Residential Roof Parapet Wall Design

Roof terraces are one of the dreams of modernist architecture but have not seen the popularity of parapet roofs due to their complexity and the difficulties associated with overlooking provisions written into residential design codes.

Residential roof parapet wall design.

Modern flat roofs with parapet walls. If unavoidable get further direction from design team before proceeding. The main roof beyond has a coping cap flashing piece over the parapet wall. The addition of a parapet makes a flat roof far safer providing a small barrier that provides additional security to reduce the likelihood of anyone standing the roof falling over the edge.

This is a tricky thing to execute and as such we design into the upper parapet assembly a. The first example below shows a hybrid of traditional flat roofs. Strive to avoid penetrations through top of the parapet wall. The international codes i codes are the widely accepted comprehensive set of model codes used in the us and abroad to help ensure the engineering of safe sustainable affordable and resilient structures.

Likewise strive to avoid balloon framing of the parapet wall. If unavoidable get further direction from the design team before. Connect the water control element layer of the roof to the wall the air control element layer of the roof to the wall the vapor control element layer of the roof to the wall and finally the thermal control element layer of the roof to the wall.