If you’re taking on a project or have something in mind, you’ve probably heard the terms wall coping and metal flashing being thrown around. If all of this is new to you and you don’t know what the terms actually mean, don’t worry, we’re here to help.
When it comes to protecting your walls, roofs and decking from any kind of weather damage, aluminium copings and flashing are vital. But what sets them apart? In this article, we’ll go over the key differences between aluminium wall coping and metal flashing – you’ll leave knowing exactly what you need for your project.
What is Wall Coping?
Let’s get straight to it…
Wall coping finishes the tops of parapets and freestanding walls in order to prevent water from getting into the structure beneath. If you look closely at the next building you pass, you’ll notice something sticking out a little, that’s the coping – it’s placed like this so that water runs easily off it and away from the building. All walls need coping to direct water away, but they’re very important for brick walls and parapets.
But that’s not all coping is good for. It’s also well loved for its ability to finish walls in an aesthetically pleasing way – no raw edges here.
If you’ve got a specific finish in mind, you’re in luck – wall coping comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, colours, and materials to suit your project – we highly recommend using aluminium coping. Need something bespoke? Get in touch with us today and we can lend you a hand.
Want to learn even more? Take a look at these articles: Installing the Skyline Coping System and Different Types of Wall Coping.
What is Metal Flashing?
Next up – metal flashing. The flashing is a thin sheet of metal used to maintain a watertight roof by draining water away from the building. Without it, rainwater will run down the wall and seep into windows and doors, causing all kinds of expensive damage.
Unlike coping, metal flashing has no aesthetic purpose – it’s only job is to protect your walls from water and to protect them well.
Types of Flashing
Now you know what flashing is, what kind do you get? There’s all kinds of flashing that do the same job differently – take a look:
- Drip Edges: Installed along the eaves of the roof, this kind of flashing encourages water to drip away without damaging the building.
- Continuous Flashing: Also known as Apron Flashing – one continuous strip of flashing protects joints between a vertical wall and a sloped roof.
- Step Flashing: This is a rectangular piece of flashing bent at 90 degrees in the centre. It’s used to join the shingles of the roof to the adjacent wall.
- Valley Flashing: Usually placed on top of the roof, this W-shaped piece of metal connects the areas where two valleys of a roof plain join.
- Vent Pipe Flashing: Cone-shaped flashing installed into the roof shingles to cover the pipes.
Wall Copings and Metal Flashings at Kladworx
At Kladworx, we proudly offer a range of aluminium wall coping and metal flashing in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colours to suit your project.
Check out the range on our website, or 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!
