A parapet wall is a low protective structural layer that is built adjacent to a roof. It provides continuity and support in terms of water, air, vapor and thermal control. The regulation of these factors helps prevent corrosion and degradation of the roof or some other pre-built adjacent structure. It is an extension of the brick wall at the end of the Parapet walls are the outermost walls which are constructed at the edges of the roof of the buildings. Parapet walls can be constructed using different materials like reinforced cement concrete, steel, aluminium, glass etc. The parapet wall should not be constructed less than 3 feet in height. The minimum thickness of the parapet wall is 9 inches.
Why we need parapet walls
Parapet walls are needed to protect the interior space of the terrace of the buildings. Parapets are a part of a roof that eliminates the danger of a flat floor as it also opens up a lot of opportunities in order to use roof space safely and effectively. It is also required to protect the interior space of the terrace of the buildings. The parapet walls ensure the safety of the occupants using the roof.
The purpose;
- Aesthetic look to the structure.
- Prevent the entrance of dust through the air on the rooftop.
- Prevent the falling of particles collected on the roof.
- To anchor the excessive wind load from coming on the rooftop
- Protection from falling off the roof surface
- For various purposes such as sitting, walking, and other leisure activities
Different types of parapet walls;
Classification of Parapet walls on the basis of design or Appearance is as follows:
- Plain Parapet Walls – a vertical extension of the wall at the edge of the ridge. These are specific types of walls provided for safety issues, it is given concrete capping at the top and stitched at the bottom. Plain parapets are simple to assemble and require little maintenance.
- Embattled Parapet Walls – an older kind of parapet, which isn’t used in modern buildings but can be used in many older buildings. It has alternating high and low parts at the top of the wall. This type of wall in the modern period is used while commissioning a building with a historical look. Because of their beautiful appearance and uniqueness, embattled parapets are being constructed to enhance the aesthetic aspects of the structure.
- Perforated Parapet Walls – an extension of the wall like plain parapet but in this case, the extended wall portion is perforated with different sized openings considering the aesthetic appearance of the structure.
- Panelled Parapet Walls – a wall that consists of ornamental panels from the outside. The best part of the panelled parapet walls is that they are ornamented with a number of different panel designs on the external side of the parapet wall. There are no perforations provided in the panelled parapet walls.
Classification of Parapet walls on the basis of shape and functionality are as follows:
- Sloped Parapet Walls – used for the industrial and trussed buildings.These parapet walls come with a slope which helps to drain off the rainwater. The main purpose of providing sloped parapet walls to the buildings is to protect the roof from leakages.
- Stepped Parapet Walls – used for inclined roof structures. Stepped parapet walls are constructed like a staircase type design. Stepped parapet walls are generally used for decorative purposes which makes the building appear larger.
- Flat Parapet Walls – used for flat roof structures. Flat parapet walls are generally used in dwelling units and commercial buildings and flat roof structures. Flat parapet walls are provided with little or no slope.
- Curved Parapet Walls – used for both flat and inclined rooftops.The curved parapet gives heights to the buildings. This type of wall is perfect for smaller houses and it also makes the building appear larger.
Conclusion
Different types of parapet walls and their uses are discussed above. A parapet is a barrier that is an extension of the wall at the edge of a roof, terrace, balcony, walkway or other structure