{"id":172,"date":"2022-10-20T10:47:31","date_gmt":"2022-10-20T10:47:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/diyhousebuilding.com\/?p=172"},"modified":"2022-10-31T14:58:14","modified_gmt":"2022-10-31T14:58:14","slug":"what-is-a-parapet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/diyhousebuilding.com\/what-is-a-parapet\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is A Parapet?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
There are many important parts of a building to make it safe and secure. But, one of the most crucial components is the parapet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Acting as protection for a building or structure, a parapet is a barrier installed on the edge of a roof or balcony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
It plays a key role in the safety of those inside a building and ensuring the building is supported properly. You may have heard the term \u201cparapet\u201d being used in war movies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is because it was used in trench warfare as a way to describe the fortification around the top of trenches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And, like a building\u2019s parapet protects its inhabitants, trench parapets were built to protect those inside the trenches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parapets are used all over the world but examples of them differ from one culture to another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some are more decorative, but they all share one thing in common – they are there to protect the building and those inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In today\u2019s article, we are going to discuss parapets. We will find out what they are, what they are used for, and the different parapet wall types in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parapet Definition<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A parapet is essentially a wall that is built on the edge of a building\u2019s roof, balcony, or terrace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parapets tend to be extensions of the brick walls of a property and act as safety barriers to protect the interior of a building and its inhabitants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Altogether, there is a range of parapet types. Many are used for decorative purposes and simply added to structures for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most are made from reinforced cement concrete, steel, and masonry for supreme strength and durability against the elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Are Parapets Important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As we have mentioned, a parapet is typically built as an extension of an underlying wall or as a separate construction, depending on its design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are typically constricted high enough to prevent an individual from falling. Some are made so tall that people are completely hidden behind them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A high parapet is considered a defensive form of architecture. It provides cover for those behind it, such as people lounging on balconies and rooftops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A lower parapet tends to be more ornamental but still acts as a safety barrier. Terraces are often used for pleasure activities such as walking and sitting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Therefore, a parapet wall is essential in keeping occupants safe and protected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Different Parapet Types<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
There are many types of parapets, each having unique characteristics and designs. Some are designed purely for safety purposes, whereas others are just ornamental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those made to emphasize a design and be more aesthetically pleasing include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plain parapets<\/li>
Perforated parapets<\/li>
Embattled parapets<\/li>
Paneled parapets<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Parapet walls that are built with an emphasis on functionally include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sloped parapets<\/li>
Flat parapets<\/li>
Stepped parapets<\/li>
Plain parapets<\/li>
Curved parapets<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Plain parapet walls are essentially an addition to the wall at the end of a roof. Vertically installed, this type of wall is easy to construct and usually requires little maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These provide safety for occupants and have concrete on their top sides and corbel below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most of the time, plain parapets are, as the name suggests, simple in design and rarely add much aesthetic value to a property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A perforated parapet wall is like a plain parapet, with an upward extension of the wall at the end of the roof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These walls have different designs and perforated shapes, such as flowers, and circles, with their main goal being to add beauty to a building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An embattled parapet wall is not commonly made today but was often used in the construction of palaces and forts of the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also known as a \u201cCastle parapet,\u201d the embattled parapet is aesthetically pleasing and, when used today, is solely for decorative purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A paneled parapet wall is similar to the plain type, but boasts some ornamental panels, as well. These are generally very easy to make and pleasing on the eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sloped parapet walls are usually constructed on buildings or structures with sloped roofs. This type of parapet was commonly used in industrial and trussed buildings of the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The sloped design allows rainwater to drain off more easily, with its main aim being to protect the roof from any water damage and leakages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A flat parapet wall is one of the most common of all parapets. These are typically constructed in commercial buildings and dwelling units that have flat roofs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, there are many kinds of flat parapet walls that are made from fiberglass or glass with steel railings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stepped parapet walls are usually used for structures with inclined roofs. These are typically built with a staircase-like design and are mainly for decorative purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When done properly, they can even make a building look larger. Curved parapets are also referred to as \u201cArch parapet walls\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In most cases, these are constructed on properties with inclined and flat roofs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like stepped parapets, the curved type helps a building appear larger than it is, giving it an attractive and stylish appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Important Factors To Consider When Building A Parapet<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When constructing a parapet wall, there are some important factors to think about. These are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The thickness of a parapet wall should always be at least 9 inches<\/li>
A parapet\u2019s minimum height should be at least 3 feet tall<\/li>
The joint that joins the parapet to the roof must be sealed properly<\/li>
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