The restoration of a building may involve the reconstruction or repairing of parapets, which are the structures on top of a building. They sit at the very edge of a structure, above the roofline, as a low wall. They may be constructed of brick, stone or even cement. In European countries, parapet restoration is common. In fact, it provides masonry contractors with employment on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.
Purpose of Parapets
Parapets are and have been constructed for different practical reasons. Originally, they acted as a defensive measure. They helped provide protection for defenders of a castle or battlement wall. Since then, builders have discovered other uses for them. These include:
- Fire protection
- Wind-uplift resistance
- Protection of the roof edge
- Protection from falling off the edge of the roof
- Offer relief from vapor pressure
- Conceal a building’s mechanical systems
Today, they serve many of the above functions. They often do so as a straight wall, but they can appear in an attractive crenellated form. Yet, no matter how they appear visually, or what purpose they serve, they are not impervious to the forces of elements and aging.
Parapet Restoration: Common Problems
Parapets are exposed on both sides to the elements of nature. This represents a variety of potential problems. Although topping and flashing may help to decrease the potential problems, maintenance and parapet restoration is not something you as a home, business or building owner can ignore. The consequences of doing so can be hidden and insidious damages to the interior of your building.
Common problems associated with parapets are similar to those that affect masonry structure of all types. Parapet restoration involves looking into problems such as:
- Deeply filled or receded mortar within the parapet wall
- Cracks
- Loose masonry
- Falling masonry
- Stains from lime, water, etc.
These may manifest themselves on the parapet or its interior. Water stains on interior walls may reflect a problem with the parapet. Trapped moisture may cause the bricks to shift, resulting in cracks, falling masonry and other dangerous manifestations.
Fixing the Wall: Parapet Restoration
Parapet restoration or rebuilding involves tackling the situation head on. To prevent further damage, it is essential to examine the parapet looking for ways to correct the problems. If the mortar is degraded, the solution is routing and tuck pointing – removing the old mortar and replacing it with new. If the parapet bricks are cracked, you will need to ensure the mason either removes and replaces them or repairs the damaged bricks. It will depend upon their condition.
Another issue a mason will have to address is coping, which is often the origin of leaks and other parapet problems. Repairing or replacing the coping may be necessary. At the same time, it is also important to consider the installation of flashing, and if the legislation demands, upgrading the coping to meet current codes.
Overall, the process of restoring a parapet is not simple. As is the case with many components of a building, there is an intertwining of systems. If one falls into disrepair, it can create a domino effect. For this very reason, it is always important to ensure all elements of your building undergo a thorough maintenance check annually. This includes, but is not limited to, inspecting the parapet wall, and if necessary, ordering a complete parapet restoration.
Quality has always been an important component of the work undertaken and completed by Soumar Masonry Restoration. They pride themselves on their ability to impart their skills, knowledge and impeccable detailed work to any project, big or small. As licensed professional masonry contractors, they offer everything from basic tuck pointing to parapet restoration. To discover more about what this company offers, visit them at soumar.com. You can also connect them on Google+ for more updates!