A parapet wall is a low or dwarf wall built along the edge of a roof, terrace, walkway, balcony, or other elevated surface. It is an upward extension of a wall that serves several purposes, including safety, aesthetics, and protection of the building and equipment. Parapet walls can be constructed using different materials like reinforced cement concrete, brick, steel, aluminum, glass, etc. There are different types of parapet walls, including:

• Plain Parapet Walls: This is a general type of parapet that is a vertical extension of the wall at the edge of the roof. It is specially provided for safety concerns and is easy to construct and maintain.

• Perforated Parapet Walls: This is an extension of the wall like plain parapet, but in this case, the extended wall portion is perforated with different sized openings, considering the aesthetic appearance of the structure.

• Paneled Parapet Walls: This type of parapet is similar to plain parapets, but the difference is that parapets are ornamented with a series of panel designs on the outside of the parapet wall.

• Embattled Parapet Walls: These parapets are typically used for castles, forts, etc. They have alternative low and raised portions and strategic perforations provided in the parapet.

Parapet walls were originally used to defend buildings from military attack, but today they are primarily used as guard rails, to conceal rooftop equipment, reduce wind loads on the roof, and to prevent the spread of fires. They can also be used to provide an aesthetic look to a structure, typically increasing its curb appeal.