Historic Homes in New Hampshire: Foundation Types and What to Know
New Hampshire is full of historic houses, with the oldest home in the state predating the United States itself. These properties are known for their character and charm. However, many have foundations that are centuries old, making them vulnerable to damage from crumbling mortar and seasonal movement.
Whether you live in an older home or just want to learn about foundation types from the past, this article has you covered.
A Brief Look at New Hampshire’s Architectural Heritage
Here’s a quick overview of historic home styles in New Hampshire:
Colonial homes (1700s-early 1800s)
These properties typically have symmetrical architecture, chimneys, pitched or gable roofs, and simple two-story layouts. An example of a local colonial home is the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion in Portsmouth, which is now a historic site.
Greek Revival and Federalist homes (mid-1800s)
Properties became more elaborate during this period, with Federalist-style homes featuring arched windows, octagon-shaped rooms, and other elements. Greek revival homes are even grander, boasting white columns and tall parlor windows. Several homes from this era are now museums or historic sites in New Hampshire.
Victorian homes, farmhouses, and Cape Cod homes (late 1800s–early 1900s)
Turrets and bay windows are common in ornate Victorian homes, while farmhouses and Cape Cod homes (“Capes”) offer a more modest design.
Common elements in all these architectural styles include fieldstone foundations, timber framing, and handmade bricks.
Foundation Types Found in Historic New Hampshire Homes
Historic homes in New Hampshire have various foundation styles:
Fieldstone foundations
Prevalent in the 1700s to early 1900s, fieldstone foundations were constructed with stones collected from local fields and usually laid with little or no mortar. When builders did use mortar, they chose a lime-based mixture, which often degrades over time. As a result, fieldstone foundations are susceptible to water intrusion, shifting, and air leaks.
Brick foundations
Foundations made from handmade bricks became more common during the Greek Revival and Federalist periods, especially in early city homes. While this type of foundation provides a solid base for a house, it can crack or bow from excess moisture.
Post-and-beam foundations
Found in barns and early rural properties, these foundations rely on wooden posts and beams to support a home’s structure. That makes them vulnerable to wood rot and pests.
Poured concrete foundations
After the 1900s, poured concrete foundations became more popular. Despite offering more strength and durability than earlier foundation types, they can still crack and shift if not maintained.
What Makes These Foundations Beautiful — and Challenging
Different foundation types reflect different eras in New Hampshire’s history, giving homes a unique character. However, preserving these structures is difficult, especially when traditional building materials deteriorate.
Many older foundations in our state face challenges such as crumbling mortar, seasonal movement, and a lack of drainage. These can increase the risk of cracking, settling, shifting, and, in the worst-case scenario, collapse. Homeowners who want to maintain these foundations must consider safety while preserving the character of a building.
How to Protect an Older Foundation
If you have a historic home in New Hampshire with an older foundation, here are some ways you can protect it:
- Get it inspected: Regular foundation inspections are essential, especially after a major storm or heavy freeze-thaw cycle — both common in New Hampshire.
- Maintain correct grading: The soil surrounding your home should slope away from your foundation to prevent water intrusion and long-lasting damage.
- Invest in upgrades: Waterproofing systems can prevent water from damaging your foundation, while structural reinforcements prevent future shifting and settling.
When to Call a Specialist
If you notice signs of foundation damage, your home’s structure could be at risk. Here are some things to look out for:
- Cracks, especially if they are widening or spreading
- Musty odors
- Sticking doors and windows
- Uneven floors
- Bowing walls
The right professional can inspect your foundation, no matter how old it is, and recommend repair solutions that respect your property’s historical integrity. These products include push piers, helical piers, steel I-beams, and wall anchors.
Groundworks Honors the Past While Protecting the Future
Serving homeowners across New Hampshire, Groundworks has knowledge of historical foundation types and specializes in custom-engineered repair solutions that preserve your property for years to come.
Get in touch for a free foundation inspection.
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