[Illustration]
Just how deep to excavate to start the foundation of a house depends on
the climate and soil. Always dig trenches below the frost line in any
soil. This is sufficient if the subsoil is solid; if the subsoil is not
solid, go deep enough to reach solid earth.
In saying this, we are supposing you are not building in a swamp,
where it is often necessary to drive piles upon which to start a solid
foundation. Stone is generally used for foundation walls where it is
convenient, and it makes the best. Hard pressed brick, laid with mortar
composed of one part of hydraulic lime and two parts sharp sand, makes
a foundation not inferior to stone for all practical purposes. By using
the above mortar, dampness will not ascend from the ground to injure the
floor joists.
Mortar made from common lime or sand, though commonly used, is
objectionable for foundations, because dampness will ascend even above
the floor joists, if the floor is not several feet above the ground. It
is often the case that hydraulic lime cannot be conveniently had. In that
case a layer of slate or coarse paper, well saturated with pitch, laid
between the brick seams below the line of joists, will answer the same
purpose, and is less expensive.
See that the space between the joists is filled with brick, flush with
the under-side of floor boards. This prevents Mr. Rat, or other members
of his interesting family, from sitting in these little corners and
gnawing into the room above, or climbing between the siding to the
upper floors. If this little matter is attended to right, neither rats
or mice can enter the house, except through the doors. To keep them from
burrowing underneath the foundation walls, let the thickness of one brick
project outward at the bottom of the foundation. On burrowing downward,
a rat soon reaches this shelf, and following it around till he arrives
at the place he started from, becomes disgusted, or is supposed to, as
he is not seen about the house again. It is always better to have the
foundation broader at the bottom than the thickness of wall intended to
be used. This is necessary in all brick houses, unless on a rock bottom.
See that the space under the ground floor is left clear of rubbish
before the floor is laid, and grating built in the wall for ventilation.
This opening can be closed in winter to secure additional warmth. The
cellar is closely related to the foundation; we give some hints on its
construction on page 22.
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[Illustration: Fac-simile of Gold Medal awarded to WALTER’S PATENT
METALLIC SHINGLES. These shingles have received twenty-eight other awards
for merit in the United States.]
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The plans and elevations of cottages presented in this book have each
been specially prepared for some individual by an eminent architect, and
the proportions and details can be relied upon.
[Illustration: _Design_ I.—_Front Elevation_.