Parapet Wall Repair & Rebuild

What is a Chicago Parapet Wall

A parapet wall serves multiple purposes; including roof structure protection, adding stability to the masonry structure, often featuring beautiful designs or cornices, and protecting against roof falls. These wall sections are located at the very top of a building, making them susceptible to deterioration due to exposure to the elements. Because of this, it is crucial to ensure they receive regular maintenance and inspection.

When it comes to the structural integrity of a building, the parapet wall plays a vital role. It is an upward extension of the wall that sits atop the roofline, serving as a barrier to protect the building from wind and other elements.

Because they are located at the top of the building and may be difficult to see or access, many building owners, administrators, and property managers may not realize that their parapet walls are in need of service. Signs that a parapet wall may require attention include shifted capstones, loose coping tiles, brick and mortar debris on the ground, and water damage along the top-floor ceilings. It’s important to be aware of these warning signs and address any issues as soon as they are noticed to prevent further deterioration.

Signs That Your Parapet Wall is Damaged – Repair vs. Rebuild

When it comes to repairing and rebuilding a parapet wall in Chicago, the decision ultimately depends on the extent of the damage. A repair is typically needed for minor issues such as cracking or small holes, while a rebuild may be necessary for severe damage or structural issues. Repairs are less extensive and less costly than a rebuild and can be completed in a shorter amount of time. On the other hand, a rebuild will involve completely removing the existing wall and constructing a new one, which can take several weeks to complete and is more expensive.

Parapet wall repairs are focused on 3 major aspects:

Structure:

Masonry parapet walls, with their exposed top and vertical surfaces, are particularly susceptible to deterioration due to temperature changes, rain, and snow. Common issues that arise include cracking sections of brick and mortar, spalling bricks, efflorescence, displaced bricks, buckling, and shifting. These problems can be mitigated through preventive maintenance and repairs.

Coping:

The top of a masonry parapet wall is typically finished with a coping or cap, which can be made from materials such as limestone, precast concrete, clay tile/clay coping, terra-cotta, or metal. It is important to use a coping material with thermal properties similar to the masonry parapet wall material to extend the lifespan of the wall and minimize maintenance requirements. In Chicago, metal copings may not be suitable due to potential water seepage through joints caused by thermal expansion. Additionally, all copings must have adequate pitch and overhang to ensure proper water drainage and prevent staining.

Flashing:

To prevent moisture and water penetration through the joints in the coping section, a continuous through-wall flashing membrane must be installed within the mortar bed immediately beneath the coping. Additionally, proper roof to parapet wall flashing is crucial in preventing deterioration of the parapet wall and interior water damage. When joining different materials on the exterior, it is important to take their thermal properties into account to prevent problems caused by contraction and expansion.

Reasons for a complete parapet wall rebuild include:

• Severe damage: The wall may be so damaged that it is not possible to repair it and a complete rebuild is necessary.
• Far gone structural issues: The wall may have structural issues that cannot be resolved with a repair and require a complete rebuild.

– The wall may have structural issues due to the natural settling of the building, causing it to become unstable.

– The wall may have structural issues due to water infiltration, which can cause deterioration of the materials and weakening of the structure.

– The wall may have structural issues due to lack of proper maintenance and repair, which can cause deterioration over time.

• Updating the aesthetic: A rebuild can also be done to update the aesthetic of the building, such as changing the materials or design elements of the wall.

Benefits of Repairing or Rebuilding Your Parapet Wall

Repairing or rebuilding a Chicago parapet wall is essential for maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic of a building. A well-maintained parapet wall not only protects the roof and building from weather and other exterior elements, but also adds to the overall aesthetic of the building. The benefits of repairing or rebuilding a Chicago parapet wall include:

• Protection of the roof and building from water infiltration and other weather-related damage
• Preservation of the structural integrity of the building
• Maintaining the aesthetic of the building, particularly in older buildings where the use of Chicago brick is typical

The Process

• Copings are removed
• Existing roof flashing is removed/cut off 
• Interior wythe/wythes of the parapet wall are dismantled to the roofline
• Face brick is dismantled to the sound level
• Interior wythe rebuilding is done using cleaned existing bricks in good condition, all deteriorated bricks are replaced with reclaimed Chicago Common Brick. Cleaned Face brick is reused in the rebuilding process of exterior wythe, all deteriorated bricks are replaced with new matching ones
• Copings Cleaned and reinstalled over the new parapet wall and new flashings, damaged copings are replaced
• New roof flashing is installed once the parapet wall is rebuilt
• Clean up and final inspection 

How Much Does it Cost to Repair or Rebuild Your Parapet Wall?

Considering the importance and scale of these projects in general, the cost can be a concern for many building owners.

Parapet wall repairs in Chicago typically range from $2,000 to $7,500, depending on the extent of the damage and the materials used. Minor repairs will be on the lower end of this range. More extensive repairs, such as replacing some of the bricks or repointing a section of the wall, will be on the higher end. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and the cost can vary depending on the specifics of the project.

The price of a parapet wall rebuild in Chicago can vary extremely, therefore the examples below will provide an idea of pricing depending on size differences and complexity. A complete rebuild involves removing the existing wall section and building a new one, which can take up to several weeks to complete. The cost of a rebuild will also depend on whether the new wall will be an exact replica of the original or if changes will be made to the design or materials. Remember that a rebuild is a significant investment but will provide a long-term solution for protecting the building and maintaining its aesthetic.

To give you a better understanding of parapet wall repairs/rebuilds and pricing please refer to the examples below. These examples may have been completed within the last couple of years and are provided using current pricing and estimates rather than what they may have cost in the past. This is done to give you the best and most accurate idea possible.