22/05/2024
WHAT IS A PARAPET:?
Recently I have been hearing some clients,artisans and Even some with an engineering title misplacing a concrete fascia with the name “PARAPET “
And I find it hard to correct them at the spot because I don’t want the person to feel bad.🤪🤪🤪
Now what is a PARAPET?
A parapet is typically the uppermost reaches of a wall that extends above the roof level and provides a degree of protection to roof, gutters, balconies and walkways of houses, churches, castles, apartment blocks, commercial and other buildings. It may be constructed from blocks ,bricks ,stone, concrete, timber or even glass.
What is the purpose of parapet in buildings
Parapets were originally used to defend buildings from military attack, but today they are primarily used as guard rails, to conceal roofs ,rooftop equipment, reduce wind loads on the roof, and to prevent the spread of fires.(it’s not just for aesthetics )
Indeed, the Bible instructs us to build a parapet around the roof of our home so that, "…you may not bring the guilt of bloodshed on your house if someone falls from it" (Deuteronomy 22:8). This commandment highlights the relatively simple and practical means by which we can prevent falls.
What is the maximum height of a parapet wall?
The maximum height of the parapet wall should be 5 feet. Above this height, a parapet wall will look ugly and will not serve it's purpose. The minimum thickness of the parapet wall is 5 inches. But the recommended thickness is 9 inches.
Lastly,a parapet always comes with coping,which can be casted on it,or precasted .
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF PARAPET WALL
Advantages.
1. it creates a Unique beautiful style. Its sophistication comes with visual strength.
2. Fire protection. A house with parapet roofs burns only one room(that if all the rooms are with parapet ). The wooden roof trusses are not linked so fire wont pass.
3. Wind break. Roof covering on buildings with parapet roofs are not easily blown away or affected by wind related structural challenges.
4. The house can be built in parts
Disadvantages(that’s why people run away from it in Nigeria)
1. Roof leaks. Where the parapet walls meet with the roof, if not done properly with either wall flashings,bitumen based waterproofing there is a risk of water leaks.
2. Cost. Parapet walls that project out of the roof are an extra cost which is not found on other roofs. These walls are supposed to be built with 9 inch thickness (double brick units / double leaf)
3. High level of expertise is required to bring out the house as designed.(this is actually not a disadvantage when you hire a professional)
Thanks
Engr. Bruno
De Blaise Construction Associate