How to choose a concrete wall cap profile

What a wall cap actually does

A wall cap is the finished top course of a masonry wall. Its first job is to shed water away from the wall so moisture does not sit on top and work its way down into the block or brick below, where freeze-thaw cycles can crack it over time. Its second job is to give the wall a clean, intentional finish. The profile you choose affects both.

The four profiles, and when to use each

• Peaked: a pitched top that sheds water to both sides. The best all-around choice for free-standing walls exposed to weather, and our most popular profile.
• Chamfered: a clean angled edge that gives a crisp, modern line. A good fit for contemporary architecture where you still want some water run-off.
• Flat: a simple flat top, the most versatile look, and available in the widest range of sizes. Common where the cap sits under cover or where a minimalist look is wanted.
• Flat bullnosed: a flat top with a softly rounded edge, for a more traditional or finished feel along the top of a wall.

Match the cap width to your wall

The cap should be at least as wide as the wall, and usually a little wider so it overhangs slightly and throws water clear of the face. Measure the finished width of your wall, including any veneer, then choose a cap width that covers it with a small overhang on each side.

Our wall cap catalog lists every stock width and length with weights and product codes, so you can match a cap to your wall exactly. If your wall is an unusual width, this is where the in-house mold shop comes in, we cast custom caps to any size.

Think about colour and finish

Caps are available in a range of colours, with pigment mixed through the body of the concrete rather than painted on, so the colour holds up outdoors for decades. Pick a colour that complements the wall and the building, and request a physical sample before you commit to a large order.