Did you know that parapet walls have been a part of the architectural world since ancient times? It has been discovered in various ways throughout history. A barrier that plays a big role in the building. It makes your building’s roof safe and look better.
In the modern construction era, you can find parapet walls almost everywhere. In simpler words, they help you to avoid falling, manage downwind loads, and provide fire protection.
In this guide, we will provide a brief overview of what a parapet wall is and its various types.
Let’s get started!
What is a Parapet Wall?
A parapet wall is a significant part of a building’s architectural structure, extending higher than the roofline. It is mainly found on flat roofs. It’s a wall that rises past the roof edge. It looks like an extended silhouette.
They vary from other barriers. Unlike railings, a parapet wall combines both functional and aesthetically pleasing features. There are various types of parapet walls, each with a unique feature that makes these walls adaptable for your buildings.
Before we delve into the types of parapet walls, let’s examine their history.
History of Parapet Walls
It’s an amazing fact that parapet walls have their roots in ancient history. You might think it’s a modern innovation introduced recently to make the building safer, but to our surprise, it dates back to ancient history as well. These walls were designed to make people safer on the roofs, and they are mentioned in ancient texts, such as the Bible.
The Bible (Deuteronomy 22:8) states that “When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet for your roof, that you may not bring the guilt of blood upon your house if anyone should fall from it.” Just like ancient times, their importance remains the same today.
Another indication of the parapet walls’ ancient origins is the Medieval Period. They became a staple of European architecture during the Medieval Period (476 to 1450 CE) and were used as a defense against archers, helping to protect them from exposure when returning fire.
These are just a few examples and proofs that show us that parapet walls have been with us for a longer period and have helped us through various factors.
Now that we understand what parapet walls are and their history let’s explore their various types.
Types Of Parapet Walls
Parapet walls have been classified into various types. Here are the main types of parapet wall roofing mentioned below, based on their appearance:
1. Plain Parapet Walls
A plain and vertical extension of the wall at the edge of your roof. It is the most generic and simplest type of parapet wall that provides safety. Concrete is the most commonly used material for these walls. They are much easier to construct and require low maintenance as compared to others.
2. Perforated Parapet Walls
Just as the name suggests, this type of wall features perforated designs with varying-sized openings that enhance the aesthetic appeal of your building. They work exactly like plain parapet walls and are an extension of the wall at the edge of your roof. However, they can be found in various perforations, such as circles, flower shapes, trefoils, and more.
3. Paneled Parapet Walls
The paneled parapet walls are similar to plain parapet walls, but the main difference lies in the design created on the outside of the parapet walls using panels. Panels are available in various shapes and designs. They can be square, oval, and oblong, but no perforations can be made within these panels. This type of parapet wall is more practical, as it offers a beautiful appearance and requires a minimal investment while providing ease in construction.
4. Embattled Parapet Walls
These walls were widely used in ancient times for defense. These walls were mainly constructed at the top of the castles’ roofs. They had high and low portions and perforations in the walls. The archers used these perforations to shoot their arrows while defending the castle. They are still in use due to their beautiful appearance for historical preservation.
5. Miscellaneous Parapet Walls
A modern type of parapet wall made from fiberglass with steel railings. They can be found in various types, such as those that are pierced in the portion and perforated for a better appearance. These types are also often referred to as composite parapet walls.
Other Types of Parapet Walls
The above types mentioned were those that are typically done on plain roofs of residential and commercial buildings. However, did you know that other types of parapet walls can be installed on your tile roof?
Here are some of the types mentioned below:
- Sloped Parapet Walls: These walls feature a slanted top that facilitates easy water runoff, thereby keeping your roof protected.
- Stepped Parapet Walls: Designed with a step-like shape, they give your building a distinctive, layered look and accommodate various roof heights.
- Curved Parapet Walls: These feature a smooth curve on top, adding a stylish touch that makes your space stand out.
Benefits of Parapet Walls
Parapet roof walls come with various benefits that help in strengthening your building structures and improving their facades.
Here are some of the benefits of using Parapet Roofs:
- Parapet roof walls help in increasing the stability of your roof and prevent wind uplift. Additionally, it provides a barrier against catastrophic wind events.
- They also help in protecting your building against extreme weather. If your parapet roof is installed correctly, it can strengthen your building, protecting it from hurricanes and thunderstorms, and providing a barrier against tree branches or other storm debris.
- It also helps with the occupant’s safety from the inside of the roof. Parapet walls are designed to keep the occupants safe from falling from the roofs. A parapet should be 42 feet tall, allowing the roof to be used for various purposes, such as dining, gardening, and more.
- They also offer protection from the fire. If fire is coming up from the exterior of a building, a parapet can stop it from coming inside. The IBC also requires Parapets to be installed with the fire-resistance standard in mind.
Where are Parapet Walls Being Used?
You can use these walls on any roof. Let it be a commercial, residential, apartment, or any other building that features a flat roof. Similarly, if any building intends to use a dual-purpose roof as a balcony or terrace, that area will also require a parapet wall of some height to ensure that the occupant won’t fall.
Ready To Get Your Parapet Wall Installed?
Contact Paradise Construction to have your parapet wall installed by experts. Our experts possess all the necessary tools and knowledge to construct your parapet wall, ensuring your roof is a safe and secure space for everyone.
