Some people choose to see parapet walls as outdated construction features that no longer serve a purpose, and which therefore aren’t of any value to a home. However, while it may be true that they no longer serve their original purpose of providing rooftop protection from enemies on the ground, on buildings such as forts and castles, parapet walls can still be functional and in many instances, can even enhance a building aesthetically.
Before we look at the benefits of parapet walls in a little more detail, its important to get a better understanding of what they are:
What is a parapet wall?
Parapet walls are low and usually constructed to enclose a roof, or provide a barrier of protection around the edges of a terrace; in some cases they’re also used on bridges for the same purpose.
Usually around 3 feet in height, their size, design and where they’re located can vary from structure to structure, and can be dependent on personal preference or their intended purpose.
Not intended to be carried out by even the most seasoned of DIYers, you must always work with an experienced construction company if you wish to have a parapet wall installed. This type of wall, when incorrectly installed or carried out with poor workmanship, can lead to a build of water on a roof, hence it’s always best to hire professionals to carry out the work.
Do parapet walls have modern uses?
With their ability to act as a barrier that prevents people from toppling over the edge, parapet walls are most commonly found on the roofs of buildings, and are the perfect solution for homes that have a terrace or garden on the roof. That said, any flat roof that is likely to have people spending time on it would benefit from a parapet roof in safety terms, and nothing says they have to be ugly either. With an experienced construction company, parapet walls can be attractive features on a roof that enhances the building’s overall appearance.
In cosmetic terms, a parapet wall can be used to hide any faults or areas of unsightliness on a roof, and can even help create the illusion that the roof is flat, when it isn’t. Sometimes used as a visual barrier to mask ugly items or equipment on a roof, too, parapet walls can make ductwork, vents or stored items, disappear from view.
In addition to acting as a safety barrier to prevent the risk of falling, and improving a roof aesthetically, parapet walls can also be added to a roof as a fire protection measure. Should a fire break out in a home, a well-constructed parapet wall can help slow the fire’s spread and reduce the damage to the building, while giving its occupants more time in which to escape.
If after reading this, you’ve decided that a parapet wall is just the feature for your home or commercial building, you can find out more about them by scheduling a consultation with a local construction company.