Commercial Roofing Parapet Wall Repairs: What You Need to Know

Parapet walls are common on commercial roofs. They offer safety, hide rooftop equipment, and help manage water drainage. But when they fail, they can lead to major roofing issues.

Here’s what property owners and managers in Colorado and Georgia need to know about repairing parapet walls.

What Is a Parapet Wall?

A parapet wall is the portion of a building's wall that extends above the roofline.

It plays several roles:

• Protects the roof edge

• Supports rooftop drainage details like scuppers

• Provides wind resistance

• Acts as a fire barrier between adjacent buildings

Common Parapet Wall Issues

Parapet walls take a beating from the elements. Over time, you may see:

• Cracked or spalling masonry

• Open or failing mortar joints

• Leaking roof-to-wall flashing

• Gaps around coping caps or metal covers

• Signs of water infiltration inside the building

Most parapet damage is related to water. Once moisture gets in, freeze-thaw cycles or UV exposure can cause bricks or stucco to fail quickly.

Why Repairs Are So Important

Ignoring parapet wall problems leads to:

• Roof membrane damage from trapped moisture

• Interior water leaks and mold growth

• Higher heating and cooling costs due to poor air sealing

• Structural damage over time

According to the IBC (International Building Code), all components attached to or part of the roofing assembly—including parapets—must be kept in sound condition .

What’s Involved in a Parapet Wall Repair?

Every project is different, but most parapet wall repairs involve:

1. Inspection and Testing

• Moisture meters and thermal imaging to identify hidden issues

• Drone footage for safe viewing of hard-to-access spots

2. Removing Damaged Materials

• Cutting out cracked masonry

• Stripping deteriorated flashing

3. Rebuilding and Sealing

• Repointing joints or replacing brick/stucco

• Installing or repairing metal coping caps

• Sealing base flashing where the roof meets the wall

4. Waterproofing

• Applying waterproof membranes or liquid flashing systems

• Sloping the coping cap for better drainage

FAQ: Parapet Wall Repairs

How do I know if my parapet wall is causing a roof leak?

Look for stains on the inside of exterior walls or around roof edges. Water often enters through small cracks and travels.

Should parapet wall repairs be done before or after roof replacement?

Ideally before. A failing parapet can damage a new roof system quickly. We coordinate repairs with re-roofing plans.

How often should parapet walls be inspected?

Twice a year. Spring and fall inspections help catch freeze-thaw damage early.

Schedule a Roof and Parapet Wall Inspection Today

Whether you're in Denver, Atlanta, or anywhere in between, parapet wall damage can ruin a good roof. Roof Nuts CO and GA can help you get ahead of problems.

Call 303-276-2403 in Colorado

Or schedule your inspection online:
https://RoofNutsCO.com

Let’s keep your building sealed, safe, and dry.