Parapet Roof Measurements

Top of parapet below cap to be sealed with fluid applied flashing.

Parapet roof measurements.

Minimum of 12 to top of parapet. Measuring a flat roof on a typical commercial building with a parapet can be arduous and complicated. First of all commercial and multi unit residential buildings are a lot bigger than single family homes in most cases. In order for a roof parapet to provide adequate fall protection a roof parapet railing should be at least 42 in height.

A parapet height of 29 inches where employees are exposed to falls from a roof does not comply with the height requirement in 29 cfr 1910 23 e 1 and can not be considered acceptable by osha. Height of roofing at wall. 2015 ibc code commentary. Do not lap tpo over top of parapet unless required by unique construction conditions.

However when a roof slopes down toward an exterior wall and parapet with a slope greater than 2 12 further analysis is required to determine if a taller parapet is necessary. Know your measurements before you arrive and gain the confidence you need to expedite critical projects without ever having to set foot on a roof. Unfortunately many buildings get close to this height without quite meeting the height required by osha to provide fall protection. Also there may be several roof penetrations and other obstacles that should be factored into the measurement.