Wall Coping Manufacturers List & Website Directory

By Jack Gray, Roof Online Editor • Last updated August 6, 2024

To learn more about wall coping, see our Wall Coping and Types of Wall Coping articles.

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Metal coping being installed on a roof parapet wall.
Snap Lock metal coping by Bensalem Metal

Wall coping is the protective component or multi-component system on the top of a wall, typically slanted or curved to shed water; its purpose is primarily to protect the wall from water infiltration from above. Wall coping is made from a number of different materials, including metal, stone, concrete, and terracotta. In roofing, coping is most often found on parapet walls, which are (typically low) walls along the edge of a roof, balcony, or terrace. In addition to protecting the wall itself, the coping on a parapet wall may also serve to secure the edge of a single-ply roof membrane.

Here are a few things to consider when selecting parapet wall coping:

  1. Waterproofing: Coping needs to prevent water from entering the wall (and sometimes the roof system itself). The coping should shed rainwater and direct it away from the wall (and usually away from the roof as well). Coping should reduce the risk of water infiltration into the wall, which can lead to leaks and possible structural damage.
  2. Thermal Expansion: Coping materials, especially metal ones, should be designed and installed to allow for thermal expansion and contraction. The materials used to construct roofs and walls will expand and contract along with the ambient temperature changes. Properly-designed coping systems will allow for this movement while avoiding damage.
  3. Aesthetics: Besides its functional roles, coping provides an opportunity to accent the appearance of the building. It is often designed and finished in a style and color that matches the rest of the trim on the building.
  4. Wind Resistance: On roofs that use single-ply membranes, coping is often used to secure and protect the perimeter edge of the roof membrane. If this is the case, the coping is required to comply with ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 (Test Standard for Edge Systems Used with Low Slope Roofing Systems).

Wall coping is a key component in the roof systems that use it, especially if it doubles as roof membrane edge securement. The edge of the roof is where most wind-caused catastrophic roof failures start, so coping design, material selection, and installation are critical for ensuring the longevity and integrity of both the roof and the building.

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If you are a reputable and qualified wall coping manufacturer and feel that we’ve overlooked your company, feel free to contact us to ask to be added to this list.

Wall Coping Manufacturers List