AskCodeMan

Is a balcony 4' wall, installed at the juncture of balcony deck and roof, considered a parapet wall?
Thanks Jack

Could be a parapet wall if configured that way - do you have a photo or a drawing you can post so I can visualize or see what you are describing?

Example of different configurations:

Example a) Deck is recessed into roof structure with wall at back of deck, wall extends up back of deck to roof - this would not be a parapet wall.

Example b) Deck is recessed into roof structure with wall at back of deck, wall extends up back of deck to roof and extends above roof - this would be a parapet wall.

Example c) Deck if flat with roof structure and a wall divides the deck from the roof area - this would be a parapet wall.

Jack,

I drew the attached to show an example of parapet walls at a deck recessed into a roof slope.

The back wall, which is flush with the roof in my drawing, is not a parapet wall - however - if that back wall extended up past the roof deck surface, yes, that could also be a parapet wall.

Jerry

I know it's a parapet wall, however, in my area I rarely see these walls with proper coping other than stucco. I've had building dept inspectors say the coping is beneath the stucco. So the purpose of my question is basically a sanity check.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Jack

Jack,

You are correct - those require a coping and the coping is not below the stucco.

For the coping to be below the stucco on the top of the parapet wall, the coping would need to exit the side of the parapet wall and drain out over the stucco on the sides of the parapet wall ... and there is no stucco accessory made for that purpose ... and no accessory drip edge is visible where one would be.

Want me to send a detail to the AHJ and ask for their detail on it?

Thanks Jerry, I'll take care of it