If you or a client is suffering from damp or mould in the loft or throughout the house, the problem might be caused by leaking coping stones. In this article we go over the signs of leaking coping stones, alternative materials, waterproofing, and repairs.
Can parapet wall coping stones leak?
If not installed correctly, parapet coping stones can leak, resulting in damage to a home. This can also occur over time as a result of general wear and exposure to the elements. Flat wall coping stones can also leak over time, or when not installed properly.
How can I tell if parapet coping stones are leaking?
You don’t have to be a builder to notice the damage caused by leaking coping stones. The damp or mould in homes is a sign of something not being quite right, but a more sure way of telling if coping stones are leaking are to check the stones themselves.
Signs of leaking coping stones include:
- Water stains running down the side of the walls between coping stones and joints
- Loose stones
- Cracked stones
- Missing stones
- Damage to or missing mortar
- Damp, stained, or wet walls in the loft
- Damp and/or mould throughout the house
Leaking parapet coping stones causes damp
If coping stones are leaking, rain will seep through the various layers of a house, right through to the foundations. At this point, the water has nowhere else to go, therefore it begins to spread back through the house causing damp and mould.
Do aluminium wall copings leak?
Unlike stone copings, aluminium wall copings are a completely weatherproof option as they are not affixed with mortar and anchor bolts, which can allow water to get in, causing damage and, over time, leaks.
Instead, aluminium wall copings are installed using brackets that don’t penetrate the wall. You can learn more about the benefits of aluminium wall copings and how they’re installed in our recent blog.
How do you waterproof parapet coping stones?
The best way to waterproof coping stones is to use a weatherproof option like aluminium wall copings. Not only do they not penetrate the wall, but they’re also installed with a waterproof membrane and EPDM seals.
Alternatively, metal flashings fitted beneath the coping stones can help to divert water away from the building. Another option is to consider using different materials to mortar – polyurethane sealant, silicone sealant, or lead tees are often recommended by waterproofing specialists.
Can you repair leaking coping stones?
The ability to repair coping stones, rather than replacing them, depends how isolated and how bad the damage is. Any smaller areas of loose stones or mortar can be fixed by removing them and filling it in with new mortar or stones. Larger areas of damage may need to be completely replaced to fix the leaking problem.
If this fixes the waterproofing problem, any internal damage such as damp or mould will also need to be addressed.
Aluminium wall copings at Kladworx
Kladworx are stockists of Alumasc Aluminium Wall Copings in a range of different sizes, shapes, and colours to suit your project. Browse the range online or, if you’re not sure what you need, get in touch with our team today for tailored advice.
