HPC of South Bend and St. Joseph County - Standards Update Draft

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City of South Bend and St. Joseph County Historic Preservation Guidelines 85 For More Information: Foundations Many building foundations contribute to the character of a historic property . These may include rusticated stone, brick, or pressed concrete block . Keeping moisture away from the foundation is a primary objective . Common problems with foundations can often be traced to water—grading that is not directing water way from the foundation, water coming out of downspouts that is not directed way from the foundation, or water overtopping gutters and coming down along the foundation . The National Park Service offers several excellent resources on the repair of masonry. • Repointing mortar joints • Cleaning and sealing masonry • Dangers of sandblasting and other abrasive cleaning • Dealing with the deteriorated Masonry Best Practices There are many different types of brick and how their mortar joints were created . Match the brick but more importantly, match the type of joint that was used . Below is a graphic of the different types of mortar joints. It is also important to use the right strength of mortar—Portland cement is NOT the right mix as it is too strong for historic brick . Consult a local masonry supply store to obtain the correct mortar and advise any contractor proposing work to ensure they are using the correct material . It is not recommended coating the foundation with stucco or other materials—they can trap moisture and cause damage . Maintain foundation by diverting water with well-maintained gutters and downspouts . Return to the Table of Contents Foundations DRAFT