Parapets - what is it? The height of the parapet. Parapet: photo

Most of the elements of buildings are difficult to imagine without such components as parapets. What is this - a functional element or simply a means of decoration? First and foremost, however, an important detail that allows you to protect the roof, fences, walls, foundation, window openings outside of various mechanical damages and the negative impact of environmental factors. What is the meaning of the word parapet? It's the wall of a small wall or a fence along something.

A little more ...

This element is a solid wall, for the production of which metal is used most often, for example, galvanized steel. First, it is resistant to corrosion. Secondly, it is reliable in operation, therefore the parapet will last much longer. Thirdly, the modern parapet (photo confirms this) can be of a variety of forms and functions. It is important to choose a design that will not change the appearance of the building and can become its important element.

What kinds?

The design of any building and structure will be incomplete if parapets are not properly equipped. That this is an important functional part of any design, we already understood. Now let's see what kinds of parapets exist:

1. Flat parapet is a flat surface, on which droplets are diluted in the sides.
2. A flat construction, the crucible of which is rectangular. It is more reliable in fixing to the surface.
3. The simplest parapet has two slopes and is used to protect the walls of fences from the effects of atmospheric precipitation.
4. The parapet-horse is distinguished by the presence of a lower fastening, which is covered with a visor from above.
5. A complex design is the presence of two droplets, while the water will drain in two directions. For today it is the most durable parapets.

What this additional means significantly improves the appearance of the house or structure, immediately visible from the photographs. At the same time it is used both for decorating a roof or a staircase, and for arranging a terrace or a balcony.

Solutions for the roof, foundation and fence

Parapets for the foundation are flyovers, due to which the base will be protected from moisture. In this design there is a major part, bends and droppers. They are made of galvanized steel, which means that the service life will be high. The parapet is created in such a way that attention is not accentuated, but the design is securely protected.

Parapet roof is a solid bar, which serves to protect the roof. As a rule, the most vulnerable place of any house is the joint of the roof and the facade, and it is thanks to the parapet that it is possible to protect it from the negative effects of atmospheric phenomena. In the standard version, the roofing parapet consists of the main part, the bends that are located at an angle to the main strip, and the side droppers through which water is drawn.

Why do I need a fence?

Most often, the parapets are mounted on the roofing system, as well as along the edges of terraces and balconies as a fence. If the roof is flat or pitched, then the parapets are installed only if their height reaches 10 meters: this will protect the person from falling, for example, during work. In addition to directly protective function, the parapet is also needed to give the building an attractive appearance. In this case, the shape and execution of this element should be chosen in accordance with the style and architectural decision taken to decorate the house. Parapets are subject to the following requirements:

1. Height for operated roofs should be not less than 1.2 m.
2. If the flat roof is not operated, you can do without the parapet and replace it, for example, with a decorative metal fence.
3. The parapet assembly (that is, the place of its junction with the roof) should be reliably waterproofed and strengthened.
4. The roof parapet with a height of 45 cm must be equipped with a protective apron, which is usually fixed with a metal nut.

Mounting Features

At its core, the installation of the parapet does not represent anything complicated, but it is better to entrust this work to professionals. It is on the quality of the installation that the quality of the waterproofing of the structure depends. If you do not take into account the fact that the various parapets have their own peculiarities of installation, that this fence must be reliable and qualitative, then the walls and ceiling on the balcony, for example, will get wet, which means that certain operational difficulties will arise that will lead to the need for repair.

What about the balcony?

On the balcony the parapet is necessary not only for security purposes. For example, you decided to put double-glazed windows in this room, and earlier there were simple frames. Most likely, in this case, the parapet of the balcony will have to be increased, so that the installation of plastic structures is of high quality, and the window is sealed and tight. Most often this area on the balcony is made of concrete, metal or wooden beams, and by their technical characteristics these materials are similar to each other.

When adjusting the balcony, one should proceed from the quality and safety of the structure, and not from its decorative properties. Thus, the height of the parapet should be about 80-120 cm - this is the most optimal size for the equipment of the barrier. In addition, it is important to consider what kind of load will fall on the parapet and the balcony as a whole. To build a new parapet, you can use a universal material, such as a foam block. First, it's light. Secondly, resistant to burning. Thirdly, it is not afraid of moisture, especially if you additionally wrap it with a peppermint. The laying can be done using glue, so that the masonry seams will not freeze.

If a small balcony is formed, then to increase the useful space, it is possible to make glazing with removal, while the whole construction will be carried out beyond the limits of the parapet. Thanks to this decision, you can visually make the space of the balcony more, in addition, and it will look much more attractive.

Fence: how to arrange?

A beautiful fence is an opportunity to create a harmonious architectural ensemble on its suburban site. To protect your fence from the effects of moisture and general atmospheric precipitation, parapets are necessary. That this is a very important part of the enclosing structure is also understandable because as a result of the accumulation of moisture and its further freezing into frosts, the pores of concrete will expand or narrow. And this means that over time the fence will go through the fence.

That's why most homeowners prefer to install low tide, or caps on the fence. With their help, you can cover the horizontal surface of the fence along its entire perimeter and at the same time give the structure an attractive appearance. It is important that the parapet is selected correctly - in accordance with the size of the fence. Firstly, this will allow even distribution of the load. And secondly, it will be possible to make the joint as high as possible.

Features of the parapet for the fence

In the standard version, the parapet consists of a shelf (that is, a main part) and a dropper. It is fixed by means of bends, which are located at right angles to the shelf. It should be remembered that if the fence is faced with a stone, first it is necessary to fix the parapet elements. Otherwise, in the first winter, the entire lining will simply disappear. It is best to choose steel parapets for the fence, but aluminum, copper, polyester and other variations will do. For example, a parapet with a thickness of at least 0.5 mm will serve for about ten years, if it is also protected with a special bar.

What does the law say?

According to the federal law No. 122-FZ, in industrial buildings the parapet height can be less than 0,6 m, but it needs to be supplemented with a grid guard. On the maintained roofs of residential buildings must be arranged fences and ventilation issues. In public buildings, the height of the parapets of stairways, terraces, roofing, balconies should not be less than 0.9 m. At the same time, the fence must be continuous and equipped with handrails. Regardless of what the height of the building is, the fence must necessarily make out flat roofs, outdoor galleries, open outer staircases, staircases, playgrounds, balconies and loggias.