Belt course

In today's article we are going to delve into the exciting world of Belt course. From its origins to its relevance today, we will explore every relevant aspect of Belt course in detail to provide you with a complete overview of this topic. Throughout the next few lines, we will discover the main key points, the latest trends and expert opinions on Belt course. With this content, we hope to give you a deep and up-to-date understanding of Belt course, so that you can enrich your knowledge and make more informed decisions on this topic. Get ready to immerse yourself in a fascinating universe full of nuances!

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, is a continuous row or layer of stones or brick set in a wall. 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.

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

Although the belt course has its origins as a structural component of a building, 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.

See also

Course (architecture)

References

  1. ^ Sovinski, Rob W. (1999). Brick in the Landscape: A Practical Guide to Specification and Design. New York: John Wiley. p. 156. ISBN 9780471293583.
  2. ^ a b American Face Brick Association (1920). A Manual of Face Brick Construction. Chicago: John H. Black. p. 110.
  3. ^ a b c Morrison, Hugh (1987). "Early American Architecture: From the First Colonial Settlements to the National Period". New York: Dover Publications. pp. 305–306. ISBN 9780486254920.
  4. ^ Ballast, David Kent (2009). Architect's Handbook of Construction Detailing. Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons. p. 93. ISBN 9780470381915.
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