The parapet wall is an extension at the edge of the rooftop that makes some types of barrier. It is used to prevent people from falling and reduce dust and air load to move in house or make good design.
Parapets have different designs and are 3 feet high and the thickness is 9 inches. They are made from RCC and also made with use of brick masonry or steel.
Other Uses
- For conceal and high devices on the rooftop.
- It saves particles from accumulating on the rooftop.
- parapets existing on bridges it used to prevent vehicles from falling off.
- It prevents air load from moving in the house and is applied in windy regions.
- Perforated parapets used for defense parameters like in the military.
Types of Parapets
Based on functional reasons, parapets have 4 types
- Plain parapets
- Embattled parapets
- Paneled parapets
- Perforated parapets
Based on shape, parapets are divided into five types, namely:
- Sloped parapets
- Flat parapets
- Stepped parapets
- Plain parapets
- Curved parapets
Now let’s have a look at the most popular types of parapets.
Plain Parapets
- It is pure for functions and so looks dull with no aesthetic appeal whatsoever.
- Some plain parapets come with adding copings or corbels to help bear the structural load.
- It is an easy type of parapet for construction since they not need extra aesthetic designs. Because of simple design, plain parapets needed minimal maintenance.
Embattled Parapets
- It is referred to as castle parapets and used in ancient times for protection forts and palaces.
How?
- Embattled parapets were designed to easily shoot arrows and defend a fort or castle.
- So how relevant are embattled parapets today? Because their purpose has changed to also improve a building’s beauty.
Perforated Parapets
- According to its name, these are designed to have perforations.
- The objective is aesthetics that can have geometric patterns, floral designs, etc.
Paneled Parapets
- It is also called ornamental parapets and paneled parapets feature decorations on external layers of the wall. That means tha paneled parapets are mostly used for aesthetic purposes. It can either square or oblong but without perforations.
How to Construct Parapet Walls & Code Requirements
- Parapets are mostly overlooked components of buildings and come with a high effect on building longevity and safety. So different agencies such as IBC (International Building Code) came up with codes for parapets.
- For the construction of parapets, engineers must ensure the design is according to stability, proper height, resistance for components, and anchorage.
- It has challenges for structural engineers to satisfy client demands and follow parapet code requirements.
Here are six (6) things to consider when constructing a parapet wall.
- Minimum height is 3 feet.
- The thickness of the parapets is about 9 inches.
- Parapets must be plastered on both sides to avoid dampness.
- For joint connection roof and parapet must be adequately sealed.
- It must come with accurate coping at the top for controlling leakage.
- The parapet must not close ot the plumbing system or an electrical wire
Maintenance for Parapet Walls
- For some points maybe some decades later, parapets face a level of deterioration.
- If you do not take it seriously some problems can come with having to deal with, that are corrosion due to moisture infiltration, failed flashings, open joints, displacement, and cracking.
- But you can revamp parapets with new ideas and more protection by providing accurate maintenance.
So how do you maintain parapet walls?
- The best method is to get accurate construction machines with the latest parts according to damage types that parapets have
- Another step is to buy accurate materials and then properly follow the code mentioned above requirements for parapet construction.
FAQs
Here are a few commonly asked questions on parapet walls.
What is a Parapet Wall in Construction?
- It is a proper extension at the end of the rooftop or balcony for protection from falling over. It also controls air loads moving in the house. Other parapets have good features for appeal to a building.
What is a Parapet Facade?
- Parapet walls are vertical walls on the roofline and are used to protection humans from falling over.
- In other types of facades, the building is taller and the parapet facade hides the roof to make the house look bigger.
How Tall is a Parapet Wall?
- It is based on code needed according to IBC and accurate height based on the state and local municipality where the building is being constructed. The average parapet wall height must be about 3 feet and thickness is 9 inches.
About Author
Dustin Johnson is the marketing manager of FortisHD and an enthusiast in construction and heavy equipment. Construction has been an integral part of his life, and he is proud to be able to continue to build his future in such an exciting industry. Throughout his career, he has been fortunate enough to be involved with many engaging projects and is appreciated and valued for his works with the contracting team.
