What is a parapet?
A parapet is a low wall at the edge of a roof, balcony, bridge or terrace that serves as a fall guard and is generally no higher than chest height. The name says it all: the wall reaches up to the chest. A parapet is therefore a barrier without a continuous handrail — it is a solid wall section.
Parapet vs. balustrade vs. railing
| Parapet | Balustrade | Railing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Masonry, concrete, timber | Timber or metal posts | Metal tube/bar |
| Transparency | Solid (not see-through) | Partly open | Open |
| Appearance | Architectural, heavy | Classically decorative | Modern, light |
Height requirements (Building Regulations)
The minimum height for a parapet as a fall guard matches that of a balustrade:
- Residential building: minimum 1.0 m where fall height >1.0 m
- Public building: minimum 1.2 m
- Flat roof (accessible): minimum 1.0 m
Applications
Flat roof
An upstanding edge of concrete or masonry around a flat roof is also called a roof edge or parapet wall (attica). It serves as:
- Fall protection
- Waterproofing termination (EPDM or bitumen is dressed against it)
- Wind barrier for the roof covering
Bridges and roads
Along bridges and viaducts, a concrete parapet acts as a vehicle restraint barrier.
Historic architectural styles
In Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance buildings, parapets with battlements (the “zigzag” top edge) are purely decorative.
Attica: parapet on a modern flat roof
In modern roof construction, the attica is an upstanding edge of precast concrete or masonry that closes off the roof edge. Zinc or aluminium roof-edge profiles are fixed onto it.
Attica costs (indication):
- Brick-laid attica (per linear metre): €80 – €180
- Precast concrete attica: €60 – €140 per linear metre
Related terms
- Balustrade
- Baluster
- Flat roof
- EPDM
- Planning permission
- Roof gutter