Parapet Repair & Rebuilding

  • Old Damaged Parapet: Peeling Finish Coat and Exposed Lath

  • New Moisture Barrier, Metal Lath, and Flashing

  • New Base Coat with Fiber Glass Mesh

  • New Acrylic Finish Coat with Brocade Texture

Parapets, the protective walls or barriers at the edge of a roof or terrace, are not only key architectural features but also serve vital safety and weatherproofing roles.

Over time, these structures can suffer from wear, weather damage, or structural issues, leading to water infiltration, decreased insulation, and potential safety hazards. The necessary repair approach depends on the condition of the existing parapets. In some cases, parapets may only need to be resurfaced with a base coat, mesh, and a new color coat to restore their integrity. However, in more severe circumstances, a full rebuild may be required, which involves breaking out the existing parapets, installing new metal lath and a moisture barrier, followed by a new base coat, mesh, and color coat.

For homes in climates with heavy snowfall, such as Los Alamos, Santa Fe, and Taos, additional moisture barriers can be incorporated to provide extra protection against prolonged exposure to snow and ice.

By addressing parapet issues proactively, homeowners can prevent costly interior and exterior water damage, enhance their home’s overall appearance, and ensure compliance with building safety codes. A parapet rebuild also offers an opportunity to upgrade with modern materials and techniques, further increasing the home's value and longevity.

In essence, maintaining or rebuilding parapets is an investment in preserving the home's beauty, safety, and durability.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • A parapet is the portion of the wall that extends above the roofline, commonly found on flat roof and Southwestern-style homes throughout New Mexico. Over time, parapets are highly exposed to sun, moisture, and temperature fluctuations, which can lead to cracking, delamination, and water intrusion. When structural damage or persistent leaks are present, parapet rebuilding is often the most reliable long-term solution.

  • If your parapet has deep cracks, loose stucco, soft substrate, or signs of water intrusion, rebuilding may be necessary to restore structural integrity. If the structure is still sound but the exterior finish is worn, faded, or lightly cracked, resurfacing can be a cost-effective option. At Terrapin Stucco, we perform a detailed inspection to determine whether targeted parapet resurfacing or full parapet reconstruction is the best approach.

  • Yes. Parapet damage is especially common in New Mexico due to intense UV exposure, monsoon moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and wind-driven rain. Homes in areas like Placitas, Santa Fe, and the East Mountains are particularly susceptible because parapets take direct weather exposure on all sides and often lack proper waterproofing or flashing from previous installations.

  • A professional parapet rebuild typically includes removal of damaged materials, inspection of the framing or block structure, installation of proper moisture barriers, metal lath reinforcement, new base coats, fiberglass mesh where needed, and a high-quality finish coat. We also address critical details such as slope correction and waterproofing to help prevent future moisture intrusion.

  • Rebuilding or resurfacing your parapets is not a substitute for full stucco replacement if the overall wall system is significantly deteriorated. However, it can greatly extend the lifespan of your existing stucco system and help you avoid a full replacement much sooner. Properly rebuilt and resurfaced parapets act as a critical protective barrier by preventing moisture and weather elements from entering at the roofline and traveling down into the walls, where hidden damage often begins. Addressing parapets also improves wall-to-roof transitions and flashing performance, reducing the risk of leaks and structural deterioration below. Scheduling a professional inspection is the best way to determine whether parapet rebuilding or resurfacing is the right solution for your home.

  • When properly installed using premium materials and correct waterproofing practices, a rebuilt or professionally resurfaced parapet can last many years in New Mexico’s climate. Longevity depends on exposure, maintenance, and installation quality, but high-performance systems designed for breathability and flexibility significantly outperform basic patch repairs.