enameled steel - the lifetime building material. All outside parts, gutters, down drains, and walls are of the same permanent material.

Today’s perspective: Like panels, roofs are susceptible to wear and tear over time. For guidance on how to deal with chips in panels, click here.