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6.When the foundation's stones or bricks are tightly connected with mortar:
A. The water flows down the face of the foundation, not into the wall.
Yes! Earlier in the program you learned that the basic function of the foundation is to provide structural support for the house. It also plays an important role as part of the "skin" or weather envelope because it controls proper drainage from above through the gutters and downspouts. But there is a still another aspect to the way your house is connected to protect it from the effects of the weather. As rain water drips off the water table board or the roof eaves above, it hits the ground, and splashes back against the foundation. When the foundation's stones or bricks are tightly connected with mortar, the water flows down the face of the foundation, not into the wall. Of course, you also need to grade the ground next to the building so it slopes away from the foundation. That way, rain water will be kept away from the foundation walls.
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