Parapet Wall - Standard Height, Types, Uses & Importance

08/02/2024

Parapet Walls - An Intro

A parapet wall acts as a barrier which is usually an upward extension of a wall at the edge of the roof, terrace, balcony, walkway, or any other structure. The word parapet is derived from the Italian word “Parapetto” which means to cover or defend. Parapets were initially used to defend structures and buildings from enemies and military attack. But in the present world they are primarily used as guard rails, to conceal rooftop equipment, and to reduce wind loads on the roof. Parapet walls are low structural walls built on the edge of the slab on one side to prevent people from falling off the edge of the slab or the roof.

This Aticle Contains

Types of Parapet Walls

Parapet walls for sloped roofs

Parapet walls and advantages

Modern types of parapet walls

Importance of parapet walls

Why need for parapet walls

Parapet walls and uses

Parapet walls and its standard height and thickness

Parapet walls and Vastu

Why is there a need for wall coping to the parapet wall?

Things to be considered while constructing the parapet wall

FAQ’s

Types of Parapet Walls:

Flat or Plain Parapet Walls:

Known to be one of the oldest yet simple types of parapet walls which is normally 3 feet in height. These walls have a vertical extension or brickwork over the edge of the slab of the balcony or terrace. These parapet walls do not have any unique aesthetic look, but one can always experiment with the material used, texture, and paint colour combinations done to them.

Perforated Parapet Walls:

Perforated parapet wall is also a vertical extension over the slab, where instead of leaving the parapet plain and solid with concrete, perforations are done between the parapet to enhance the aesthetic appearance or even for people or kids to sit through this parapet outside. Based on the theme of the building, perforations are carried out in different patterns and designs.

Embattled Parapet Walls:

Also called the “Castle parapet wall” Embattled parapet walls were designed for castles in the ancient times. These kinds of parapet walls were mostly found in forts, monuments, and historical structures. Known for their intricate and carved work on both lower and higher portions they look really beautiful. Embattled parapet walls when built with bricks and stones can bring a great aesthetic look to the home.

Panelled Parapet Walls:

Panelled parapet walls are simple which are 3 feet in height from the slab. These parapet walls are panelled with exterior panels to give a touch to the home. They were built with gypsum or concrete in ancient times. But today, they can be done using many panels or materials like stone, tiles, or even HPL boards. They are built to uplift the overall appearance of the home. Panelled parapet walls also protect the parapet from water, heat, and dust. But one main drawback is that these panels need to be maintained from time to time based on the materials used.

Shapes of Parapet Walls for Sloped Roofs:

There is no requirement for parapet walls on the sloped roofs as most of the services are done underground. But, still to protect the parapet walls from external factors like water, sun, and wind few different shapes of parapets are used on sloped roofs which are listed below.

Sloped Parapet Walls

As the name suggests the parapet is built on the sloping roofs. This is almost similar to a plain or flat parapet wall on flat roofs. Sloped parapet walls are not usually used for homes, but are largely used in SSI and MSI industries and units. Sloped parapet walls also increase the height of the homes to a great extent.

Stepped Parapet Walls

This type of parapet walls resemble a stepped or a staircase format. The height of the parapet wall can vary depending on the design. These stepped parapet walls are not just appealing, but also provide an added safety to the home. This type of facade can be made if you are looking to add an extra touch to the home.

Curved Parapet Walls

This type of parapet walls have a curved design and are made with bricks or concrete. Curved parapet walls are also known as arched parapets since they look like an arch. These kinds of parapet walls are built to enhance the aesthetic look of the home.

Modern Types of Parapets Walls:

Parapet walls have undergone a significant change in recent times. Architects and designers today are coming up with new innovations and designs when building parapet walls. Bricks and concrete are being replaced by modern materials to create a lasting impression. Some of the modern types of parapet walls used are listed below.

Fibreglass and Steel Parapet Walls

This is one of the most prominent and preferred types of parapet walls for numerous reasons.

They give the homes a modern and sleek look without looking bulky or traditional.
Users can connect with indoor and outdoor experience.
Children and toddlers can enjoy an amazing outside view which they cannot do with other types of parapet walls due to their increased height.
Elders and adults can also enjoy the view with their family members.
The material used to build the parapet wall is the toughened glass which is tough by nature. Stainless steel is also durable and long lasting. The toughened glass prevents any mishaps and renders good safety to the home.

Metal Parapet Wall

Parapet walls built with materials made of metals are the next most preferred options. Some users opt for metal parapet walls since the price of the toughened glass is expensive and provides less safety. Metal parapet walls has many merits like;

These types of parapets offer a good connection between indoor and outdoor environments.
As the parapets are made using metals, many variations in terms of perforations and patterns can be done.
Elders and children can have an outside view.
Metal parapet walls are less appealing and do not provide a modern look to the home.

Following are the metals that can be used in parapet walls.

Iron - The metal can be painted with numerous colours to match the theme of the building. It requires a lot of maintenance as it tends to rust and corrode over a period of time.
Aluminium - When it comes to patterns aluminium has limited style options. The metal is expensive and is not scratch resistant.
Stainless Steel - Steel is the most preferred option as it does not rust. A lot of patterns are available in terms of design and are scratch-resistant. They are lightweight, durable, and cost-effective as well.

Importance of Parapet Walls:

Some of the prime importance of parapet walls are listed below.

Safety and Security - The main objective of having the parapet wall is to provide safety and security. Parapet walls need to be built carefully with proper planning. There should be no margin for error as far as safety and security is concerned. There are many cases of people and kids falling through them. One can find gaps in steel and glass parapets. Hence these gaps should be minimised. Even while constructing a parapet wall proper care should be taken to ensure it meets all safety aspects without fail. For added safety in the balcony, people are using metal, PVC, and wooden frameworks over the parapet walls as an additional protection.

Enhanced Aesthetic Look- Parapet walls enhance the aesthetic view of the building to a large extent. Can you imagine a building without a parapet wall? No matter how beautiful a home is built, if the parapet wall is missing the whole building looks incomplete. The parapet wall acts as an architectural element that enhances the outlook of the building or the house. Parapet walls also make the home look taller and elegant.

Protects Against Strong Winds - The strong force of the winds can have an adverse effect on the structure thereby causing immense damage to the building. Parapet walls reduce the pressure difference at the edge of the roof and prevent further damage to the structure or the building.

Why Need For Parapet Walls?

A terrace in a home or a building is used for several purposes like sitting, walking, and other leisure activities. There are minor accidents or mishaps waiting to happen when there are chances of kids or the older people being the victims. So it is very essential for the roof to have a parapet wall as it serves as a safety factor for the occupants. Parapet walls are much needed to protect the interior space of the terrace of the buildings. Using the roof's parapet walls ensure the safety of the occupants. It also helps to improve the aesthetic appearance of the homes as well. When the rooftop has a parapet wall constructed, there is ample space that can be used for various purposes.

Parapet Wall And Its Uses:

Parapet walls have many uses which are listed below,

Parapet walls prevent the entry of dust particles in the roof.
Helps to hide stored materials, machinery, and equipment on the rooftop.
It acts as a barrier against the wind loads from coming on the rooftop.
Parapet walls provide safety to the occupants and prevent mishaps like falling down from the rooftop.
Parapet walls give an aesthetic appearance to the structure.

Parapet Walls Standard Height And Thickness

One of the important factors that one needs to consider while constructing the parapet wall is its height. The height of the parapet wall can vary depending on the building codes and regulations of the specific state or city where the house is located. However, as per the National Building Code of India (NBC), the minimum height of the parapet wall should be 1.05 metres (approx 3.44 feet) above the roof level. Again, it's important to note that the height requirements may vary depending on the specific location and building codes applicable for your project. It is always better to consult an architect or an engineer who can help you determine the appropriate height for your parapet wall based on your specific project requirements and local regulations.

The standard thickness of the parapet wall will depend on several factors such as the height of the building, the type of construction, and the loads that the wall is expected to resist. However, as per the National Building Code of India (NBC), the minimum thickness of the parapet wall should be 23 cm (9 inches) for a masonry wall and 15 cm (6 inches) for a reinforced concrete (RC) wall. The NBC also specifies that the thickness of the parapet wall should be increased in proportion to the height of the building and the loads it is expected to resist. For example, for buildings up to 10 metres in height, the thickness of the parapet wall should be increased by 10% for every additional metre of height. For buildings taller than 10 metres, the thickness should be increased by 5% for every additional metre of height.

It’s important to note that these are minimum requirements and the actual thickness of the parapet wall may need to be increased depending on the specific requirements of your project. Hence, it’s always best to consult an architect or an engineer who can help you determine the appropriate thickness for your parapet wall based on your specific project requirements and local regulations.

Why is there a need for wall coping to the parapet wall?

In order to prevent the entry of moisture it is very essential to provide wall coping to the parapet wall. It is basically a covering at the top of the wall to prevent seepage of the water. Coping to the parapet wall acts as a protection against the aggressive external environmental conditions like rain, strong winds, snow, etc. Coping also helps parapet walls to prevent rain water from penetrating into it.

Things To Be Considered While Construction of Parapet Wall:

There are some factors which should be considered while construction of the parapet walls that are listed below.

The minimum height of the parapet wall should be approx 3.5 feet.
Parapet walls should have a minimum thickness of about 9 inches for masonry walls and 6 inches for reinforced Concrete (RC) walls.
In order to prevent the dampness, parapet walls should be plastered from both sides.
The joint to the roof and the parapet should be sealed in a proper manner.
Parapet walls need proper coping to prevent leakages.
No plumbing works or electrical wiring should be carried out near to the parapet walls.

Parapet Walls And Its Importance as per Vastu

According to Vastu Shastra, parapet walls serve many important purposes. They provide protection from negative energy and evil spirits. They also help to prevent accidents and injuries. Parapet walls are also believed to enhance the aesthetics of the homes and improve the overall energy flow. Additionally, the height and placement of a parapet wall can have a significant impact on the energy flow within a home. In Vastu Shastra, it is believed that a parapet wall that is too high can create a barrier that blocks the flow of positive energy from entering the home, while a parapet wall that is too low can allow negative energy to enter the house. Overall, parapet walls are considered an important element in the principles of Vastu Shastra as they help to create a harmonious and balanced living environment.

Parapet Wall FAQ’s

What is a parapet wall?

A parapet wall is nothing but an extension of the wall at the edge of the roof, terrace, balcony, walkway, or any other structure. Parapet walls usually span around the perimeter of the home or the building.

What are the different types of materials used in the construction of the parapet walls?

Parapet walls are built using various materials like limestone, terra cotta, brick, hard-fired clay, or with pre-cast concrete materials.

Why is there a need for parapet walls?

Parapet walls provide an aesthetic look to the structure. They also act as a safety barrier and prevent injuries from falling off.

What is the minimum height of the parapet wall?

As per the National Building Code of India (NBC) the minimum standard height of the parapet wall should be 3.44 feet.

What is the minimum thickness of the parapet wall?

The minimum thickness of the parapet wall should be 23 cm (9 inches) for a masonry wall and 15 cm (6 inches) for a reinforced concrete (RC) wall.

Are parapet walls necessary?

Yes, parapet walls are really necessary. They are needed to protect the interior space of the terrace of the building. It also ensures the safety of the occupants of the house.

Is a parapet wall structural?

Parapet walls are solid structures that run throughout the length with no openings in between. They are commonly found in most house terraces where safety is the main priority.

What are the materials used in the construction of the parapet wall?

Parapet walls are constructed from reinforced cement concrete (RCC), brick masonry, iron, and steel.

What are the types of parapet walls?

Parapet walls can be classified into plain parapet walls, embattled parapet walls, perforated parapet walls, panelled parapet walls, sloped parapet walls, stepped parapet walls, flat parapet walls, and curved parapet walls.

Is wall coping necessary for parapet walls?

Wall Coping is very essential for parapet walls as it prevents the entry of moisture. It also stops the seepage of the water into the wall.