Building Construction – Name of the concrete protection atop an external wall What is the term for the protective layer or cover of concrete placed on the exposed top of an external wall to throw off rainwater and prevent ingress?

Introduction / Context:
External wall tops are vulnerable to rainwater ingress. A specially shaped protective cover is provided to shed water away and protect the wall core. Knowing the correct term ensures accurate specifications, tendering, and detailing.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Exposed top of an external wall or parapet.
• Concrete (or stone) protective element shaped with slope and drips.
• Function is weather protection, not decoration alone.

Concept / Approach:
“Coping” is the protective capping on top of a wall; it is usually weathered (sloped) with a drip groove to prevent water from returning under the underside. It differs from architectural mouldings meant mainly for ornamentation.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify component: protective capping placed on wall tops.Match function: water shedding and protection → coping.Exclude decorative or structural terms like cornice, frieze, lintel.

Verification / Alternative check:
Construction manuals show coping stones or cast-in-place copings with throating to prevent capillary return and staining.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Cornice: a projecting ornamental moulding, typically at eaves/entablature.
• Frieze: horizontal decorative band below a cornice.
• Lintel: horizontal structural member above openings.
• Parapet capping is a descriptive phrase but the standard term is “coping”.

Common Pitfalls:
Omitting drip grooves leads to water tracking and staining; inadequate slope reduces performance. Materials can be concrete, stone, metal, or precast units.

Final Answer:
Coping