The Texas Building Code requires that decks and balconies support a minimum live load of 40 psf (pounds per square foot). The Texas Building Code does not distinguish between true and false balconies in this regard. If they have any deck surface, that deck surface should safely support 40 psf across the entire surface simultaneously. (By the way, it’s difficult to get this kind of even and simultaneous load without flooding your deck.) 40 psf is also the minimum safe live load bearing weight for residential floors. Reading this, you may wonder why the floor hasn’t collapsed under you yet, since most everyone over 4 years of age weighs more than 40 pounds and generally stands in a space less than a square foot.

Live load is the transitory, variable load on a surface. Under the Texas Building Code, decks, balconies, floors and other surfaces also must support “dead” loads, which include the weight of the structures themselves. 40 psf live load is an “average” of the estimated transitory live load over time. 40 psf is also the minimum safe requirement for a live load; most structures actually will support a much higher average psf before there’s danger of a balcony collapse. Balconies, decks and floors will almost never reach a full live load of 40 psf across their entire surface unless they are uniformly flooded with at least 8 inches of water. And at any given time, individual spots on the deck, balcony, or floor can support much higher psf without danger of balcony collapse so long as the recommended live load psf has not been exceeded across the entire surface at one time.

For instance, an adult woman in stiletto heels might exert a pressure of 36,000 psf under her tiny heel points, but the balcony or floor will not collapse beneath her. But the larger your deck, floor or balcony surface area, the more supports you must place underneath the visible floor for it to adequately support the safe live load psf.

Basically, even a “false” Juliet balcony (if properly built and attached to a dwelling unit) should be able to support the simultaneous weight of 3 men in their 20s leaning upon the balcony rail. But not all structures are permitted, built, attached or inspected properly. When in doubt, step back and admire a deck or balcony from a distance. You don’t want to risk life and limb on a balcony collapse. Just because the Texas Building Code says that a structure should support your weight, doesn’t mean that it actually will.

Balcony and deck collapses occur on a regular basis even in brand new structures, often due to poor maintenance, design or construction (in other words, various types of negligence). If you have been injured in a balcony collapse and you have questions, please call us for your free legal consultation. Tony Denena and Chad Points have extensive experience successfully representing clients in structural collapse cases. We could answer your questions and help you explore your legal options. We could help you obtain the financial recovery you need to meet your medical expenses and move on with your life after the balcony collapse accident. Call now: let us help you rebuild your future.