Foundations

Foundations are often minimally visible on a building, protruding a few feet above grade and obscured by vegetation on residential structures. While visually less prominent, structurally the foundation plays an important role in supporting and elevating the main floor of the building. It also protects against water infiltration. The most common historic foundation materials in Lincoln are brick, stone, or rock-faced cement block. Common replacement materials are poured concrete or smooth cement block.

 

Preserve and maintain original foundation materials, design, and detail through proper maintenance and drainage techniques.

  • Keep gutters in working condition and direct the downspouts away from the building.
  • Ensure irrigation systems are not spraying the foundation.
  • Keep shrubs and trees away from the perimeter of the foundation.

Gutters.jpg

Improper maintenance of gutters which creates risk for water infiltration into the foundation.

 

Do not paint previously unpainted foundations.

Do not remove ventilation openings or basement windows.

  • If basement windows are to be filled in, use metal or wood panels in lieu of masonry products to help remove moisture.

Bricked-in-Basement-Window.jpg

Improper blocking in of basement window.

 

If a foundation is beyond repair and requires replacement, the portion of the foundation above grade should match the original. During demolition of the original foundation, original material should be salvaged to reuse on the portion above grade, whether it serves as a veneer or a structural member.

  •  If salvage or replacement in-kind is not feasible, original foundation material may be replaced with a product that replicates the original in size, shape, profile, and texture such as a split faced concrete block in lieu of rock faced concrete block. 

Foundation-Rock Face.jpg

Rock-faced concrete block foundation

Foundation-Smooth.jpg

Smooth concrete block foundation
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