When planning walls with exposed top surfaces, always consider the type of coping or capping you’ll use. This is essential for weather protection, but there are factors too. Appearance, weight, installation speed and of course cost all enter into to the decision.
Aluminium is a very versatile material for coping. While perhaps not as “authentic” as stone, aluminium copings have a lot in their favour. Here’s a look at the benefits of aluminium copings vs stone copings.
Understand the Function of the Coping
We can’t compare stone and aluminium wall copings without understanding their function. The coping is the strip of material finishing off the top of a wall. Every wall needs something on the top to direct water away, but this is particularly important for brick walls and especially brick parapets.
A coping projects out over the vertical edge of the wall. This ensures water drips off rather than running down the building or structure surface. In contrast, a capping is the same width as the wall underneath. In some non-brick structures this may be an appropriate finishing method.
Copings and cappings must be waterproof. This can be difficult, given that they are exposed to sun, rain and temperature changes. Depending on conditions, a coping will need periodic inspection and perhaps some maintenance.
Coping Durability
Natural stone is hard-wearing but has two weaknesses. First, it’s usually installed with a combination of mortar and anchor bolts. These last until water gets in. At that point freeze-thaw quickly loosens the joint. Second, it’s only strong in compression and readily cracked by twisting forces.
Aluminium copings are very durable, thanks to their corrosion-resistance and strength. Aluminium does expand in high temperatures and the installation method must take this into account. However, properly sealed joints will hold water at bay for years. In terms of durability the two are even.
Coping Weight
Here aluminium wall copings and cappings have the advantage. Natural stone is very heavy, and artificial stone coping (a.k.a. concrete,) heavier still. Aluminium is more dense but aluminium copings need only be 2 to 3mm thick, which makes them much lighter. (This is one reason aluminium is used in a range of architectural fabrications such as fascia panels.)
Time to Install Coping
Aluminium cappings and copings are usually fabricated away from the construction site. That speeds installation compared to stone which often needs cutting and polishing at corners and intersections. In addition, it’s easier and faster to lift aluminium fabrications to roof height than it is stone.
Coping Appearance
Natural stone is a beautiful material and there are situations where it’s the only choice on this basis alone. However, aluminium provides great versatility in finish and can be coloured to almost any shade required. This opens up more opportunities to create visual interest in a building. Verdict? It depends on what you’re looking for.
Coping Cost
No question, stone is expensive to buy and install. It may also increase building maintenance costs. Aluminium wall copings are definitely less expensive.
Bespoke Architectural Fabrications
Unless the project really needs stone, go with aluminium wall copings. They are durable, offer lots of appearance options, and are less expensive. We specialise in aluminium fabrications for architectural applications like gutters, soffits, fascias and of course copings. Contact Us for more information.
