Home Kitchen

parapet roofs

In the most basic terms, a parapet roof is one with a wall-like structure located around the edge of the roof. This wall or railing is usually around 3 feet high and is generally considered a safety feature that prevents falls from the edge of the roof. However, parapet roofs offer unique features with regard to construction and style. In fact, these types of roofs are sometimes installed to give the appearance of a flat roof. Parapets around roofs are especially common in cities like London, where older building laws prohibited projecting wooden eaves as a potential fire hazard.

There are a number of reasons why you might want a parapet wall around the edge of your roof. As mentioned, parapet roofs offer advanced fire protection as the parapet prevents flames from traveling to the outside of the building and igniting roofing materials. In addition, the parapets reduce the flow of wind over the roof so that wind resistance is evenly distributed. The most common method by which wind can damage roofs is by lifting the edge of the roof and peeling off the roof structure. Parapets reduce the risk of wind damage, making them an excellent choice for homes in hurricane or tornado zones.

Another obvious benefit of a parapet is that it prevents falls while also preventing objects and debris from flying off the roof. Still, there are aesthetic reasons why you may prefer a parapet roof. For example, parapets help hide roofing material or equipment on a roof that may be unsightly or unattractive. Additionally, parapet roofs affect a building’s appearance by increasing its perceived height. Generally speaking, parapets have a similar finish to exterior walls, so they blend seamlessly into the exterior structure of a building. Additionally, parapets can help prevent rainwater damage to the exterior of buildings. The top of the parapet can be sloped inwards so that water does not stain the building’s façade. Parapets are sometimes also featured with drip edges, further preventing staining of a structure’s exterior surfaces.

Parapets are popular with architects who prefer the contemporary design of a flat roof. Unfortunately, flat roofs are more prone to pooling water that can seep in over the edge of the roof. A parapet allows a designer to build a house or structure with an apparently flat roof while being built on a slope. The parapet hides the slope so that the architecture appears perfectly flat. In fact, parapets can be built in a wide range of situations and climates using various materials and construction methods. This makes parapet roofs a versatile roof design that can be effective in minimizing damage in a wide range of climates while enhancing the aesthetics of the structure.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *