Parapets aren’t just for castles and fortresses. In fact, roof parapets are used in modern times for a wide variety of structures and confer surprising benefits. In this article, the A.O. Roofing Services team right here in Central Florida will take a deep dive into roof parapets and their importance.
Parapet Roofs: What They Are and Their Benefits
Simply defined, a parapet is a low wall or barrier at the edge of a roof, balcony, or other structure. A parapet roof will typically feature parapets around its full perimeter. Typically, parapet roofs are seen on flat roofs, and are particularly common on commercial buildings.
The earliest known parapet roofs date all the way back to 1340 BC! The term “parapet” comes from the Italian parapetto, which can be loosely translated as “chest defender.” In the past, parapets were primarily used for defense, but in modern times, they have a decidedly different set of benefits.
Of course, one of the benefits of a parapet roof is still safety. They make your roof harder to access, helping protect valuable items like air conditioners from would-be thieves. They also make it safer for those on the roof by helping to prevent falls.
But besides protecting your roof from intruders, it also protects your roof from the elements. The parapet acts as a barrier against strong winds, helping to protect your roof and increasing its stability. It can also act as a barrier against storm debris in hurricanes and other strong storms.
Parapet roofs are also handy in case of a fire. They can stop a fire from making its way to the top of the building and setting the roof membrane on fire.
Together, all these benefits work together to maximize the lifespan of your roof, helping cut down on costs related to roof repair or replacement.
A.O. Roofing: Your Parapet Roof Pros
A parapet roof provides extensive benefits, from increased safety to improved resistance to damage from the elements. Interested in learning more? Contact A.O. Roofing Services today to get started with a free quote.
Want to see some of our work from around Central Florida? Check out some of our roofing projects on our blog to see some examples of the quality work we do. You can also stay up to date with us on social media! We’re on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
