Bay Window - What is this called and what is its purpose?

[Gimpymoo]

Not my house, too lazy to take a photo but what is the bit atop of the bay window called?

Is it just for decoration or does it have a purpose?

Ours is looking in a sorry state, the elements have took their tole and it needs to be replaced/repaired?

What is it, plaster/masonary?

Thanks for any input.

 

[paintguy]

I believe it's called a parapet, for decoration and to stop rainwater flowing over the edge of the bay, so that it doesn't need guttering all the way around.

That's about as far as my knowledge goes I'm afraid.

 

[a1ex2001]

As above. It is probably brick with a concrete render so likely repai will be to chip back and replace the render where it has failed. It is an original period feature so it is always a good idea to repair and retain whenever possible.

 

[Maccapacca]

Probably be a lead roof over behind with an outlet somewhere. The lead will be just as tired as the render so check it out.

 

[Gimpymoo]

Thanks for the replies.

We have had guttering all the way round since we moved in.

Will look at getting it re-rendered. I like to keep period features where practical but not sure if this makes a big difference?

All the other houses near mine have had them removed