wood framed parapet wall

huangyhg

wood framed parapet wall
i'm designing a 2 story wood framed, brick veneer building with a roof deck.  i would like to use a 4' tall parapet wall as the rail.  how can this parapet wall be laterally supported?  should i balloon frame the second floor walls to use continuous cantilevered studs throught the parapet?  is there an easy bearing condition for the roof joists with balloon framed walls?
thanks
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i would balloon frame the second floor studs, and use a ledger beam to support the roof rafters.  depending on the load, you may need to use lag screws, instead of nails or wood screws, to connect the ledger board to each stud.  you can use joist hangers to connect the rafters to the ledger board.
daveatkins
i think the way to brace this parapet is to design the parapet separately from the wall below.  especially when the parapet might have different expansion then the wall below.  i would knee brace the parapet to the structure below.
good luck
structural01   
i would balloon frame the wall to create the parapet. then use a ledger or blocking to support the roof.
rik
we usually use kickers that are usually integral with crickets for drainage. either will work if done right
good luck