What Is a Parapet Wall? A Complete Guide to Parapets

If you’ve ever admired a castle or walked past a modern rooftop, chances are you’ve seen a parapet wall. This architectural feature has stood the test of time, seamlessly transitioning from medieval fortifications to contemporary building designs.

Originally designed and built for protection during war, parapets are now more commonly used for safety and aesthetics, adding function and style to buildings. They come in all shapes and styles, adding character and even a bit of drama to constructions. But what exactly is a parapet wall? 

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about parapets, from their purpose and benefits to their cost and maintenance. So, whether you’re an architecture buff or a soon-to-be homeowner, let’s take a closer look at parapet walls.

What’s a Parapet Wall

A parapet wall is a short wall that rises above the edge of a roof, balcony, or terrace. On the functional side, parapets serve as safety barriers, but they’re also a decorative element. 

Once constructed for battle defense purposes, parapets help prevent falls, hide rooftop equipment, and enhance a building’s appearance. They come in materials like masonry, concrete, glass, and metal, making them a common element in historic landmarks and modern architecture.

Where are Parapet Walls Mostly Used?

Parapet walls are commonly found in commercial and industrial buildings, such as office complexes, shopping centers, and warehouses, where they enhance aesthetics, conceal rooftop equipment, and improve safety.

Some residential properties, particularly townhouses, apartment complexes, and modern homes with flat roofs, incorporate parapets for design and functional benefits.

Beyond buildings, parapet walls are frequently used in bridges and overpasses as protective barriers to prevent pedestrian and vehicle falls. They are also seen in public and institutional buildings, including schools, hospitals, and government facilities, where they add security and architectural appeal.

Parapets Key Features

A parapet wall comprises several key components that provide this architectural element its functionality, durability, and aesthetics:

• Coping or Parapet Cap: This refers to the protective top layer of the parapet, which is designed to prevent water infiltration into the wall. Coping can be made from stone, concrete, metal, or terra cotta and is often sloped to direct water away from the building. 

• Base Flashing and Counter Flashing: The base flashing is installed at the junction where the roof meets the parapet wall, directing water away from the seam. Counter flashing overlaps the base flashing and is embedded into the parapet wall, providing additional protection against moisture penetration. 

• Through-Wall Flashing: Installed within the parapet wall, it captures and directs any water infiltrating the wall back out, preventing internal damage.

• Reglet: A groove cut into the parapet wall or mortar joint, the reglet holds the counter flashing securely in place. This design ensures a tight seal, preventing water from seeping behind the flashing. 

• Parapet Wall Structure: The main body of the parapet is constructed from materials such as brick, concrete, stone, or metal. This structural component provides the necessary height and serves as a barrier, enhancing safety and contributing to the building’s visual appeal.

• Parapet Continuity Plate: A parapet continuity plate is a metal plate that helps connect the roof and parapet wall, keeping everything sealed and protected. It acts like a bridge between different layers, such as air, water, and insulation barriers.

Types of Parapet Walls

Parapets come in a plethora of styles, each designed for a specific architectural look or functional need. Here are the main types:

Solid or Plain Parapet

This is the most common type of parapet wall. It’s a continuous, fully enclosed wall with no opening, primarily used for safety, privacy, and protection from the elements. It is found in commercial property, modern buildings, and bridges.

Perforated Parapet

As its name indicates, it has decorative openings or perforations, allowing airflow and visibility while maintaining its safety purposes. You can mostly see this type of parapet on classical architecture or as ornament. 

Paneled Parapet

Similar to the perforated one, it is designed with raised or recessed panels for aesthetic appeal, and you can find it in historical or decorative buildings.

Battlement Parapet

It is characterized by alternating raised sections (merlons) and gaps (crenels); these parapet walls were originally used in castles and fortifications for defense.

Sloped or Stepped Parapet 

It features a stepped or sloped design to aid water drainage. These parapets are found in traditional and industrial buildings.

Embattled Parapet

A variation of the battlement parapet with a more pronounced fortified look, used in medieval and Gothic-style architecture.

Curved or Arched Parapet

Incorporating a curved or arched design, these parapets soften the building’s silhouette and enhance the building or home’s visual charm. 

Glass Parapet 

Constructed using reinforced glass panels, glass parapet walls offer unobstructed views and a contemporary look, often supported by metal frames for stability. 

Metal Parapet 

Made from steel or aluminum, metal parapet walls can be perforated or solid, providing durability and a modern, cleaner aesthetic.

Benefits of Adding a Parapet Wall To A House

If you’ve come to this point, you already know that parapet walls prevent falls and add a touch of architectural elegance to buildings. But you might be wondering—what are the benefits of a parapet wall for residential homes specifically?

One major advantage is weather protection. A parapet adds an extra layer of defense against harsh conditions, shielding your roof and upper walls from wind-driven rain, snow, and debris, which can help extend the lifespan of your roofing materials. It also serves a practical design purpose by concealing rooftop equipment like HVAC units or solar panels, enhancing your home’s curb appeal.

Parapet walls can also improve fire safety, blocking the spread of flames between structures or roof sections. Additionally, they help reduce wind pressure, minimizing the risk of wind uplift on roofing materials. However, parapets benefit specific roof types, including flat, terrace, low-slope, and modern minimalist roofs.

The Cost of Adding a Parapet Wall

Considering adding a parapet wall to your roof? According to data from Angi, parapet walls cost $18 to $24 per square foot for basic designs and $28 to $34 per square foot with decorative features. However, this project can set you back for much more depending on factors like your chosen materials, labor costs, your home’s location, and the overall project complexity. 

Material costs can vary a great deal based on the type of coping used. Concrete coping caps typically range from $10 to $30 per linear foot, while metal coping caps, a more durable and modern option, can cost between $20 and $50 per linear foot, depending on the metal type and finish. 

Stone Coping Caps and Other Considerations

Stone coping caps, valued for their longevity and visual appeal, are the most expensive option on the market right now, ranging from $30 to $70 per linear foot. Additionally, flashing installation, which is crucial for preventing water penetration, costs about $32 per linear foot.

Other considerations include scaffolding and access, as difficult-to-reach areas may require additional equipment, increasing labor costs. Permits and regulations can also add expenses, as many local building codes require approval before construction begins. Lastly, regional labor and material cost variations would also affect the final price.

Given all these variables, consider getting quotes from multiple contractors when adding a parapet to your roof. Those quotes should be specific to your project, so an inspection will probably be part of the process. 

Aren’t Parapet Walls Like Any Other Wall?

At first glance, parapet walls may seem like taller extensions of exterior walls, but they have some key differences, especially regarding weatherproofing and structural details.

For starters, if a parapet wall is relatively short, the base flashing often extends up and over the wall, draping over the outside face. Counter flashing is also a major factor, as it frequently extends to form a coping or cap on top of the parapet wall, which helps direct water away. Coping can be made from stone, concrete, or terra cotta.

Another notable difference? Through-wall flashings. Unlike conventional walls, parapet walls are fully exposed to the elements, getting hit by wind-driven rain from both sides. Because most walls are porous, water inevitably finds its way in. 

That’s why high-quality parapet walls often include through-wall flashings above the counter flashings and just below the coping, acting as a safeguard to prevent moisture from seeping into the building.

In high-end roofing work, masonry or concrete parapet walls are sometimes clad in metal on the inner (roof-side) face to protect against moisture. For single-ply roofing systems, the roof membrane itself is extended up the parapet wall, reducing the need for additional through-wall flashings while improving the wall’s longevity.

So, while parapet walls share similarities with exterior walls, their unique exposure to the elements demands extra layers of protection.

Parapet Wall Common Damages and Maintenance

Parapet walls are constantly exposed to the elements, making them vulnerable to wear and tear. Common damages include:

• Water infiltration: Poor flashing or cracked mortar allows moisture to seep in.
• Brick and masonry deterioration: Freeze-thaw cycles cause cracks, spalling, and loose bricks.
• Coping damage: Broken or missing coping allows water penetration.
• Structural shifting: Wind and thermal expansion can cause leaning or wall separation.

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your parapet wall in great shape for years to come. Take the time to check for cracks, loose mortar, or damaged flashing. Catching these early can save you from bigger headaches later. 

Make sure water isn’t pooling on your roof, and if your coping (the protective cap) looks worn or broken, replacing it can prevent moisture from creeping in. A quick inspection now and then or a professional check-up can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your home safe and structurally sound.

Final Thoughts: Parapets

Parapet walls might not get much attention, but they play a key role in safety, durability, and design in many buildings and structures out there. From shielding rooftops against the elements to adding architectural flair and concealing equipment, parapets are a thoughtful and functional addition to many structures. We hope this guide has given you a new appreciation for parapets and their many uses. Looking for more insights on home features, design trends, or relocation tips? Check out the EZ Home Search Blog for more expert content.