What is a sole?
In building, a sole (in Dutch zool) is the underside or base of an object or building component. In Dutch the term is also used for a brick that has been sawn through its height. The exact meaning depends on the trade.
Meanings
- Base of an earthwork: the sole of a dike, embankment or terp is the surface on which it rests on the ground.
- Underside of a plane: the flat bottom of a plane that slides over the wood. A long sole, as on a try plane, makes the wood straight; a short sole follows the shape of the wood more closely.
- Base of a post: a sole plate is a horizontal timber or plate under a post, for example in a timber frame or on a pad foundation. It spreads the load and keeps the post off the ground and out of the wet.
- Base of an embrasure or crenel: the lower surface of an opening in a defensive wall.
- Sawn brick: a brick sawn horizontally through half its height gives two “soles”. Each has one original, fired face.
Uses of sawn bricks
Sawn brick soles are used where the brickwork needs to be thin but still look like real brickwork:
- Brick slips and cladding: thin slices of brick bonded to a backing.
- Restoration: to repair an existing facade with the same brick.
- Precast facade panels: brick slips cast into concrete or fixed to insulation.
Practical points
- Frost resistance: the sawn face is more sensitive to moisture. Make sure the fired face is the visible face and use a suitable adhesive or mortar.
- Timber sole plates: a sole plate that stays wet will rot. Prevent contact with moisture using a damp-proof layer or a plinth.
Related terms
- Brick slips
- Pad foundation
- Try plane
- Terp
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