Why Are Some Foundation Made of Stone?

Stone foundations have been popular throughout history for a variety of reasons. They provide a durable and long-lasting base for buildings, and also offer a natural aesthetic appeal.

In the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries in the United States, stone foundations were especially popular in areas where there was an abundance of local stone, such as the eastern seaboard and the Appalachian Mountains. In these regions, the use of stone foundations became a staple of colonial and early American architecture. The stones used in these foundations were often quarried locally, which made them cost-effective and readily available.  Until the introduction of cement masonry block, stone was the most popular building material used for foundations in the United States. 

In and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, there are numerous neighborhoods with historic homes that feature stone foundations. The city has a rich history of stone quarrying, and this is reflected in the abundance of stone foundations found in the area. Sandstone foundations, made from sandstone quarried in the region, were popular in the 19th century, while field stone foundations, made from stones gathered from local fields and meadows, were used in the 18th and 19th centuries.

There are several benefits to using stone foundations. Stone is a very durable material, and a properly constructed stone foundation can last for centuries. It is also fire-resistant, which was especially important in the days before modern fire-fighting techniques were available. Stone foundations are also relatively impervious to moisture, which can be a problem with other foundation materials, such as wood or brick.

However, there are also some drawbacks to using stone foundations. Stone is a heavy material, and building a stone foundation requires a significant amount of manual labor. This can make the process more time-consuming and expensive than using other materials. Additionally, stone foundations can be more difficult to modify or expand than other types of foundations, which can limit the versatility of the building.

Sandstone foundations are particularly popular in the Pittsburgh area due to the abundance of sandstone quarries in the region. Sandstone is a soft and porous material, which makes it ideal for carving into the intricate shapes and designs that were popular in the 19th century. Sandstone is also relatively easy to work with, which made it a popular choice for building foundations.

However, there are some drawbacks to sandstone foundations as well. Sandstone is not as durable as other types of stone, and can be prone to cracking or weathering over time. It is also more prone to moisture damage than other types of stone, which can be a problem in areas with high rainfall or humidity.  Moreover, they are prone to leaking with age and are the reason for many wet Pittsburgh basements.

Field stone foundations are made from stones gathered from local fields and meadows. They are unique in that each foundation is one-of-a-kind, as the stones used in the construction are different sizes, shapes, and colors. Field stone foundations were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, and were often used in rural and rustic buildings.

The use of field stone foundations has several benefits. Field stone is readily available, which makes it a cost-effective building material. It also offers a natural and rustic aesthetic, which was popular in rural areas. Additionally, field stone foundations are extremely durable and long-lasting.

However, there are also some drawbacks to using field stone foundations. The stones used in field stone foundations are often irregular in shape and size, which can make the building process more difficult and time-consuming. Additionally, field stone foundations can be difficult to modify or expand, as the stones used in the construction are not uniform.

In conclusion, stone foundations have been popular throughout history for a variety of reasons, including their durability, abundance and natural aesthetic appeal. In the Pittsburgh area, sandstone and field stone foundations were popular in the 19th and 18th centuries, respectively, due to the amount of mining and quarry work in the area.

Do you have a stone foundation with a wetness or structural issue? Click here to learn more and, perhaps, get a free estimate on repair or restoration.