Roof parapet: metal and other types, what is it, minimum height, video and photo

I have often thought about what functions the roof parapet performs and for what purposes it is being built. Having accumulated experience in this topic, I am ready to share it with you and tell you what types of structures are and what requirements must be observed during their construction.

Parapets can also be installed on pitched roofs

Content

Design features

The parapet on the roof performs, first of all, a protective function, preventing people who are on the roof from falling. Previously, this part of the building also served a decorative function and could have a complex structure with turrets and stucco.

Previously, the parapet was an element of the architectural decoration of buildings.

Requirements for the construction of elements

SNiP 31-06-2009 in paragraph 3.24 indicates that a parapet is required for all buildings with a cornice height of more than 10 meters. The minimum height of the structure is 45 cm. This option is used for buildings with an unused roof.

Parapet - a mandatory element of any roof above 10 meters

If the roof slope is more than 12%, and the height of the cornice is more than seven meters, then in addition to the parapet, a fence must be installed. All norms are prescribed in GOST 25772-83. There are all regulatory requirements for the size and strength of the structure, so you need to carefully study this document before making a parapet and fencing.

On operated roofs, fencing must also be installed without fail. The total height of the structure must be at least 120 cm. That is, if your parapet has a height of 50 cm, then the metal structure is made 70 cm and higher.

Additional fencing is used on exploited roofs

All indicators that the parapet must comply with are calculated according to SNiP 31-06-2009. Carefully study the document if you need to calculate the height of the structure.

Types of structures

The parapet can be constructed from the following materials:

Brick;
Monolithic concrete;
Steel.

Let's analyze each option in more detail. A brick parapet has the following features:

attractiveness. Brickwork looks neat, most often the same material is taken for the construction of this part of the structure as for the walls. The height of the parapet can be almost any, it all depends on the structure;

Brick parapet blends perfectly with walls made of the same material

Reliability. To ensure rigidity in brickwork, reinforcing elements are used - a special mesh or reinforcement with a thickness of 6 mm or more. Reinforcement allows you to tie the parapet and prevents it from collapsing even under high wind loads;
Built along with the walls. The parapet is arranged during the construction of the building after laying the floor slabs. Masonry is carried out in the same way as during the construction of walls - a pier is stretched, a brick is selected. From the outside, the seams are embroidered to give an attractive appearance to the surface;

Do-it-yourself masonry is within the power of those who have the skills of a bricklayer

The junction is waterproofed. Most often, the roofing starts on the parapet, for this a slot is made on the surface. If the height of the structure is small, then the roofing material is placed on top, and then closed with a special cap made of galvanized or painted steel.

Instead of steel elements, the upper end can be closed with special concrete caps.

Concrete elements allow you to give the upper part an attractive look

The concrete parapet has the following features:

Strength. For the construction, special elements are used or a monolithic structure is poured. Such a fence perfectly resists even high loads and well protects the roof from the wind;

Concrete elements are not very attractive, but they are strong and durable.

Convenience of construction. With ready-made elements, everything is simple: they are put in place and fixed. Monolithic systems require the construction of formwork, the installation of a reinforcing cage and the supply of concrete to the roof, this option is more suitable for industrial construction, but if all the equipment is there, then there will be no problems with the work;
Ease of finishing. The surface can be simply painted, or it can be pre-plastered for perfect alignment. At the junction of the roofing, a slot is made into which the material is inserted, and from above the joint is closed with a dropper and treated with a sealant for complete protection against moisture.

The junction of the roofing material must be sealed and closed with a drip

The metal parapet has the following features:

Illustration	Stage description
	Ideal for pitched roofs. If you need to put a parapet on a slope, then the metal version is the only possible one. It performs protective functions and at the same time does not interfere with the flow of water. The photo shows how the two types of fences can be combined.
	The structure can be built behind the edge of the roof. In the picture you see an option when the system is held by brackets on the wall and on the roof. You can make any configuration based on the characteristics of the building. The instructions for carrying out the work are simple - the main thing is to firmly fix the fence, how and with what it is done, it does not matter.
	low cost. The price of welded elements is much lower than the options of brick and concrete, and it is easier to fix it. It is necessary to seal the attachment points well so that water does not penetrate through them.

Conclusion

You learned what a parapet is, what types it is, and what requirements must be observed during its construction. The video in this article will help you understand the topic even better, and if something is not clear, ask in the comments.

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