water table (architecture)

{{Short description|Architectural element used to deflect water}}

File:BrickWaterTableReadsLandingSchool.jpg in Minnesota, USA]]

A water table is a projection of masonry on the lower outside of a wall, slightly above the ground, or at the top of a wainscot section of a wall (in this case also known as a sill).

It is both a functional and architectural feature that consists of a projection that deflects water running down the face of a building away from lower courses or the foundation.{{cite web|last1=Dietrich|first1=Bud|title=Water Table|url=http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8094581/list/water-table|website=Houzz|publisher=Houzz Inc|access-date=24 October 2016}}{{cite web|title=Accent banding|url=http://www.stonelegends.com/attachments/catalog/03AccentBanding.pdf|website=stonelegends.com|publisher=Stone Legends|access-date=24 October 2016}} A water table may also be primarily decorative, as found near the base of a wall or at a transition between materials, such as from stone to brick. The top of the water table is often sloped or chamfered to throw off water.{{sfnp|Parker|1888|p=327|ps=none}}

File:Long water table, alongside St George Tombland, Norwich.jpg, Norfolk, England]]

Often damp proofing is placed at the level of the water table to prevent upward wicking of ground water.[http://www.gobrick.com/Portals/25/docs/Technical%20Notes/TN2.pdf Technical Notes 2 – Glossary of Terms Relating to Brick Masonry]