Architectural Copings and Wall Caps

While the terms are often used interchangeably, a 'coping' specifically refers to the protective top course of a wall that sheds water. A 'cap' is a more general term for any protective top on an architectural element, like a pier or post. In short, all copings are caps, but not all caps are copings. Our products protect the joints in both.

On a roof, coping is the cap on a parapet wall—a low protective wall along the roof's edge. This coping prevents water from entering the top of the parapet and directs it to the roof's drainage system. Our products are vital for protecting the sealant in these exposed coping joints from failure due to weather and movement.

WEATHERCAP is a soft lead strip installed over sealant in a masonry joint. It acts as a shield, protecting the sealant from UV radiation, direct moisture, and physical stress. This significantly extends the sealant's service life and prevents premature failure or 'margin checking' at the edges of the joint, ensuring a durable, weatherproof seal.

Absolutely. While widely used in historic restoration, WEATHERCAP is also ideal for new construction projects requiring long-term masonry joint protection. It provides a durable seal for copings, parapets, and cornices, accommodating initial building settlement and thermal movement from the outset to prevent future issues.

Type A (Flat Cap) is designed for joints between masonry units on the same plane, such as the top joints of a coping or the cross joints on a cornice. Type B (90° Cove Cap) is engineered for right-angle joints, like where a cornice meets a vertical wall, at the base of a window sill, or where treads and risers meet on steps.

Yes, all WEATHERCAP products can be painted to match the surrounding masonry or architectural design specifications. If left unpainted, the soft lead naturally oxidizes to a neutral grey color that blends seamlessly with most stone and masonry materials, providing a discreet and aesthetically pleasing appearance over time.