General Contractor Practice Exam

What is the minimum height requirement for a parapet masonry wall used as a fire block?

1. 24 inches

2. 30 inches

3. 36 inches

4. 42 inches

The correct answer is: 30 inches

The minimum height requirement for a parapet masonry wall utilized as a fire block is 30 inches. This height is established to ensure adequate fire safety and containment. A parapet wall, which extends above the roofline, serves multiple purposes, including preventing the spread of flames across rooftops and providing a required barrier to assist in fire containment. In construction codes and fire safety regulations, the specific height of a parapet wall is crucial in restricting the lateral spread of fire, especially in closely spaced buildings. The 30-inch height requirement helps ensure that the parapet is tall enough to effectively obstruct flames and embers, thereby enhancing the overall safety of the structure. When considering the other height options, while heightening the parapet wall may offer additional fire safety benefits, 30 inches has been determined to be the minimum adequate height as per building code regulations for it to function effectively as a fire block.