Old houses are often built on cement bricks or piers for several reasons, many of which are tied to practical considerations of the time and local environmental conditions:
1. Ventilation and Moisture Control
Elevating the house on cement bricks or piers allows air to circulate beneath the structure, helping to prevent moisture buildup that could lead to rot or mold. This was especially important in areas with high humidity or poor drainage.
2. Flood Protection
In regions prone to flooding or heavy rains, raising the house on cement blocks helped protect it from water damage. This was a common practice in floodplains and coastal areas.
3. Pest Prevention
Elevating the home made it harder for pests like termites or rodents to access the wooden structure. It also provided a visual inspection gap, making it easier to spot infestations early.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
Using cement blocks or piers was often more affordable than laying a continuous concrete foundation, especially in older times when materials and construction methods were more limited.
5. Ease of Construction
Cement blocks or piers allowed for quicker and simpler construction, especially on uneven or sloped terrain. Builders could adjust the height of the piers to level the house without extensive grading.
6. Thermal Benefits
In hot climates, the elevated design allowed air to flow beneath the house, cooling the structure and making it more comfortable during the summer.
7. Seismic Flexibility
In areas with mild seismic activity, a pier foundation provided some flexibility, which could help the house withstand minor shifts in the ground.
Although modern construction methods often favor continuous concrete foundations for durability and energy efficiency, these practical reasons made pier and block foundations a popular choice in the past.
