Parapet Walls | Parapet Walls types and uses

Parapet Walls

Parapet :A parapet wall is a low or dwarf wall built on the edge of a roof, terrace, walkway, balcony, etc. Parapet walls can be constructed using different materials such as reinforced cement concrete, steel, aluminum, glass, etc. Walls and their use are discussed below.

Parapet wall height

Parapet wall height = 30 inches

The height of the parapet should not be less than 30 inches (762 mm) above the point where the roof surface and wall are to be cut.

30 inches in cm = 76.2 cm

30 inches in feet = 2'6" feet

Types of parapet walls

parapet design 

1). Classification based on appearance
2). Classification by size and configuration

1). Classification based on appearance

parapet wall design are classified into the following types based on appearance:

1. Plain Parapet Walls
2. Perforated Parapet Walls
3. Embattled Parapet Walls
4. Paneled Parapet Walls

1. plane parapet walls

• The plain parapet wall is nothing but a vertical extension of the wall at the edge of the roof. This is a common type of parapet that is specifically provided for safety concerns.
• Concrete coping is provided at the top and corbel below it.
• Plain parapets are easy to construct and require little maintenance.
• Plain parapets usually look dull in appearance.

2. Perforated Parapet Walls

• The perforated parapet wall is also an extension of the plain parapet-like wall but in this case, the portion of the expanded wall is perforated with differently shaped openings given the aesthetic appearance of the structure.
• Differently designed holes are used, such as circles, trefoils, flower shapes, etc.

3. Embattled Parapet Walls or Complicated parapet walls

• Embroidered parapets were used in old days especially for palaces, forts etc.
• Optional low and high parts and perforations are provided in the parapet. In ancient times, these holes were commonly used by arrow shooters to wield arrows through it, protecting the castle.
• Due to their beautiful appearance and uniqueness, embroidered parapets are being constructed nowadays to enhance the aesthetic aspects of the structures.

4. Paneled Parapet Walls or Panlade Walls

• Paneled parapet walls are similar to plain parapets, but have differential paneled parapets that are ornate with a series of panel designs outside the parapet wall.
• The panels may be diagonally or square but in this case no perforation is given.
• This type of parapet is more prevalent as it gives the structure a beautiful appearance and at the same time does not cost too much and provides ease of construction.

2). Classification by size and configuration

parapet wall design are also classified based on size and configuration:

1. Sloping parapet wall
2. Stepped parapet wall
3. Flat parapet wall
4. Curved parapet wall

1. Sloped Parapet Wall

Sloping parapet walls are provided for sloping roof structures such as industrial structures, trussed structures, etc.

2. stepped parapet wall

Inclined parapet walls are also used for inclined roof structures. In this case, the wall is constructed in a stair-type design as shown in the figure below.

3. Flat Parapet Wall

Flat parapet walls are recommended for flat roof structures.

4. Curved Parapet Wall

Curved parapet walls, also known as arched parapet walls, are recommended for both flat and inclined roofs.

Miscellaneous Parapet Types

Many modern types of parapet walls are replacing the above types due to their dominance in all types of security, appearance, economy, etc.

Some of the modern types of parfets are fiber-glass parapets, parapets with steel railings, etc.

Glass or steel railings may also be provided to the pierced parts of the perforated walls for better appearance. Such parapets are called mixed parapet walls.

Use of parapet walls

Built parapet walls have various uses. some of them are :

1. To give the structure an aesthetic look.
2. They provide protection for humans when on the roof and in case of bridges to prevent them from falling off the bridge.
3. To hide and prevent equipment and machinery on the roof.
4. To prevent the entry of dust through the air on the roof.
5. To prevent the fall of collected debris on the roof.
6. To prevent high air load on the roof.
7. Perforated parapets may be useful for defense measures in military areas.