Parapet Roof Overview Types and Examples

A parapet roof is a wall extension at the roofline. It is commonly seen on medieval castles and temples, but it can also be found on residential homes.

A parapet roof is a type of roof that includes an extension of a wall at the roofline. It is often associated with medieval castles and temples, but it can also be found on residential homes.

A parapet roof is a roof style that features a wall extension at the roofline. While it is often seen on medieval castles and temples, it can also be found on residential homes.

A parapet roof is an extension of a wall at the roofline. It is commonly found on medieval castles and temples, but it can also be seen on residential homes.

Parapet originates from the Italian word ‘parapetto’ and means to cover or defend. A parapet roof consists of a wall or barrier that extends past the roof, acting as a railing.

Parapet roofs were originally used for defense in ancient times, where military personnel would stand behind the walls for protection against invaders. Nowadays, parapet roofs have various purposes such as providing safety rails, housing equipment, serving as decoration, or protecting roofing materials from strong winds.

There are different types of parapet roofs in modern times.

A plain parapet roof is a solid wall used for privacy on residential rooftops. Concrete is a popular material for plain parapets, and they are not decorative.

Embattled parapets originated in ancient times and have high and low sections of walls. These walls provided military members with shooting gaps and higher spans of walls for cover. Medieval castles and ancient buildings often had embattled parapet roofs.

Paneled parapets are solid but have a decorative exterior design.

Perforated parapets have a wall above the roofline with a design pattern featuring perforations or openings.

Can you add a parapet to a sloped roof?

Parapets are popular for flat roofs and can also be added to sloped roofs for aesthetic purposes. Some architects use parapets to camouflage a gable roof and create the illusion of a flat roof. Here are the pros and cons of adding a parapet to your home:

– Adds decorative detail to a home.

– Makes a gable roof appear as a flat roof, suitable for modern architecture.

– Can function as a railing on a flat roof, providing safety and a place to hide outdoor equipment.

– Well-constructed parapets can protect a roof from wind damage.

Parapet roofs can be expensive, and most roofers aren’t familiar with this design. There’s an increased chance of leaks where the parapet meets the wall and edge of the roof. Adding a parapet to a sloped roof doesn’t create usable space.

Examples of Parapet Roofs

Here’s a look at the types and examples of parapet roofs.

Flat Roof with Parapets

Modern flat roofs often feature parapets, which are extending walls that define lounging space and rooftop decks. The picture showcases a plain parapet and a perforated modern design.

Perforated parapets have openings in their design, visible above the patio roof of this Dutch colonial home. The parapet wall enhances the traditional look of the house and serves as a safety railing.

The original text: “Original styles looked like this example of an embattled parapet roof on a castle. The early version of a parapet offered military members protection against attacks but also gave them a spot to fire weapons or have a high vantage point.”

Revised text: “The original parapet roof on a castle served military members by providing protection against attacks and a strategic vantage point for firing weapons.”