what is a parapet

A parapet is a barrier that is an upward extension of a wall at the edge of a roof, terrace, balcony, walkway, or other structure. The word comes from the Italian "parapetto," which means "to cover/defend" and "chest/breast". Originally, parapets were used to defend buildings from military attack, but today they are primarily used as guard rails, to conceal rooftop equipment, reduce wind loads on the roof, and to prevent the spread of fires. Parapets may be plain, embattled, perforated, or panelled, which are not mutually exclusive terms. Parapet walls are also used in modern houses as a safety feature that helps reduce the risk of wind and fire damage. They can also be worked into the design of the home as a decorative feature. Parapet walls can be constructed using a variety of different materials, including wood, metal, glass, and masonry. They can be solid or not solid, run flat across a roof, or even run slanted up a peak of a roof. Parapets can also help reduce high local suctions and provide fire protection.