89 



Fig. 41 shows six methods of constructing foundations and floors. Fig. 

 41-^4 shows the loose-stone rilled trench for drainage, wide concrete top 

 wall with cement floor laid before sills are placed. This is a tight and 

 substantial construction and very desirable. Fig. 4I-B is the same as 

 A except that the outside wall is beveled. To do this the wall must be 

 built wider than the framework of the house. This is not desirable. 

 Fig. 4I-C shows how a light concrete cap can be placed on a large, loose- 

 stone foundation. The sill is imbedded in the concrete by building the 

 floor level with the top. Fig. 41 -D shows the same type of construction 

 as C except that tarred paper is laid between the loose-stone drainage 

 and concrete to prevent moisture from passing upward. The sill is on 



FIG. 41. Styles of wall and floor construction 



top of the cement foundation and above the level of the floor, which 

 must be made after the framework is up. Fig. ^i-E shows a loose-stone 

 wall with the floor on a level with the surface soil, which will permit 

 water to enter. Note the concrete cap to prevent water entering the 

 top of the foundation on the inside of the sill. Fig. 4I-F indicates a 

 common method of laying a board floor. If a good circulation of air is 

 permitted under the floor the boards become cold. If the air does not 

 circulate freely the floors are likely to rot quickly. 



How to make the foundation 



The foundation usually should be made of concrete. This is stronger 

 and cheaper than any other. 



After staking out the ground plans as illustrated in Fig. 55 for a house 

 24 feet long and 12 ft. wide, a trench is dug around the entire enclosure 



