raking course
Low (Technical Term)Technical / Construction / Architecture
Definition
Meaning
In bricklaying or masonry, a course (horizontal row) of bricks or blocks set at an angle to slope downward from the face of the wall, typically used in cavity wall construction to allow rainwater to drain out through weep holes.
A construction term for a sloped layer in a wall or pavement system designed to direct water away from the interior, preventing moisture damage.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Always refers to a specific, intentional construction technique, not a random arrangement. Primarily used in the context of building walls (especially cavity walls) or sometimes paving. The "raking" refers to the angled, sloping position of the bricks.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is standard in UK construction terminology. In the US, the technique is common, but the specific term "raking course" is less frequently used; "sloped course" or "drainage course" might be more common, or the function is simply described.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both regions.
Frequency
More common and standardized in UK technical documentation and trade language.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [noun: wall, construction] includes a raking course.Install/Form a raking course above the [noun: damp proof course, foundation].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(None - it is a technical term)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in construction company proposals or specifications.
Academic
Used in architecture, civil engineering, and building conservation texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in bricklaying manuals, building regulations, and architectural drawings.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The bricklayer will be raking the mortar joints.
American English
- The mason raked the joints clean.
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable for this noun phrase)
American English
- (Not applicable for this noun phrase)
adjective
British English
- The raking bond pattern provides additional strength.
American English
- A raking shore was used to support the wall.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Not applicable for this technical term at A2 level)
- The builder explained that the raking course helps keep the wall dry.
- In traditional cavity wall construction, a raking course is installed above the damp-proof membrane to direct moisture toward the weep holes.
- The conservation report specified repairing the Victorian brickwork, including the careful reinstatement of the original lime-mortar raking courses to ensure proper ventilation and drainage.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a gardener RAKEing leaves into a pile; a RAKING COURSE rakes (directs) water out of the wall.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WALL IS A BODY; the raking course is part of its drainage system, like a sweat gland.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque like "грабящий курс". It is a technical construction term: "дренажный ряд кирпичей", "наклонный ряд кладки", or "дренажный слой".
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with a 'damp proof course' (which is horizontal and blocks moisture rise).
- Using 'raking' to mean 'collecting' rather than 'sloping'.
- Misspelling as 'racking course' (which is a different, shelf-related term).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a raking course?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A DPC is a horizontal barrier to prevent rising damp. A raking course is sloped and is for draining water that has already entered a cavity outward.
Yes, while traditionally brick, it can be formed with specially shaped blocks or other masonry units designed to create the necessary slope for drainage.
It is usually found at the base of a cavity wall, above the DPC and below the main wall courses, leading to weep holes.
Not all, but it is a common and recommended detail in masonry cavity wall construction, particularly in areas with high rainfall, to manage moisture effectively.