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Roofing

Parapet

In Plain English

The low wall around the edge of a flat roof that extends above the roof surface.

Definition

A low wall or railing along the edge of a roof, terrace, or balcony, extending above the roofline. Parapets require careful waterproofing detailing at their base (where they meet the roof membrane) and at their tops (coping). They create challenges for roof drainage and must be properly flashed with counterflashing to prevent water infiltration into the wall cavity.

Example

The 24-inch-tall brick parapet required metal coping and counterflashing set into a continuous reglet to maintain the warranty on the roofing system below.

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