In This Post:
– Uses of Parapet Walls
– Types of Parapet Walls
– Things to Consider
The parapet wall has been an important part of architecture since time immemorial. In the past, parapet walls were used as battlements of walled cities and castles. It was used as a protective structure against enemies and to store cannons and other weapons of war. The decorative parapet walls that we see today on buildings and houses have been derived from the functional battlements, but now they are mostly used as ornamentation. However, there are plenty of other uses of parapet walls that we will discuss in this blog.
So, without further ado, let’s check them out.
Types and Uses of Parapet Walls
Before we explore the different types of parapet walls, we must first understand the purpose and uses of parapet walls in construction and why they are so important for any building’s stability.
Uses of Parapet Walls
Parapet wall is the extension of a masonry wall above the roof. The shapely façade of a building atop the roof is called a parapet wall. It is a low wall projecting from a roof, terrace or a platform. The original intent of having a parapet wall was to protect and guard the building. Now, it is mostly used to make a house appear larger or to beautify the building’s façade. Other uses of parapet walls include deterring moisture in roofs and protecting the roof from collapsing or wind damage.
When wind blows against a building it produces a vortex or a whirlwind at the roof edges which can create huge pressure differences. This can cause the roof to collapse. The presence of a parapet wall dramatically reduces the pressure differences at roof edges.
Another advantage of parapet walls is that it can help keep moisture away. There should be a protective waterproof membrane or wall-penetrating flashing under the mortar bed to avoid rain water causing any damage to the roof. Also, it is important that the parapet wall slightly slopes inward so that it doesn’t stain the building façade. Drip edges at the front and back can drain out any excess water, thus keeping moisture away from the building. Some other uses of parapet walls are:
- Makes the house appear aesthetically pleasing
- It is like a boundary wall that provides protection from falling off the roof
- Similarly, parapet walls are used in bridges as well where they protect vehicles from falling off the bridge
- Parapet walls aid in hiding away any machinery or equipment on the rooftop
- Provide protection against wind damage, thunderstorms and hurricanes
- Protects from roof collapse
- Also protects the interior space of your house
- Blocks any dust and debris or in case of a rooftop garden – it protects the pots and plants from falling off the roof
So, these were some of the less-heard uses of parapet walls. We will now take a look at the different types of parapet walls used in construction.
Types of Parapet Walls
The following are the various kinds of parapet walls based on its design
- Embattled parapet walls
- Plain parapet walls
- Perforated parapet walls
- Paneled parapet walls
Parapet walls are also characterized based on their shape and functionality
- Sloped parapet walls
- Flat parapet wall
- Stepped parapet wall
- Curved parapet wall
Let us now discuss these in detail.
Embattled parapet walls
- Used in fortified building structures, it was widely used in olden days
- Characteristic teeth-like structure, it was meant for the soldiers to take positions and shoot arrows at enemies when faced with war
- Because of their unique appearance, embattled parapet walls are used in some architectural buildings to give style and distinctive façade
- The Great Wall of China is an example of embattled parapet wall
Plain parapet walls
- These walls are commonly seen in houses
- They are plain parapet walls – an extension at the edge of the roof
- The main function of plain parapet walls is to provide some protection to the roof
- To help deter moisture, concrete coping is provided at top
- Corbels – which are projections from the parapet wall act as a type of bracket that carries weight imposed by the balcony above. It gives strength and durability and also acts as a decorative element
Perforated parapet walls
- Just like the plain parapet wall, it is also an upward extension at the edge of the roof, but it has beautiful design in the form of perforations on it
- The perforations can be floral patterns, circles and geometric designs, enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the building
Paneled parapet walls
- They are ornamental parapet walls with a series of panels decorating the outer layer of the parapet wall
- They can be oblong or square but there are no perforations in the parapet walls
- It is comparatively less costly and is therefore quite common when it comes to choosing between perforated and paneled parapet walls
Sloped parapet walls
- These come with a slope and are perfect for dispelling rain water. A waterproof membrane is laid beneath the wall to give maximum protection
- Some sloped parapet walls give a flat roof appearance as the slope is only the slightest and is not easily spotted
- The functionality of a sloped parapet wall is to protect the roof from leaking and seepage
Flat Parapet Wall
- A simple flat parapet wall is quite common
- It has little to no slope
- It is commonly used in houses
- There are different types of modern parapet walls used such as fiber glass parapet, parapet with steel or glass railings
- Choose the appropriate design for the parapet wall based on affordability and the architectural demand
Curved Parapet Wall
- Also known as arched parapet walls, they give height to the building
- Perfect for smaller houses the curved parapet wall makes the building appear larger
- Moreover, curved parapet walls are best for inclined and sloped roofs
Stepped Parapet Wall
- Mostly decorative, the stepped parapet wall makes a building appear larger
- It appears like a flight of stairs and looks stylish
- Enhances the curb appeal of your home
- Contributes to the front elevation of the building
Some Things to Consider when Building Parapet Walls in Construction
Many things can go wrong when building parapet walls. It is important to consider these factors before constructing parapet walls. Remember, unlike other exterior walls, parapet walls are exposed from three sides. They are inadvertently connected to the interior space through gaps in structure, balloon framing or through electrical wiring and plumbing systems. Therefore, it is important to keep the parapet wall separated from interior spaces.
- The height of the parapet wall should be at least 3 feet
- The thickness of the parapet wall should be at least 9 inches
- There should be wall-penetration flashing under the mortar bed to keep moisture seepage away
- Provide venting to each wall cavity
- Use round ‘soffit vents’ that dispels rain water, especially if the venting holes are located at exposed locations
- If there are venting holes that are not needed then cover them up so that bugs and insects don’t enter
We hope that this article would be useful for homeowners planning to construct their own home. If you want to know how much it would cost to build a house in Pakistan, then check out our pieces on the construction costs of 5, 10 marla and 1 kanal houses in Pakistan.
When constructing a unit, you must also carefully select the boundary wall and main gate design to leave a good first impression on your guests. Make sure you explore all the possible flooring options before choosing the one that fits your needs.
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