Chicago’s Winter of 2019 has been brutally cold, and the snow and especially ice that come with our winters can have a destructive impact on masonry structures, such as the common parapet wall.

But, like many things that don’t require everyday attention, people tend to ignore this potential issue until it becomes a real problem. By that time, it will cost a lot more to repair.

A masonry parapet wall – usually found on buildings with flat roofs-is a vertical extension of the building’s wall structure above its roofline, usually enclosing it. It may also be found around balconies and terraces as a protective barrier, or serve as a firewall dividing two adjoining buildings or apartments.

Because they’re constructed in such a way that the top and both of vertical surfaces are exposed to elements, the parapet wall is vulnerable to deterioration caused by extreme temperature changes, rain, and snow.

EDMAR recommends property owners have their parapet walls inspected twice a year, in spring and fall.

The design and construction of these walls is deceptively complex. For example, all types of masonry parapet wall copings must have adequate pitch and overhang to provide sufficient water drainage and to prevent staining of the wall beneath it.

EDMAR’s professionals can completely re-condition these walls by:

• removing existing coping (usually limestone or Terracotta tiles). The coping is cleaned, stored, and then re-installed over the new parapet wall and new flashings;
• removing existing roof flashing along the parapet wall is removed and installing new flashing installed once the parapet wall is re-built;
• dismantling the inside layers of the parapet wall to the flat roof level (in most cases), and rebuilding it using cleaned existing bricks in good condition and replace those that are not;
• dismantling the face brick of the parapet wall, cleaning and reusing them, and replacing those that are not. Unsalvageable bricks are replaced with new matching ones.

This is definitely a case of paying less now, or paying a good deal more later.

Edmar Corporation Masonry
4411 W Montrose Ave
Chicago, IL 60641
Phone: (847) 724-5600
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Media Contact
Company Name: Edmar Corporation Masonry
Contact Person: Edward Marciszewski
Email: Send Email
Phone: (847) 724-5600
Country: United States
Website: https://masonrytuckpointing.com