acrotère
Page approvedn. m. · parapet (US) · parapet / upstand (UK, depending on the case)
Definition
Muret ou rebord qui borde le pourtour d'une toiture-terrasse, au-dessus de la dalle. Il reçoit le relevé d'étanchéité et est en général protégé en tête par une couvertine. Il peut aussi servir de garde-corps ou le supporter.
The low wall or upstand running along the edge of a flat roof, above the slab. It holds the waterproofing upturn and is usually capped with metal coping. It can also act as, or carry, a guardrail.
Diagram
Example sentences
Written (email, official document)
FRBonjour, merci de nous confirmer la hauteur de l'acrotère afin de caler le relevé d'étanchéité et la couvertine.
ENHello, please confirm the parapet height so that we can set the membrane upturn and the coping.
Spoken (standard)
FRLa hauteur de l'acrotère doit permettre un relevé d'étanchéité suffisant.
ENThe parapet height has to allow for a sufficient membrane upturn.
Spoken (informal)
FRFranchement, cet acrotère est trop bas, le relevé va pas passer.
ENHonestly, this parapet is too low, the upturn isn't going to fit.
Nuances and pitfalls
False friend. Acroterion exists in English, but refers to the ornament at the apex or corners of an ancient pediment. In a French office, “l'acrotère de la toiture” is about construction.
FR / EN nuance. Parapet means the wall in general; acrotère stresses its role in holding the waterproofing. In the UK, upstand may be more accurate for a low edge.
Related terms
couvertinerelevé d'étanchéitécostièretoiture-terrassegarde-corps pleindalleRegulatory and standard references
Legislation in force may differ from what is shown here.
Validation
- French term, register, FR sentences : ✓ validated
- US/UK equivalents and EN sentences : ✓ validated
- Diagram : ✓ validated
Reviewed by Raphaël B. · 2 Oct 2026
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