Roof Parapet Height Code

Parapets are a combination of wall and roof pressures.

Roof parapet height code.

Parapet corrective work must be performed in conjunction with the installation of tension roof anchors. The exact height of the parapet is not factored into the roof wind uplift calculations but if the parapet is 3 or higher the perimeter values can be used at the corners lowering the uplift requirements for that portion of the roof area. The minimum height of a parapet above any wall anchor shall be 12 inches 305 mm. Buildings greater than 22 feet 6706 mm in height with roof slopes less than 2 4 units vertical in 12 units horizontal 20 percent slope shall be provided with a parapet railing fence or combination thereof not less than 42 inches 1067 mm in height.

If a reinforced concrete beam is provided at the top of the wall the minimum height above the wall anchor may be 6 inches 152 mm. The minimum height of a parapet wall above the roof surface is 30 inches. 2015 ibc code commentary. In order for a roof parapet to provide adequate fall protection a roof parapet railing should be at least 42 in height.