Belt course

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A highly decorative terra-cotta belt course between the brick and stone wall materials.

A belt course, also called a string course or sill course,[1] is a continuous row or layer of stones or brick set in a wall.[2] Set in line with window sills, it helps to make the horizontal line of the sills visually more prominent. Set between the floors of a house, it helps to make the separate floors distinguishable from the exterior of the building.[3]

The belt course often projects from the side of the building.[2] Georgian architecture is notable for the use of belt courses.[3]

Although the belt course has its origins as a structural component of a building,[3] by the 18th century it was almost purely a decorative element and had no functional purpose. In brick or stone buildings taller than three stories, however, a shelf angle is usually used to transfer the load of the wall to a hidden, interior steel wall. Flashing is used to cover the space exposed by the shelf angle to help limit the intrusion of water. Where flashing is considered aesthetically unpleasing, a belt course is often used.[4]

See also

Course (architecture)

References

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  2. ^ a b American Face Brick Association (1920). A Manual of Face Brick Construction. Chicago: John H. Black. p. 110.
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