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The wall coping cap is a crucial element in ensuring the structural integrity and water-tightness of a wall. It's a critical component that protects the wall from water damage and erosion.
The materials used for wall coping caps can vary depending on the application and desired durability. Concrete is a common choice due to its strength and resistance to weathering.
A well-constructed wall coping cap can last for decades with minimal maintenance.
Types of Wall Coping
A high parapet wall can be topped with a copper coping cover that locks into a standing seam parapet cover, which in turn laps over base flashing cleated to the roof deck or a nailing strip.
This type of wall coping is often used in combination with other elements, such as a transverse seam that joins the lower edge of the parapet cover to the upper edge of the copper roof.
Parapet caps can be custom designed to match the exact style of a property, offering a wide range of styles and colors to choose from, including modern and classic looks.
Peaked
Peaked wall coping is a type of coping that is often used on buildings with a peaked roof. It's fully covered by a copper cap flashing.
The copper cap flashing extends up the cant strip, over the coping, and part-way down its face, under the flashing. This ensures a watertight seal.
A continuous copper edge strip is attached to the coping, and the lower edge is bent to form a drip. This helps to prevent water from seeping behind the coping.
The cap flashing is then locked to the edge strip, providing additional security against water intrusion.
Types of Copping
There are many types of copping, each with its own unique characteristics.
Parapet wall coping caps can be custom designed to match the exact style of a property.
From very subtle modern looks to very stylish, elegant classic ones, there are dozens of styles for residential coping caps available.
Custom coping caps can be made to fit any design and need.
Commercial parapet caps, on the other hand, prioritize durability and longevity.
They can be made out of a variety of metals with finishes to match any style.
Parapet caps and coping need to be well-constructed to ensure a tight fit and prevent moisture or pests from sneaking in.
Our skilled technicians operate with tight manufacturing tolerances to create parapet wall coping caps that will fit perfectly each time.
Parapet – Phoenix
In Phoenix, parapet caps can make a big difference in the look and feel of a roof. They come in many styles and colors, allowing you to update a commercial or residential roof.
Parapet wall coping caps can be used to hide uneven edges or equipment that you don't want to be seen. They provide a nice accessory to a roof to enhance its style.
A combination of elements is used in high parapet details, where the top of the wall is covered by a copper coping cover, similar to Detail 9.3A. On the roof side, the cover is locked into a standing seam parapet cover.
The lower edge of the parapet cover is joined to the upper edge of the copper roof with a transverse seam. This is seen in Detail 9.3L.
Parapet caps can be custom designed to each roof – its style, its function, and its needs. If you're working on a roofing project in the Phoenix area, you can have parapet wall coping caps custom designed to match the exact style that you're going for.
For commercial parapet caps, durability and longevity are important. At 1st Class Roofing & Sheet Metal, technicians can design products that will be water-tight and durable for a long time to come.
Wall Coping Materials
Wall coping cap is a crucial element in any landscape design, and the material you choose can greatly impact the overall look and durability of your wall. A combination of elements, such as copper coping cover and standing seam parapet cover, can be used to create a beautiful and functional wall coping cap.
For a more refined appearance, consider using natural stone choices like sandstone, granite, or limestone for your wall coping cap. These materials can add a touch of elegance to your garden or retaining wall.
Here are some popular materials used for wall coping cap, including their respective item counts:
The type of finish you choose can also greatly impact the appearance of your wall coping cap. Consider finishes like honed, natural, tumbled, or flamed to add texture and visual interest to your wall.
Large Format
Large format wall coping materials are perfect for bigger projects or commercial buildings. They come in sheets, typically 4x8 feet or 4x9 feet in size.
These larger sheets can cover more area, reducing labor costs and installation time. This is especially beneficial for large-scale projects.
Some common types of large format wall coping materials include fiber cement, metal, and composite materials. These materials are durable and long-lasting.
They can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy usage. This makes them ideal for high-traffic areas or buildings exposed to extreme weather.
In terms of cost, large format materials can be more expensive than their smaller counterparts. However, their increased durability and coverage area often make them a cost-effective option in the long run.
12x24 Flat Smooth Chamfered
The 12x24 flat smooth chamfered wall coping is a popular choice for many projects. It's available in a range of sizes, including 12" wide and 24" long.
You can use a 12x24 flat wall end cap for a wall end, while a 12x24 flat wall cap is better suited for the top of a wall. The end cap has a chamfered edge and is available in 2-1/2" tall and 1-1/2" high face sizes.
The flat wall cap has a smooth texture and chamfered edge, making it a great option for a clean finish. It's available in 12" wide and 24" long sizes, with a 2-1/2" tall height.
These wall coping materials are designed to provide a finished look to your project, and can be used to cover the top and sides of a wall.
Concrete or Cast Stone
Concrete or cast stone coping is a popular choice for exterior walls. It's durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
To attach concrete or cast stone coping, you'll need to drill holes into the bottom of the coping pieces and the top of the wall. Then, use grout or epoxy to fill the holes, and insert metal dowels or pins through the top of the wall.
The dowels should extend about 2 inches into the wall and the coping. This provides a strong and stable connection.
Mortar is used to fill the joints between the coping pieces, with building sealant applied to the top part of the joint for added protection.
Here are some common profiles and specifications for concrete or cast stone coping:
- Bullnose (flat)
- Double Bullnose (flat)
- Double-Slant
- Single-Slant
- Custom profiles available
Typical section lengths for concrete or cast stone coping range from 2 to 4 feet, but custom lengths can be ordered if needed.
Natural Stone
Natural stone wall caps are a popular choice for their durability and aesthetic appeal. They can prevent water from penetrating the wall's core and causing damage over time by acting as a protective layer.
The stone wall caps also aid in reducing erosion and maintaining the wall's structural integrity. This is especially important for retaining and garden walls that are exposed to the elements.
Natural stone wall caps come in a range of colors, shapes, and textures to match any landscape design. They can give your environment a neat, finished look and make a garden or retaining wall look much better.
Some common types of natural stone used for wall caps include limestone, marble, quartzite, slate, and travertine. Each of these stones has its own unique characteristics and can add a touch of elegance to your landscape.
Here are some common types of natural stone wall caps:
The finish of the natural stone wall caps can also vary, with options including honed, natural, tumbled, flamed, and more.
Metal (Aluminum)
Working with metal (aluminum) coping requires special consideration to ensure a secure and durable attachment.
Thermal expansion and contraction are significant factors to consider when attaching metal coping, as failure to account for movement can result in fastener failure or deformation of the coping.
A common method for addressing this issue is to use gasketed fasteners in the coping material, which allows the metal to move relative to the fasteners.
Joints in metal coping are typically centered in the middle of a splice plate, which serves as an internal gutter to drain water out of the coping system.
A secondary water barrier is often provided by a cleat system that covers the top of the wall.
Metal cover plates or strips are frequently used to cover joints in metal coping.
Metal coping is available in standard profiles, including flat or tapered (sloping in one direction) designs.
Here are some typical section lengths for metal coping:
- 8 feet
- 10 feet
- 12 feet
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a wall cap and a coping?
A wall cap sits flush against the wall, whereas a coping has an overhang. This design difference affects how they're used in various construction contexts.
What is a bullnose cap?
A bullnose cap is a versatile finishing piece with a rounded edge, ideal for creating smooth and safe edges in various outdoor projects. It's a classic design element that adds a finishing touch to block projects.
What is the purpose of wall capping?
Wall capping prevents water damage by directing water away from brickwork. It achieves this through a drip channel that sheds water from the underside of the coping.
What are the different types of wall caps?
There are several types of wall caps, including Country Cap, Stonegate Wall Cap, and Legacy Wall Cap, among others. These wall caps offer various styles and designs to complement different architectural and design needs.
Sources
- https://www.castohn.com/accessories-west/wall-post-caps
- https://www.copper.org/applications/architecture/arch_dhb/arch-details/flashings_copings/coping_covers.html
- https://www.buytilesandmore.com/hardscapes-pools/wall-cap-treads-sill.html
- https://www.industryeliteservices.com/what-is-a-coping-cap/
- https://www.1stclassfoam.com/parapet-cap/
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