A weathering is a sloped surface on top of a wall, parapet or retaining wall, designed to shed rainwater quickly. The weathering prevents water from pooling on the wall, which would otherwise cause frost damage, algae growth and accelerated deterioration.
Where do you find a weathering?
- On top of garden walls and boundary walls
- On the top of a parapet (balcony edge, roof edge)
- On wall piers between windows
- On the top of a retaining wall
Materials
| Material | Application | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| **Bluestone** | Garden walls, facades | Frost-resistant, durable |
| **Concrete (precast)** | Parapets, retaining walls | Affordable, strong |
| **Brickwork + mortar** | Garden walls | Matches the brickwork |
| **Zinc/lead** | Roof edges | Watertight, flexible |
| **Plastic** | Light-duty applications | Maintenance-free |
Making a weathering yourself
- Determine the desired slope — at least 5-10% (the water must visibly run off)
- Apply the final layer of mortar using an angled template or straightedge
- Or: fit a precast coping in bluestone or concrete
- Ensure the weathering projects slightly on both sides (drip edge), so water does not run down the wall face
Difference between a weathering and a coping
A coping is the physical element (the stone, slab or strip) placed on top of the wall. The weathering is the sloped surface itself. In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably.
Related terms
- Parapet
- Coping
- Fall
- Drip edge
- Soldier course