Parapet

A parapet is the low wall that runs around a flat roofFlat roof (roof terrace)The flat concrete roof on top of a building. It is the most common kind of roof in Greece and the part that takes the most sun and rain. or a balcony. It protects against falls, often carries the railings, and holds back rainwater so it is led to the floor drainsFloor drainThe outlet in a floor where water drains away on roofs, balconies and in bathrooms, with a grate on top and usually a trap below. and guttersGutter and downpipeThe channel and pipe that collect rainwater from a roof and carry it down to the ground or the drains..

The corner where the floor meets the parapet is a sensitive spot: the materials move differently there, cracksCrackA split or gap in render, concrete, a wall, a coating or wood. Fine cracks are usually only on the surface; ones that grow, keep reopening or run diagonally need attention. open up and water collects. That is why waterproofingWaterproofingThe work and materials that stop water getting through on flat roofs, balconies, bathrooms, basements, planters and tanks. doesn't stop at the floor but runs up the parapet, often with a rounded corner and reinforcing fabricReinforcement meshA mesh or fabric, usually glass fibre or polyester, set into render, a coating or liquid waterproofing to hold it together and stop cracks from opening., and ideally covers its top as well.

Cracks along the top, blown renderRender (plaster)A layer of mortar (sand, cement or lime, and water) spread over brick or concrete to give a wall a straight, sound surface ready for paint or tiles. and rusty railing bases let water into the wall and down to the flat below. They are worth checking whenever the roof is repaired.