Copings and cappings
CopingS and cappingS
Cappings and copings are used to cap the tops of masonry parapets and freestanding walls to prevent rainwater from penetrating into the construction below. They can be made from profiled metal such as lead, aluminium, zinc, copper and plastic-coated steel.
Irrespective of the materials from which they are made, a coping will typically project by around 50mm on either side of the wall, whereas a capping will sit flush to the wall with little or no projection. Also, cappings are fixed through the top face into the wall so brackets are not required. We don't recommend cappings where there is a chance the wall could be stained by water runoff.
It is also important that the coping overlaps the top of the system by 60mm (shown in red below). Again this is to reduce the chance of water from being driven up onto the top of the system.
Copings have projections to throw water as far as possible from the wall surface below. This is facilitated by the inclusion of drips designed to prevent wind-driven rain from being blown back against the wall.
Because of their position, cappings and copings are exposed to temperature extremes and frequent wetting/drying cycles. As they are more exposed than standard walling, they should be made of materials that have greater resistance to frost and sulphate action. To assist with water run-off, the tops of copings and cappings typically feature either a single or double slope.
In most cases, the coping/capping arrangement will not be completely water tight. Therefore, to avoid water ingress into the wall below, a damp-proof membrane is recommended to be installed beneath the coping/capping.
Sysclad's copings provides a cost-effective finish to the top of parapet walls. They are normally manufactured from aluminium but can be manufactured from alternative metals.
Design Features
They are designed to suit your requirements.
Coping corners are supplied in one piece.
Curved walls can have a matching curved coping.
For balcony areas where the inside of the coping is seen the coping can have secret fixings.
Installation is relatively quick.
Sysclad copings are designed and guaranteed to work with an EWI system.
Copings installed on high rise buildings are supplied with Structural Engineering Calculations to give you that reassurance that your copings will be problem-free.
With a powder-coated finish, there will be minimal maintenance over its long life.
A gap should be left between copings, to allow for thermal movement. Adjacent copings are then sealed with an internal joint clip. The joint should be double sealed with a high modulus silicone and EPDM foam strip. Sysclad's premier coping has a gutter joint that reduces the need for sealants.