How to Install Aluminium Coping (Step-by-Step)

Here at Online Metal Store in Chelmsford, we know how important it is to protect your walls from water damage while keeping things looking sharp. Whether you're a contractor, a tradesperson, or just handy with DIY, installing aluminium coping is one of the smartest decisions you can make.

Let's walk you through the full step-by-step guide based on what we've seen work best for our UK customers. We've also included extra insights, pro tips, and common mistakes to avoid so you can complete your installation with confidence.

Why Aluminium Coping?

If you've ever seen damp patches forming on a parapet wall, you'll know how fast water can cause damage. Coping is the protective cap that sits on top of a wall, shielding it from rain and moisture.

We recommend aluminium because it's strong, lightweight, rust-resistant, and looks clean. It's especially useful in the UK's varied climate especially handling rain, frost, and strong winds without corroding or cracking.

Aluminium coping is also low maintenance and customisable. We offer various widths, finishes, and colours to match your project needs whether you're finishing a modern residential build or upgrading a heritage site.

Step 1: Gather Everything You Need

Before you get started, make sure you have the following materials and tools ready:

• Aluminium coping lengths (from our UK-stocked range)
  

• Coping brackets (spaced at 1-metre centres, only closer for very high buildings)
  

• 2 strips of EPDM foam tape per joint
  

• Fixings: masonry fixings or timber fixings into 18mm WBP external grade plywood
  

• Measuring tape
  

• Power drill
  

• Spirit level
  

• Aluminium saw or hacksaw
  

• Gloves, goggles, pencil, file
  

• A clean rag and cleaning spray

Tip: Lay out your materials near the wall in order of installation to save time on larger jobs.

Step 2: Take Proper Measurements

This is one of the most critical steps. Measure the full length of your parapet wall and check the width at multiple points. Walls can shift slightly or have inconsistent widths, especially on older buildings.

Always round up slightly and allow an extra 2 - 3mm gap between each coping section to allow for expansion and contraction.

Pro Insight: For corners, take measurements both ways and account for mitered joints. If unsure, our support team can walk you through the best coping corner configurations.

Step 3: Cut the Coping to Fit

Mark your aluminium coping using a pencil and straight edge. Use a saw designed for metal cutting (like a hacksaw or mitre saw with an aluminium blade) to get a clean finish.

Don't forget to file down the edges after cutting this prevents injury and ensures tight-fitting joints later on.

Extra Tip: If your project includes long runs, label your cut pieces based on the order of installation. This reduces mix-ups during fitting.

Step 4: Install Brackets Securely

Spacing and alignment are key. Brackets should be fixed every 1 metre closer spacing (e.g., 500–600mm) is only necessary for very high buildings.

Under each joint between coping lengths, install a bracket fitted with two strips of EPDM foam tape, one on each side of the 2–3mm expansion gap. This system allows water to run down the middle of the gap, creating a built-in water management system.

Use a spirit level to keep everything straight. Mark hole positions with a pencil and drill pilot holes before securing brackets.

On-Site Note: If your wall has a slight curve, use adjustable or flexible brackets where available. We stock several options suited to both flat and contoured surfaces.

Step 5: No Need for Sealant or Silicone

Unlike older methods, this installation system does not require any sealant or silicone. The EPDM foam tape and bracket system manage water naturally and effectively.

Just ensure all surfaces are clean and dry before placing coping sections.

Step 6: Fit the Aluminium Coping

Carefully place each coping section onto the brackets, pressing down firmly. Double-check alignment as you go. Use a spirit level to keep everything consistent.

Each coping section should sit snugly against the next, with a 2–3 mm gap in between for expansion. These gaps will also help drain water when used with EPDM foam tape.

Visual Check: From the ground, coping should appear uniform and evenly spaced.

Step 7: Fasten the Coping Sections

Secure each coping piece using masonry fixings or timber fixings into the plywood layer (18mm WBP external grade) that's fixed on or into the brick wall.

Tighten fixings evenly avoid over-tightening, which can damage the coping or affect bracket alignment.

Installer Reminder: If using powder-coated coping, handle with care to avoid surface scratches.

Step 8: Inspect and Clean Up

Once everything is installed, take 10 - 15 minutes to walk around and inspect the coping. Look out for:

• Any loose fixings

• Misaligned coping

• Gaps that are too wide or too tight

• Protective films left on

Wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dust, fingerprints, and marks.

Finishing Touch: Send us your project photos, we love showcasing customer installations on our site!

Maintenance Tips from the Online Metal Store Team

Coping is low maintenance, but here's how to keep it in top shape:

• Inspect twice a year (spring and autumn)
  

• Rinse with soapy water to remove grime or bird droppings
  

• Check fixings and joint alignment after storms

UK Climate Reminder: The UK's heavy rainfall makes proper wall protection crucial, these checks extend lifespan and prevent costly repairs.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Here's what we've seen go wrong:

❌ Miscalculating measurements

❌ Forgetting expansion gaps

❌ Using indoor materials

❌ Skipping EPDM tape

❌ Not levelling each bracket

❌ Over-tightening fixings

Take your time and follow this guide, your coping will last for years and look great doing it.