New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 14 - HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION
Chapter 7 - BUILDING CODES GENERAL
Part 4 - 2021 NEW MEXICO EARTHEN BUILDING MATERIALS CODE
Section 14.7.4.29 - PARAPETS

A. Plastered parapets, whether of CEB or frame construction, shall require a seamless but permeable waterproof cover or weather barrier, capping the entire parapet and wrapping over each side. The cover shall extend past the bond beam a minimum of four inches on the wall side. On the roof side, the cover shall properly lap any rising roof felts or membranes and be properly sealed. A layer of expanded metal lath shall be installed over the cover before plaster or stucco is applied. The lath shall extend past the bond beam on the wall side a minimum of five inches and on the roof side the same distance as the cover below, allowing for plaster stops or seals. No penetrating fasteners are allowed on the horizontal surface of parapets.

B. Exposed parapets of CEB shall be laid in level courses of fully stabilized block and mortar. Bed and head joints shall be fully grouted and tightly tooled. Bedding joints at bond beams and around vents and canales shall be fully grouted and tightly tooled. The horizontal top of exposed CEB parapets shall be covered with a minimum three-fourths inch layer of fully stabilized mortar, troweled to conform to the parapet. Water proof sealers are allowed, providing they are permeable. Other parapet covers, such as flagstone, Spanish mission tile or cement mortar are allowed providing they are securely attached to the parapet. A scaled, sectional drawing shall be provided to the building official showing the attachment scheme.