Have you ever noticed that most brick or stone walls tend to have a flat slab of stone (or sometimes with a peak in the middle) covering their top surface? These are what is known as coping stones. Coping stones can be used for a few different reasons and offer more than simply a decorative purpose.
Read on below as we tell you all you need to know about coping stones in this brief guide.
What is the Purpose of Coping Stones?
As we’ve already mentioned, coping stones are flat or sometimes slightly peaked stones that are used to crown free-standing walls - think of pier caps, but for a wall. Of course, not all walls have these, but they are certainly recommended for walls surrounding a property and to make walls more long lasting.
The main purpose of copings is to act as a form of wall protection. By sitting on top of a wall, they prevent weather damage to the stone or bricks below by shedding water away from the wall to stop it from seeping into the bricks. This is important, since water saturation can damage the bricks and water by causing them to flake and crumble on the surface, as well as potentially damaging the structural integrity in especially bad instances.
In addition to this, cast stone copings have the benefit of adding a neat, decorative finish to a wall. You can even get different kinds of decorative coping stones to fit in with the design of your property, which also adds to its curbside appeal.
What Are the Different Types of Copings?
Flat Copings
As the name suggests, flat copings are, well… flat. This means that the wall will have a level surface, making these ideal to use if railings will also be installed on top of the wall or if you want the wall to also provide a seating space (e.g. if it is used in the garden).
In order to stop rain from running down the sides of the wall given its flat shape, a drip channel is placed under each coping on both of its sides, with there needing to be a minimum of 30mm of overhang on either side of the wall.
Once Weathered Copings
Once weathered copings are designed to guide water in one direction away from the wall. They often have a peak then slant downwards towards one side of the wall, typically directed whichever side it is more favourable for the water to go.
Twice Weathered Copings
Twice weathered copings, unlike single weathered copings, guide water away from the wall on both sides. These copings have a peak in the middle and slant downwards on either side to promote maximum water run-off.
Shropshire Brick & Stone
Have you got a wall that needs protecting with coping stones? Look no further than Shropshire Brick & Stone. We have a range of options for quality cast stone copings, including flat, curved, once weathered and twice weathered copings depending on your requirements, all available in a range of decorative stone designs.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today for more information and to arrange a consultation.