All about fence parapets

A fence parapet is a special device that is mounted on a fence for the purpose of protection. We will tell you about polymer sand and brick parapets, options from profiled sheet and metal. It is also important to study the subtleties and features of the installation of such structures.

This design is a drainage system that protects the upper part of the fence from corrosion, adverse external factors, as well as sudden temperature changes and various damage. The outer part is made of waterproof raw materials. Ebb tides are made from different materials and different shapes.

Lighting devices, a security system, and protective devices are installed on them. Structural design plays an important role. The drains are made so that they match in color with the fence or be different from it, clearly visible.

Modern parapets are made of various materials: reinforced concrete, brick, concrete blocks, metal. Previously, options from corrugated board, too simple and unaesthetic, were often used, until it was replaced by more modern, reliable and varied design options.

• For polymer sand parapet use recycled polymers, sand and safe dyes.

• Metal the parapet consists of a welded device that is attached over the roof covering. From above, it is protected by a construction made of a profiled sheet made of galvanized steel, tin, copper. Sometimes brick, concrete or concrete slabs are used instead of an apron.

• Brick - construction made of bricks. Most often installed along the wall of the building. Cracks will appear, and subsequently the material will begin to crumble, if you do not fix the drain on the brick fence in time.

• Concrete is a reinforced concrete block made of durable moisture-resistant concrete, installed on low fences under the metal sections.

More often than others, metal eaves are used because of the relatively inexpensive price and good quality. To protect the parapets, parapet covers are used - products made of thin-sheet galvanized steel with a polymer coating. They are straight and oblique. To divert the water flowing into them, droppers are installed, diluted in different directions.

Any protective structure has various shapes and sizes. Fence parapets are chosen depending on the operating conditions of the structure. They are of several types.

• Shed. The edges of the plane are not the same: one is higher than the other. They are effective in that they drain water as much as possible thanks to the drain directed to the gutter.
• Gable are the most common. Differ from others in bevel angle. Most of the moisture accumulates in the parapet, which means that the structures drain water more efficiently.
• Flat. The structure is simply put on the fence bar. Such a parapet is more reliable than others, since the top edge and ribs are protected from chips. But it suffers from corrosion due to moisture ingress, therefore such parapets are made of moisture-resistant materials.

The width of the gutter should be 2–3 cm wider than the width of the fence, so that precipitation flows down to the ground, and the walls of the fence do not suffer from this.The shape of the parapets should be combined with the hoods, and in color - with the roof of the building. They are divided into 2 types:

• simple;
• curly.

The metal sheet is most often made from ordinary or galvanized steel. First, it is processed. Some species are heat treated and coated with special paint. Fences are often trimmed with parapet tiles. On its sides there are droppers that serve to drain water.

Each home owner sooner or later decides to build a fence around his own plot, which will protect the property and decorate the territory. There is a large selection of materials, thanks to which you can build a variety of protective structures to your liking. European-style fences are suitable for large and new houses with original parapets. To choose a reliable and durable gutter, you should take into account the material from which it is made and its shape.

Various materials are used in the manufacture of the parapet:

• wood is cheap, but fragile;
• concrete is durable, but absorbs moisture;
• ceramics - light in weight, attractive but fragile;
• plastic - durable, but fragile;
• metal is lightweight, durable, but rusts.

The owner makes the choice in form, depending on his own capabilities, goals and wishes. Usually classic forms of ebb tide are used. The first type is a flat U-shaped design. It is placed on the end of the fence. Reliable in operation, only quickly deteriorates due to moisture ingress. The second type is single-pitched. Its difference is that one end is slightly higher than the other. It is able to optimally drain water from the gate, which is why it is most valuable. The third is a gable. It is a reliable, durable design.

For the foundation, gutters are also erected so that corrosion does not occur. Opt for galvanized steel sills. They are durable, reliable, easy to install. Steel can take any shape, bend and join easily. It can be painted in any colors and decorated in an original way. But it is still better to install polymer-coated steel sills, as they are less prone to mechanical damage. Rust appears inside the steel from the slightest damage.

Mounting the parapet on the fence gives it a finished look and makes the fence more attractive in appearance. The most attractive option for a fence drain is from corrugated board. Its shade matches the color of the roofing material. To protect the fence, gutters of various shapes are made.

There are several mounting options.

• Simple parapets. A simple ebb consists of planks with drips, divorced to the side. Roofing strips, consisting of two slopes, an additional bend of the lower part, which are fixed with self-tapping screws painted to match the color of the fence.

• Fastening strips. Attach the mounting plate to the brickwork. Self-tapping screws are used to install the planks on the masonry. The bar hides them. The distance between the T-shaped and I-shaped stripes is measured along the width of the parapet.

• Installation on a fence of a non-standard shape. For brickwork, gutters of unusual sizes are made. Then it is necessary to use additional material, since it is consumed at the joints with the curve setting. Installation is carried out using fasteners in the color of the product using seams.

• Caps. It is necessary to cut off the desired piece of canvas from galvanized steel. First, special fastening holes are drilled in the brick post. Then they install and check whether it is in place. From the edge of the post, indents should be 2-3 cm over the entire surface. The intake hood is attached to a post made of the same material with self-tapping screws that match the color.

• Parapet covers. There are different types of them. Among all the variety, three main ones can be distinguished.

1. Locks. The covers are mounted in series on crutches. Thus, the reliability of the structure is realized.
2. Connection without locks. The covers are overlapped. There are no locks. The reliability of the structure depends on the quality of the fasteners.
3. Butt joint. The structure is fastened with a special element under the parapet covers. The strength of the structure depends on the quality of the material.

Such structures will serve for a long time if all operating conditions are observed. As you can see, the fence parapet is a very useful design. Its installation allows you to extend the life of the fence due to the removal of moisture from the base of the fence.

You can learn how to make a concrete parapet from the video below.