Brick walls and parapets are almost always topped with some kind of coping to prevent water from soaking in. This coping is the concrete, stone or aluminium fixed to the top that directs water away from the brick. As a bonus, copings usually add some architectural interest to the structure.
Of all the options for topping walls, aluminium copings provide the best solution in many situations. Here’s a look at why that is.
Aluminium Copings Provide Protection
Aluminium copings are an ideal way of protecting the top of any type of wall from the weather because the metal is so adaptable. A skilled fabricator can form aluminium wall copings into almost any shape needed. They can follow a curved or meandering wall, can be fitted to corners of any angle, and can be given a radiused or sloped top for good drainage.
Aluminium Copings Offer Strength and Durability
Aluminium is an interesting material. It’s naturally corrosion-resistant and ductile so it’s easily formed into whatever shape is needed. At the same time though, it’s also surprisingly strong. In fact, a kilo of aluminium is stronger than a kilo of steel.
That strength means aluminium cappings will withstand hail, rain and any other kind of impact, (within reason!) In short, when you put aluminium to work protecting your structure it’s going to last without regular maintenance.
Appearance of Aluminium Copings
Uncoated aluminium develops a grey patina of oxide that protects it from corrosion. It’s not especially attractive though, so the aluminium is usually given some form of coating. One of the great things about the material is that there are many options, including paint, powder coating and anodising.
Some architects like to colour aluminium wall copings to match other nearby features like window and door frame. Alternatively, selecting a contrasting colour is an effective way of adding visual interest and perhaps drawing the eye in a particular direction. (Don’t forget, this appearance flexibility extends to other aluminium architectural fabrications like fascia pieces.)
Weight of Aluminium Copings
Thanks to the high strength of the material, aluminium copings need only be 2 to 3 mm thick. Coupled with relatively low density, (for a metal) this results in pieces that are easily raised or carried up to rooftop level. That helps speed up construction and can lead to significant cost savings. (Would you rather be lifting stone pieces to the top of the roof?)
In some applications, lightweight copings may offer structural advantages too, especially when compared against the mass of stone or concrete otherwise needed.
HJA: Specialists in Aluminium Fabrications
A coping is essential for topping just about any exposed horizontal brick surface. It prevents water from soaking into the brick and so prevents unsightly efflorescence, (a white discolouration,) while at the same some adding that “finishing touch.”
At HJA Fabrications we produce an extensive range of aluminium copings along with related rainwater and gutter products, soffits, fascia pieces and cladding. Learn more by calling us at
