Parapet - Parapet Roofs

Parapet Roofs

Parapets surrounding roofs are extremely common in London. This dates from the Building Act of 1707 which banned projecting wooden eaves in the cities of Westminster and London as a fire risk. Instead an 18-inch brick parapet was required, with the roof set behind. This was continued in many Georgian houses, as it gave the appearance of a flat roof which accorded with the desire for classical proportions.

The Mosaic law also prescribed parapets for newly constructed houses as a safety measure (Deuteronomy 22:8).