Coping
A protective cap installed on top of a parapet wall to prevent water from entering the wall assembly. Coping is typically made from sheet metal, stone, or precast concrete.
What Is Coping
Coping is a protective cap installed on top of a parapet wall or freestanding wall to prevent water infiltration. It is one of the most critical waterproofing components on any building with a parapet.
Metal coping is the most common type on commercial buildings. It is fabricated from aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper sheet metal, formed to overlap the wall on both sides with a slight slope to shed water.
Coping Failures
Wind can lift metal coping that is not properly secured. Hail can dent it. Thermal expansion and contraction can loosen fasteners over time. Any breach in the coping allows water directly into the wall assembly, often causing damage that is not visible until it is extensive.
Insurance Claim Considerations
Coping replacement is a common commercial roofing claim item after wind events. The scope should include removal of damaged coping, inspection of the wall substrate, any necessary wall repair, and installation of new coping with proper overlap and fastening.
Frequently asked questions
Coping is the protective cap on top of a wall, especially parapet walls on flat roofs. It sheds water away from the wall to prevent moisture from penetrating the masonry or wall assembly below.
Failed coping allows water to enter the wall from the top. This leads to interior leaks, masonry deterioration, freeze-thaw damage, and potentially structural issues if moisture reaches the building framing.
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