Keeping parapet walls in good shape is vital to the longevity of your build. Exposed to the elements, parapet walls are often pounded from all sides by wind, rain, snow, ice and the unpredictable temperature changes of the UK. Since parapet walls are typically found on the roof of a building, they often go unnoticed and are out of the way for regular maintenance and checks, leading them to be neglected.
So, the question remains – how do you seal the top of parapet walls to be protected from the elements? It’s easy, just follow the three steps below…
- Better design: From the get-go, parapet walls should be designed with durability and weather resistance in mind – for example, water runs off a sloped design, reducing the risk of pooling and long-term water damage.
- Better waterproofing: A solid, high-quality sealant or membrane can keep water from creeping into your building – make sure you choose something engineered for roofs and parapet walls. And, remember to reapply regularly as weathering can wear down protective layers over time.
- Better materials: Use polyester powder coated (PPC) aluminium copings and flashing, they’re built to withstand the elements and last a lot longer than most other alternatives.
Want to know more? Keep reading, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to know when thinking of keeping your parapet walls in check.
How to Seal the Top of Parapet Walls
It all starts with managing moisture – keeping everything dry is key. If you spot any damp areas before, during or after the build, address them immediately. Once the moisture is cleared, the next step is to identify the most vulnerable spots and fix any areas that are compromised before moving forward.
After you’ve found the risk areas, you’ll need to isolate this area from the rest of the structure using a waterstop – a barrier used to prevent moisture from moving upwards from construction details below, where fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels can lead to condensation. Don’t forget, your structures are at risk from both external and internal moisture.
Next, waterproof the top of the parapet wall, then install wall coping and flashings where needed – need a hand? Follow our easy guide on how to install aluminium wall coping here.
Ideally, these steps should be part of the original design and building process. However, the same process applies when repairing a leaking parapet wall, or maintaining it for long-term durability.
What Should be Placed on Top of Parapet Walls to Prevent Water Damage?
If you’re serious about keeping your parapet walls in top shape for years to come, then you’re going to want to use some decent wall coping and flashing – these are designed to cover the top most part of the vulnerable parapet wall.
While coping comes in a range of materials such as stone or metal, we strongly advise using aluminium wall coping- it’s built to withstand some tough conditions, offering all-round unbeatable weather resistance. Plus, it’s super versatile – available in all sorts of shapes, sizes, widths, and colours to suit your needs.
If you’re not sure what to get, we can help. Just get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to provide you with both standard and bespoke aluminium wall coping options.
How Do You Fix Leaking Parapet Walls?
If your wall coping or weatherproofing sealant hasn’t been installed correctly, you could be in for some serious water damage – not only to the parapet wall, but to the façade, and even the internal structures.
In most cases, if you’ve got leaks in your parapet wall, you’ll need to remove the wall coping to sort it out. Before you can fix the leaks, it’s a good idea to first check for any structural issues. Once that’s sorted, make sure the waterproofing membrane is intact and properly installed. If the membrane wasn’t done right in the first place, your wall coping is the last line of defence against the elements.
When it comes to reinstalling the wall coping after fixing any underlying issues, why not consider switching to aluminium wall coping? If you’re currently using something other than metal – unless stone is required for aesthetic reasons – aluminium is definitely the way to go. If you’re after a stone look, but with more protection, we’ve got PPC stone finishes available, so don’t hesitate to ask!
The best bit? Aluminium wall coping isn’t installed with mortar and anchor bolts, which means there’s a minimal chance of water getting into the structure to loosen the joins, or cause the stone to crumble over time. If you want to learn even more about stone vs aluminium coping, read this article to find out more.
Take your parapet wall protection one step further by installing flashings along with your aluminium wall coping. This really helps minimise water penetration, keeping your structure safe and sound.
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!
