External masonry

Coping Stone

A coping stone is a shaped stone placed along the top of an exposed wall or parapet to protect the masonry below by shedding rainwater.

Copes may be flat, sloped, saddleback or rounded, and usually project beyond the wall faces. Drips or throatings beneath the edges help prevent water from running back onto the masonry.

On Edinburgh boundary walls and parapets, cracked joints, displaced copes or failed pointing can allow water into the wall head. Repeated saturation may contribute to frost damage, staining and loose masonry.

Repairs should preserve effective falls, overhangs and weathered joints. Replacement stone needs to be compatible in durability, appearance and dimensions rather than acting as a decorative cap alone.

Property types

Commonly found in

Tenement Georgian Townhouse Victorian Villa Terraced House Traditional Cottage Georgian Flat Converted Flat Detached House Semi-detached House

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