parapets

A parapet is a low protective wall that runs along the edge of a roof, balcony, terrace, bridge, or other elevated edge. Its primary purposes are to prevent people from falling, to shield pedestrians from wind, and to conceal equipment or architectural details from view. In fortifications, parapets form a defensive screen along the top of walls or ramparts and may include merlons and crenels to provide cover while allowing observation or fire. The word derives from French parapet and Italian parapetto, with roots in expressions meaning protection or shielding.

Architectural parapets often extend above the roofline as part of the building envelope. They can be purely functional or decorative and may conceal mechanical services, dampers, or parapet-mounted equipment. Parapets on bridges or balconies function as guard rails, preventing falls while preserving sightlines and light. The design and materials of parapets vary widely to suit climate, structure, and aesthetics.

Types and forms include defensive parapets with battlements, crenellated parapets, and solid or open parapets that may be plain or ornamented. They can be constructed from masonry, concrete, or metal, and are frequently capped with stone, metal, or concrete coping to protect the top from weathering. In modern buildings, parapets are often integrated with guardrails or balustrades to meet safety requirements while maintaining an unobstructed view.

Regulatory and safety considerations influence parapet height, wind resistance, and load-bearing capacity. Typical guidance places guardrail-like parapets at around 1 meter (roughly 3 to 4 feet) or higher, depending on local codes and the specific application.