A parapet wall is a great way to protect your roof from the elements. Not only does it provide an extra layer of protection for your home, but it can also add some extra style and character. However, if you’re not careful, your parapet wall can become damaged and require repair. In this post, we will discuss roof parapet repair tips for every homeowner!
The Purpose of Roof Parapets
The parapets walls on your roof serve two main purposes:
1. To Add Style and Character
Parapet walls are a great way to add some extra style and character to your home. Flat roof systems can often look boring, and parapet walls can help to break up the flatness and add some visual interest. They can really make your home stand out from the rest. Embattled parapets, in particular, can give your home a very regal and stately look.
2. To Provide Extra Protection for the Roof and Home
If you live in an area with high winds or severe weather, a parapet wall can provide extra protection for your home. A parapet wall can also act as a barrier to prevent people or animals from accidentally falling off the roof. Fire protection is another benefit of parapet walls. If there is a fire on the roof, the parapet wall can help to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to the rest of the home or the entire building.
Types of Roof Parapets
There are three main types of roof parapets:
Solid Parapets: These are the most common type of parapet and are typically made of concrete or brick. Solid parapets are very durable and can provide a high level of protection for the home. Roof membrane systems are often attached to solid parapets to provide an extra layer of protection.
Open Parapets: Open parapets have gaps between the wall and the roof, which allows air to flow through. This can help to ventilate the roof and prevents the build-up of heat. Open parapets are typically made of wood or metal.
Screened parapets: Screened parapets have a screen or mesh attached to the top of the wall. This allows air to flow through while still providing some protection from the elements. Screened parapets are often used in areas with high winds.
Common Roof Parapet Repair Issues
Now that we’ve discussed the purpose of roof parapets, let’s talk about some common repair issues. Here are some of the most common issues that homeowners face with their parapet walls:
Cracks or Holes
Parapet roofs are susceptible to cracking and holes, especially if they’re made of brick or stone. If you notice any cracks or holes in your parapet wall, it’s important to have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Loose or Missing Mortar
If you have a brick or stone parapet, loose or missing mortar is another common issue. This can be caused by weathering or age, and it’s important to have it repaired to prevent the bricks from becoming loose.
Damaged Flashing
Roof flashing is the metal strip that’s used to seal the edge of the roof and the parapet wall. If this becomes damaged, it can allow water to seep in and cause damage to the roof.
Stains or Discoloration
Stains or discoloration on the parapet wall can be caused by water damage, dirt, or even mold. Roof design experts recommend power washing the wall to remove any dirt or stains.
Damaged Mortar Joints
Mortar joints are the spaces between the bricks or stones in your parapet wall. If these become damaged, it can cause the bricks to become loose. Exterior walls are constantly exposed to the elements, so it’s important to have any damaged mortar joints repaired as soon as possible.
Roof Parapet Repair Tips for Every Homeowner
Now that we’ve discussed some common repair issues, let’s talk about some tips for every homeowner. Here are some roof parapet repair tips to keep in mind:
Inspect the Wall Regularly
It’s important to inspect your parapet wall regularly, especially if you live in an area with bad weather. Look for any cracks, holes, or loose bricks and have them repaired as soon as possible. This way, you can catch any issues early and prevent them from becoming bigger problems.
Use the Right Materials
When repairing your parapet wall, it’s important to use the right materials. A parapet roof is a big investment, so you want to make sure that it’s repaired with high-quality materials.
Hire a Professional
If you’re not comfortable repairing the parapet wall yourself, hire a professional. Roofing repair experts have the experience and expertise to properly repair your parapet roof.
Clean the Wall Regularly
It’s also important to keep your parapet wall clean. Use a safe and effective cleaner. As a homeowner, you should also consider power-washing the wall to remove any dirt or stains.
Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to keeping your parapet wall in good condition. If you have any questions, feel free to contact a roofing repair expert. They’ll be able to help you troubleshoot any issues you’re having and recommend the best course of action.
Roof Surface Preparation
One of the most important aspects of roof parapet repair is proper surface preparation. This means that you will need to clean the area around the parapet wall and remove any loose debris or dirt. Once the area is clean, you will need to inspect the wall for any cracked or chipped bricks.
If there are any damaged bricks, you will need to replace them before proceeding with the repair. Roof edges should also be trimmed and sealed to prevent water damage.
Roof Parapet Repair Process
Roof parapet repair can be a simple or complex process, depending on the severity of the damage. Roof plane changes, settlement, and severe weather are all factors that can contribute to parapet wall damage. Roofs are constantly exposed to the elements, so it’s important to have any damaged parapet repaired as soon as possible.
Here are the steps involved in repairing a parapet roof:
Assess the Damage
The first step in repairing a parapet roof is to assess the damage. This will help you determine what needs to be repaired and how complex the repair will be.
Remove Debris
After you’ve assessed the damage, you’ll need to remove any debris from the area. This includes any loose bricks or stones, as well as any damaged mortar.
Repair the Damage
Once all of the debris has been removed, you can begin repairing the damage. This process will vary depending on the severity of the damage.
Install Flashing
After the damage has been repaired, you’ll need to install new flashing. Roof flashing is the metal strip that’s used to seal the edge of the roof and the parapet wall. This will help prevent water from seeping in and causing further damage.
Replace Damaged Bricks or Stones
If any of the bricks or stones in your parapet wall are damaged, you’ll need to replace them. This is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to make sure that the new bricks or stones match the rest of the wall.
Apply Sealant
After all of the repairs have been made, you’ll need to apply a sealant to the parapet wall. This will help protect the wall from water damage and weathering. Roof coating is a type of sealant that’s often used on parapet walls.
These are the steps involved in repairing a parapet roof. Roof parapets are an important part of every home, so it’s important to take care of them. With a little bit of effort, you can keep your parapet wall in good condition for years to come.
Hiring the Best Team for Repairs
When it comes to roof parapet repair, you need to hire the best team for the job. With Old Pueblo Stucco, you can rest assured that your parapet roof will be repaired correctly the first time. We have years of experience repairing all types of roofs, and we know what it takes to get the job done right.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about roof parapet repair!