Commercial Building Inspector B2Wall Construction and Wall CoveringsMedium
A commercial building inspector is reviewing plans for a parapet wall on a new commercial building with a membrane roof. What is the minimum height required for a parapet wall above the roof surface, as measured to the top of the parapet, for buildings not exceeding 30 feet in height?
- A18 inches
- B6 inches
- C12 inches
- D24 inches
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 24 inches
According to IBC Section 1503.4, parapet walls shall be not less than 24 inches in height above the roof surface for buildings not exceeding 30 feet in height, unless an alternative is approved.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 18 inches is below the minimum required height for a parapet wall in this context.
- B. 6 inches is generally too low for a parapet wall to provide adequate protection or fire separation.
- C. 12 inches is insufficient for the minimum height of a parapet wall in this scenario.
Parapet Wall Minimum Height
Parapet walls extending above the roof line serve various purposes, including fire separation and fall protection, and have specific minimum height requirements based on building characteristics.
- Primarily for fire separation or fall protection.
- Height varies with building height and type.
- Minimum 24 inches for buildings not exceeding 30 feet in height (IBC 1503.4).
Memory trick: Parapet's Peak: Protection's Precise Proportion.