Water can pose a significant risk to the stability of buildings, leading to undesirable stains or crystalline deposits on external surfaces. When it penetrates deeper layers, it inevitably results in structural damage. To address this issue, one effective solution involves shielding exposed upper surfaces with coping. Aluminium copings are the protective caps that sit atop exterior walls right below the roof overhang. They come in a range of colours and finishes to match or accentuate the home.
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Walls and Wall Coverings
Modern flat-roofed structures commonly have parapet walls, which are extensions of the exterior or dividing walls that extend up above the roof. Many older buildings, especially terraced houses, also use parapet walls to define boundaries between adjacent rooftops.
On flat roofs buildings, parapet walls serve the dual purpose of hiding rooftop equipment and enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the roofline. These parapets are generally horizontal to direct water away rather than letting it rest on.
Wall Covering Problems
If your rooftop walls do not have copping, water will collect on the surface and seep into the structure below. This is especially problematic for brick walls due to their porous nature. The mortar joints in these walls provide additional pathways for water to seep through.
While it’s possible to extend a waterproof membrane over the top of a flat roof and the adjoining wall, this approach has drawbacks. Exposure to sunlight and temperature variations can cause the membrane to crack, and its aesthetic appeal is compromised when it’s affixed to the outer wall.
On brick walls, water seepage can cause efflorescence – the visible white salt deposits on the surface. More seriously, continual penetration of water into the wall structure can lead to rising dampness. This moisture underneath can cause plaster or render to detach and can rot structural components.
Although sloping the wall’s top surface can mitigate these issues, it creates a new challenge as water runs down the sides, causing unattractive stains and potentially promoting the growth of mould or lichen. In some cases, when the water reaches the inner surface of the partition wall between connected properties, it poses a risk of penetrating the structure, causing mould and structural damage.
Solution: Aluminium Coping
Aluminium copings offer an effective solution to managing water runoff on top of walls. An aluminium coping has a curved or angled upper surface that sheds water away from the wall. Adding a drip edge underneath also prevents water from running down the wall sides.
Proper waterproof joints between coping sections allow for expansion and contraction while keeping water out. Securely fastening the copings to the wall is vital so they stay in place against high winds. Though various attachment methods can work, secret fix copings provide a visually appealing finished appearance with hidden fixings.
Wrapping Up
When it comes to protecting the roof edging, aluminium copings outshine the competition. Compared to traditional stone options, aluminium offers compelling advantages. Its lightweight nature substantially simplifies coping installation while saving precious time and energy. The material’s unbeatable weather resistance also guarantees the long-term preservation of parapet walls. Moreover, while stone demands regular resealing and repairs, durable aluminium needs little ongoing maintenance, providing maximum function with minimal upkeep. Ultimately, aluminium copings merge eye-catching aesthetics, stalwart protection and cost-effective practicality into one package. For parapet walls craving a reliable crown that won’t weigh them down, aluminium copings reign supreme.
