Parapet walls are low wall of structural construction that is located on the edge of the slab These are the most essential features of construction since every building needs to be secured over its edge and thus the parapet wall should be included in the process of design.
The principal advantage of the walls is the fact that they gives protection and security to the roof in a variety of ways security. It prevents individuals from falling off the edge of the floor. It also guards the slab or the roof from air and water and also provides a thermal control.
The height and location of the wall is limited to the balcony, terrace or any other opening within the home with an overall ceiling height of between 3 and 3.5 maximum, and a width that is 9 inches.
Parapet walls today is constructed with a variety of types of material, styles and patterns, each with its distinct characteristic. Therefore, this article outlines the various varieties and significance of parapet walls so that anyone designing a parapet wall can determine what would suit their style the best, and without confusion.
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Tyeps of Parapet Walls
Here, the different types of parapet walls are as follows.
1.Flat or Plain Parapet Walls
This is the traditional and basic kind of parapet wall that usually has a minimum of three feet of vertical extension, or brickwork or concrete on the the the terrace or balcony.
It is usually designed for security reasons to ensure that anyone from falling off the terrace or balcony.
They don't have an unique design, but you can always play around with the textures and color combinations that are applied to them.
2. Perforated Parapet Wall
This is also a basic vertical extension of the slab however in this instance, instead of making the parapet unfinished and solid, perforations of concrete placed within the wall of the parapet to improve the appearance and even allow people or kids to take a look through the parapet from outside.
Perforation can take various patterns and designs such as flowers, Mughal design, geometrical designs or any other typical design that is based on the design of the structure.
Although instead of residential or commercial buildings, they are more in historic and holy places like mosques, temples and churches.
3. Embattled Parapet Wall
These are the parapets of earlier times, which is mostly visible in forts and other historical structures.
It's also referred to as "castle parapet wall' simply because it was built for castles during the past. These are stunningly intricate and intricate since both upper and lower parts are available.
The technique was originally designed to shoot arrows through lower angles during wartime times. However, if it is used in modern structures, they could provide a beautiful aesthetic façade of the structure. They can be constructed using stones and bricks to keep the old-fashioned appearance.
4. Paneled Parapet Walls
They are also flat parapets, which are a mere 3 feet in height from the slab, but they are clad with exterior panels that enhance the appearance of the façade.
In earlier times, carvings and paneling was done made using concrete or gypsum. Only the carving that had a slight distinction was made here, without perforations. Paneling today can be achieved using panels or materials . The materials could be anything from any kind of stone or tile cladding or contemporary materials such as H.P.L board.
This method is used solely to enhance the overall façade appearance, but it also protection for the walls of the parapet from dust and water. The panels have to be maintained at time to time dependent on the materials employed.
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Parapet Walls on Sloped Roof
There is no need to build a parapet wall on sloped roofs since the majority of services and functions on the roof are carried out underground, yet to shield the roof from rain, wind and to provide the roof thermal protection , a few different forms of parapets can be utilized on roofs with slopes. Let's take a look:
1. Sloped Parapet Walls
It is like a parapet walls that are flat or plain on flat roofs since the roof here is sloped so the parapet is constructed next to it. This is not common in sloped homes, but more in the industrial sector and trusses with slopes. It also increases the building's height.
2. Stepped Parapet Walls
The parapet is built in a staircase or stepped form where the riser's height can be different based on the style. This usually enhances the aesthetics and height of the building in addition to security for anyone who is working that needs to be completed on the roof or an accident that could causes. To add a aesthetic to the façade, this kind of parapet could be constructed.
3. Curved Parapet Walls
Like the name suggests, in this kind of parapet it is designed using blocks or cement.
They are also referred to as arched parapets, though they are also constructed as flat parapet walls since they are mostly used for aesthetic enhancement of buildings.
Some Modern Types of Parapets
Instead of the traditional building materials like bricks or concrete designers and architects use a wide range of kinds of modern building materials to create the construction of parapets that create a link between outdoor and indoor spaces and to allow those who live there to take advantage of the terrace and balcony area without any obstruction. A few of them are these:
- Parapet walls made of stainless steel and fiberglass The most famous and most popular type of parapet wall, for a variety of reasons:
- The result is with a sleek and contemporary appearance without appearing heavy and conventional.
- Connects outdoor and indoor user experience.
- It's an excellent solution for children and toddlers to take pleasure in the outdoors view, something they can't do with other types of walls due to their height.
- Adults can also relax on the ground and enjoy the view along with their families.
- The glass used in this project is typically toughened to prevent any accidents , and also provides security to the structure.
- Only parapet walls made of metal It is a fact thatSome of the people aren't keen on glass due to its price and the safety issues therefore they choose only parapets made of metal.
- Parapets of this kind also make a great connection between outdoor and indoor surroundings.
- There are a variety of different variations made in terms of patterns and perforations on the metal.
- This can be enjoyed by adults and children.
- However, it doesn't give that modern and minimalist look.
- Metals are a great material to use in the following ways in Parapet Walls
Iron Iron This is a paintable material that can be painted in various colors to complement the design of the building, however it will require regular maintenance. However, it will rust and become corroded over time.
Aluminum Aluminum This offers limited styles regarding patterns. Additionally, they're not scratch resistant. They are also expensive.
Steel Stainless - In the world of metal , today it is the most sought-after option since it doesn't rust. it's scratch-resistant and a wide range of patterns can be created with regard to design, it's light and also cost-effective.
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Why are Parapets So Important
1. Safety and Secutiry
The main reason wall parapets were built was to ensure security and safety to ensure that no one is able to fall off the roof's edge.
Parapets should be cautiously constructed since there are numerous instances of children and adults getting trapped in them. Steel and glass parapets have gaps that allow children to fall through them or suffer injuries, therefore these gaps should be reduced and proper care for safety should be taken into consideration when building the parapet wall.
To secure the balcony, people nowadays are making use of steel, P.V.C or wooden jalis and a framework that is placed over the parapet wall to provide additional security against water, accidents and dirt from outside.
2. Asthetics
Imagine a house with no parapet walls? It's not complete, right? Whatever gorgeous a structure is, when the walls of the parapet do not have an outdoor terrace or balcony, it won't complete the overall appearance of the structure.
A parapet wall serves as an architectural element that increases the views from the structure. It will also make the appearance of the building more elegant and taller.
3. Tackles wind
If there is no parapet wall in place the wind force could directly affect the edges that the construction. The parapet wall blocks this from happening, and reduces pressure differences at the edges of the roofing. This also helps maintain the internal temperature of the structure.