A parapet wall is a low wall that extends above the roofline or balcony of a building.
It is typically used as a decorative element, a safety barrier to prevent people from falling off the edge of the roof or balcony, or to conceal mechanical equipment or other unsightly elements on the roof.
Materials used in parapet walls
It can be made of a variety of materials, including brick, stone, concrete, or metal, and they may be topped with decorative coping or railing.
1. Brick
Bricks are a popular choice due to their durability, strength, and ability to match the existing brickwork of a building.
2. Stone
Stone is another popular material due to its natural beauty and longevity. It can be cut and shaped to fit a variety of designs.
3. Concrete
Concrete is a versatile and cost-effective material for the construction of these walls. It can be molded into different shapes and finished with a variety of textures.
4. Metal
Metal is used on modern buildings for its sleek, industrial look. Common metals used include steel, aluminum, and copper.
5. Wood
Wood is less common but can be used for its natural look and affordability. However, it requires regular maintenance to prevent it from rotting and decaying.
Different types of the parapet wall
Parapet based on design
1. Embattled parapet walls
Also known as crenelated parapets, these walls have a series of alternating raised and lowered sections, similar to the battlements on a castle wall.
They were originally designed for defensive purposes, providing cover for soldiers while allowing them to fire on enemies.
2. Plain parapet walls
These types of parapets have flat or slightly sloping tops and no decorative features. They are commonly used on modern buildings and serve as a safety barrier along the roofline.
3. Perforated parapet walls
These walls have openings or holes that allow air and light to pass through, creating a visual screen that can be used for privacy or decorative purposes.
They are commonly used on balconies, terraces, and other outdoor spaces.
4. Paneled parapet walls
These have a series of raised panels that add depth and texture to the surface. The panels can be square, rectangular, or other shapes, and can be arranged in a variety of patterns.
They are commonly used on historic buildings and other structures that require a decorative element.
5. Battlemented parapet walls:
These types of parapets have alternating solid sections called merlons and open sections called crenels. They were originally designed for military purposes to provide cover for soldiers during battles.
Nowadays, they are mostly used for aesthetic purposes to give a building a more historic or medieval appearance.
6. Balustrade parapet walls:
These types are characterized by a series of small pillars or balusters that support a horizontal rail or coping. These parapets are often seen in classical and neoclassical architecture, and they are used for both aesthetic and functional purposes.
It provides a barrier to prevent people from falling off a roof or balcony, and it can also add visual interest to a building’s facade.
7. Cantilevered parapet walls:
These types are supported by beams or brackets that extend from the building’s structure. These types of parapets are often used in modern architecture, and they can create a clean, minimalist look.
These are made up of materials such as glass, steel, or concrete, and they can be designed to be almost invisible from certain angles.
8. Decorative parapet walls:
These are used primarily for aesthetic purposes. They can be made from a variety of materials, including stone, brick, wood, or metal, and they can be designed in a wide range of styles.
Some decorative parapets are sculptural and feature intricate carvings or patterns, while others are simple and geometric.
Decorative parapets can add visual interest to a building’s facade and help to tie together different architectural elements.
9. Screen parapet walls:
These are used to hide unsightly rooftop equipment such as HVAC units, vents, or other mechanical systems. These types of parapets are typically made from lightweight materials such as metal or mesh and can be designed to match the building’s facade or to blend into the background.
It also helps to reduce noise pollution and improve the aesthetic appearance of a building.
10. Roof parapet walls:
These are designed to provide a barrier along the edge of a roof to prevent people from falling off the roof. They can be made from a variety of materials, including brick, stone, concrete, or metal, and can be designed in a range of styles to match the building’s architecture.
It also helps to protect the roof from wind and water damage and can provide a location for rooftop equipment to be installed.
11. Fire parapet walls:
These are used to prevent the spread of fire from one building to another. They are typically required by building codes in urban areas where buildings are close together.
These must be made from fire-resistant materials such as concrete or masonry and must be tall enough to prevent flames from spreading to adjacent buildings.
Parapet based on shape and functionality
1. Sloped parapet walls:
These are designed with a slope or angle that helps to shed water and prevent it from pooling on the roof. These types of parapets are commonly found on flat roofs, where they help to protect the roof from water damage.
2. Flat parapet walls:
These parapets are designed to run parallel to the roofline. They are often used to provide a barrier along the edge of a roof to prevent people from falling off the roof.
3. Stepped parapet walls:
Stepped parapet walls are designed with a series of steps or tiers that create a visually interesting effect. They are commonly found on buildings with flat roofs and can be used to provide a barrier along the edge of the roof, or simply as a decorative element.
4. Parapet wall standard height
- Parapets and handrails on roofs, balconies, and verandahs must be provided for safety.
- The National Building Code of India specifies that parapet walls must be at least 1.0 m in height and no more than 1.2 m in height from the finished floor level.
- The standard height range of 1.0 m to 1.2 m is recommended to balance safety requirements with aesthetic considerations.
| Parameter | m | mm | inches | cm |
| Minimum height | 1.0 | 1000 | 39.3 | 100 |
| Maximum height | 1.2 | 1200 | 47.2 | 120 |
Parapet wall thickness
The National Building Code of India specifies that parapet walls must be designed to be at least 200 millimeters (mm) thick and the height should not exceed three times the thickness of the wall.
The thickness of the parapet should not be less than the thickness of the wall below it.
For example, Suppose a building has a masonry wall that is 300 mm thick.
According to the NBC, the parapet wall on top of this wall should also be at least 200 mm thick, and its height should not exceed 600 mm (i.e., 3 times the thickness).
| Parameter | mm | inches | cm |
| Minimum thickness | 200 | 7.87 | 20 |
Purpose of the parapet wall
1. It provides a safety barrier to prevent people from falling off the edge of a roof, terrace, balcony, or other similar structures.
2. It provides privacy by acting as a barrier to vision, which can be important in urban areas where buildings are in close proximity.
3. They provide additional protection against wind, rain, and other environmental elements that can damage the roof.
4. They help improve the energy efficiency of the building by reducing heat loss and preventing the intrusion of hot or cold air from the roof.
5. They can be used to support rooftop amenities such as solar panels, gardens, and seating areas, improving the usability of the roof space.
Advantages of Parapet Wall
- It provides safety and prevents falls from rooftops or balconies.
- They act as a barrier to protect against wind, rain, and other weather conditions.
- It can also offer privacy and noise reduction by creating a separation between neighboring buildings or properties.
- They can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building and add to its architectural design.
- It provides a surface for mounting equipment such as air conditioning units, solar panels, or satellite dishes.
- It serves as a fire barrier to prevent the spread of flames between buildings or floors.
- It helps to reduce energy costs by providing an additional layer of insulation to a building’s roof
