438 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



side Isy side. Then the next course, 12 inches in width, should consist 

 of blocks laid flat crosswise and bedded in mortar. This completes the 

 footing, and the third course becomes the first course of the wall. 



The third and each succeeding course should be liberally mortared or 

 plastered at the outside of the vertical joint. This reduces the liability 

 of water getting into any course of the foundation. The lower course 

 if connected to a drain would render any other drainage unnecessary. 



Fig. No. 14. Number One Type of Foundation. Constructed entirely of 

 Building Blocks. 



No. 2 type of foundation is shown in Plate I. This form of foundation 

 simply consists of a concrete footing which is placed in a trench at the 

 bottom of the pit, 12 inches or one spade deep, 8 inches or one spade 

 wide at the top, flared to 16 inches in width at the iDottom. On the top 

 of this footing is placed the wall built of blocks. 



These two types of foundation are often advisable because a form is 

 not required for building them. Choice between Nos. 1 and 2 would 

 depend entirely upon their relative cost. In communities where sand and 

 gravel are expensive. No. 1 would be the cheaper. 



Perhaps the greatest objection that can be foreseen to these two 

 forms of foundation is the possibility of the blocks of the wall filling 

 with water, which through carelessness or faulty drainage might be 

 standing against the wall. In case water stands against the wall, it 

 would in time seep through the faulty mortar joints into the air space 

 of the wall, where it might do damage by freezing. 



In order to prevent any such trouble, the outer joints may be left 

 open at a point directly under the roof down spout, at which point there 

 should of course be special provisions for carrying away all surface 

 water which may collect. This may be easily accomplished by filling 

 over an opening in the drain tile with coarse material, which will always 

 permit the passage of surface water directly and quickly to the drain. 



No. 3 tj'pe of foundation shown in Plate V is built with a concrete 

 footing upon which blocks are placed on end, each course being filled with 

 concrete as it is placed and another course placed and filled in a similar 

 manner. This method is continued to a point at least a foot above the 

 grade line. From this point up the blocks are laid horizontally. The 

 advantage of this type is that the possible danger from water is obviated. 

 More expense and work is incurred, although no material for forms is 

 necessary. 



