Parapet wall designs have evolved into an important component of the exterior architecture of buildings. Modern parapet wall designs use a variety of materials, such as metal, glass, and rocks, to create unique and fashionable aesthetics. There are many options to choose from, ranging from simple parapet designs with bricks to complicated patterns. To give the house a cohesive appearance, it is usual practice to build a parapet wall that completely fits the design of the building. The parapet wall improves a home’s exterior aesthetics and monetary value. This article brings you detailed information on parapet wall construction guidelines, and different parapet design with bricks for your home.
What is a Parapet Wall?
The parapet wall is an extension of the roof’s edge that acts as a barrier and can be found not just on rooftops but also on balconies, terraces, and walks. A parapet masonry wall is constructed when the outside walls of a structure rise above the roof line. Building terraces provide many functions such as sitting, walking, and recreational activities. In this instance, you must have a parapet wall on the roof. These walls can be made of bricks, reinforced cement concrete, steel, aluminum, or glass, to name a few materials.
Need for Parapet Walls:
Parapet walls assure the safety of people on the rooftop or at higher levels of the house. They serve the following purposes:
- Allow people to move around without falling off the roof.
- Allow you to enjoy indoor activities safely and completely.
- The building’s aesthetics are improved, and its cleanliness is preserved.
- Helps to restrict excessive air from blowing onto the roof.
Factors to Consider for Parapet Wall Construction:
Here are some considerations which should be kept in mind while doing parapet wall construction:
- Height is a crucial consideration when building a parapet wall. The height of the parapet wall varies based on the construction laws and restrictions in the state or city where the house is located. However, the National Building Code of India (NBC) requires that the parapet wall be at least 1.05 metres (approx. 3.44 ft) above the roof level.
- The standard thickness of the parapet wall is determined by a number of factors, including the building’s height, construction type, and the loads that the wall is intended to withstand. According to the National Building Code of India (NBC), the minimum thickness of the parapet wall should be 23 cm (9 inches) for a masonry wall and 15 cm (6 inches) for a reinforced cement concrete (RC) wall.
- To avoid dampness in the parapet wall, it is recommended to do plastering of wall from both the sides.
- The joint in between the roof and the parapet wall must be closed with sealants properly.
- Proper coping must be done to avoid water penetration in parapet walls.
- It is critical to keep the wall away from internal building components such as plumbing, electrical wiring, terrace farming, and so on.
Brick Parapet Wall Design
Brick parapet walls have a timeless appeal and are quite popular due to their durability and versatility. Numerous brick patterns, textures, and colours provide the possibility for creativity, allowing you to create a unique design that complements your overall architectural style. Due to their durability and aesthetic appeal, brick parapet wall designs are a popular choice for both residential and commercial structures.
Brick parapet design with patterns is the popular option since it adds aesthetic value to the building. To ensure the endurance and durability of a brick parapet, make sure the bricks are properly installed and the mortar is strong.
Brick Parapet Design Ideas for Homes:
Here are some house parapet design with bricks for your home:
- Simple Parapet Design with Bricks
Simple parapet designs with bricks are an extension of the structure’s primary wall. They have no patterns and aren’t particularly appealing unless you paint a mural on them. It provides several benefits, including stability, safety, and privacy. They are easy to build and maintain because there are no complicated designs in their structure. Add copping and corbels to increase structural load-bearing capability of such parapet walls.
- Perforated Parapet Design with Bricks
Perforated parapet wall designs incorporate decorative openings such as flowers, trefoils, and circles. They can be built from a brick wall or with individual embedding. Historically, they were usually built on palace terraces.
- Sloped Parapet Wall Design
Sloping parapet wall designs are designed as an extension of the roof to drain rainwater and prevent leaks. They can be found in commercial buildings such as factories or warehouses. Rather than appearance, the key goal is functionality.
- Contemporary Border Parapet Wall Brick Design
A border in your parapet wall brick design adds a distinct and sophisticated appearance. An eye-catching border can be created using bricks. This design feature has a clean and elegant finish, making it an excellent choice for modern structures.
- Stepped Brick Parapet Wall Design
Although stepped parapet designs with bricks are similar to sloped ones, they offer a different perspective and additional visual appeal. The walls have a top, and the sloping sides have steps. This parapet is built as steps or a staircase, and the elevation height varies according to the design. In addition to increasing the building’s height and look, stepped parapet wall increases people’s safety if roof maintenance is required or an accident happens. Such a parapet might be constructed to add flair to the façade.
- Curved Parapet Wall
Curved parapet walls frequently have smooth, flowing lines that appear to be a deviated straight line. This design is excellent for adding the necessary grace to the structure. The natural contour and curving roofline match the house parapet design with bricks.
- Embattled Parapet Wall
These parapet wall designs have square notches uniformly placed along the upper length. Previously, these crenels were meant for archers, who would hide behind the adjacent square and aim from the notches. These walls are currently designed to give structures a regal or imperial appearance.
In conclusion, the parapet wall serves as a barrier by extending the roof’s edge wall. It can be applied to more than only roofs, such as balconies, terraces, and pathways. There are numerous beautiful brick parapet designs for modern structures. When deciding on the right type of parapet wall design with bricks for your project, you should consider both architectural style and shape of the house. You can choose the type of parapet wall that is best suited to your specific demands by investigating the various parapet wall brick designs and their associated benefits and drawbacks. Parapet walls are a vital element of every building because they keep people safe.