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Which term refers to a horizontal support for brick veneer across a door or window opening?

1. Lintel

2. Sill plate

3. Soldier course

4. Rowlock course

The correct answer is: Lintel

The term that refers to a horizontal support for brick veneer across a door or window opening is "lintel." A lintel serves as a crucial structural element that helps distribute the weight of the brick above the opening, preventing damage or sagging over time. It is typically made from materials such as wood, steel, or reinforced concrete, designed to support the load carried by the wall above while allowing for the open space of a door or window. In the context of construction and masonry, understanding the function of a lintel is key. It ensures the structural integrity of masonry walls, especially where there are openings that would otherwise compromise the strength of the wall. This makes it vital knowledge for anyone involved in building design or construction. On the other hand, a sill plate is a horizontal board that forms the base of a wall above a foundation, serving a different purpose. A soldier course refers to a row of bricks laid vertically on their edge, typically used for aesthetic applications, while a rowlock course is when bricks are laid on their side, which again serves a different function in masonry design. Therefore, these terms do not fulfill the role of supporting brick veneer over door or window openings like a lintel does.