Every homeowner’s worst nightmare? Coming face to face with damp or mould creeping through your property – if you’ve ever had the misfortune, you know exactly what we mean. But did you know it might actually be caused by something as simple as leaking coping stones? Stick with us as we take a look at the signs of leaking coping stones, explore alternative materials, and discuss how to fix the problem once and for all.
Can Parapet Wall Coping Stones Leak?
Yes – if not installed correctly, parapet and flat wall coping stones can leak, resulting in that dreaded damage to your home. And even if they’re installed correctly, over time, wear and tear from the elements can cause them to fail. The bottom line? Regular maintenance is key. Don’t let the great British weather have the last word!
How to Tell if Parapet Coping Stones Are Leaking
You’ll be pleased to hear, you don’t have to be a builder to notice the damage caused by leaking coping stones. Damp or mould in homes is a sure sign that something’s not quite right – to be 100% positive it’s a problem with your coping stones, make sure you check them over before deciding on next steps.
What Are the Signs of Leaking Coping Stones?
- Water stains: These are often visible between coping stones and the joints, indicating a leak or poor seal.
- Loose stones: Any coping stones that have come loose or slightly shifted out of place can cause gaps, allowing water to seep in.
- Cracked stones: Look out for cracks, they allow water to trickle in.
- Missing stones: If you’ve lost any stones over the years, the structure will be vulnerable, leading to some serious water damage and accelerated wear and tear.
- Damage to or missing mortar: Mortar is the binding agent between coping stones, without it, gaps are created and water gets in!
- Damp, stained, or wet walls in the loft: These signs are often the first indications that there is some damage to your coping stones.
- Damp and/or mould: If the damp or mould is persistent, we advise you get the outside of your building assessed as soon as possible. Leaving it any longer could cause irreversible, and more costly damage.
The Cause of Damp: Leaking Parapet Coping Stones
If coping stones are leaking, it’s like opening the floodgates. Rainwater seeps through the layers of your home, making its way down to the foundations. Once it hits that point, there’s nowhere for the water to go – it starts to creep its way back through the house, causing damp and mould to appear where you least want it, turning your home into a breeding ground for both moisture and frustration.
How to Waterproof Parapet Coping Stones
To keep parapet coping stones watertight, metal flashings are your first line of defence – they fit beneath the stones to direct water away from the building. Alternatively, some waterproofing experts swear by materials like polyurethane sealant, silicone sealant, or lead tees to keep moisture at bay.
But if you want to be absolutely certain water won’t find its way in (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?), aluminium wall coping is your best bet. It’s completely weatherproof, doesn’t penetrate the wall, and is installed with both a waterproof membrane and EPDM seals.
Can You Repair Leaking Coping Stones?
In short – yes, but the ability to repair coping stones, rather than replacing them, depends how isolated and how bad the damage truly is. Any small areas of loose stones or mortar can be fixed by removing them and filling in with new mortar or stones. While larger areas of damage may need to be completely replaced to fix the problem.
To be clear, even if this fixes the issue at hand, any internal damage such as damp or mould still needs to be thoroughly assessed.
Does Aluminium Wall Coping Leak?
Unlike stone coping, aluminium wall coping is the ultimate weatherproof option – and that’s exactly why we’re such big fans. So, how does it keep the water out? Simple: it doesn’t rely on mortar and anchor bolts, which are often the weak spots where water sneaks in, causing damage and leaks over time.
Instead, aluminium wall coping is installed using brackets that don’t penetrate the wall, creating a secure, watertight barrier. If you want to learn more about the benefits of aluminium wall coping and how it’s installed, check out our latest post for all the details!
Aluminium Wall Copings at Kladworx
We proudly offer a range of Alumasc aluminum coping, custom-made for your to suit your project’s needs. Whether you need 3m length aluminium wall coping, junction wall coping, stop end wall coping, or 90 degree angle wall coping – we’ve got what you need in a variety of widths and colours.
Need a little guidance? No problem! Get in touch with us today, and we’ll help you find the perfect solution for your build. We offer tailored advice and, for those based in London or the South East, we can arrange a site survey to make sure you’re getting the right materials for the job. Let’s make your project a success!
