Floors/Ceiling Failure

Common Terms:

• Uniform Load: Force evenly distributed over a relatively large area (i.e. a waterbed)

• Concentrated (Point) Load: Force localized over a relatively small area (i.e. a load bearing post or woman's spiked-heel shoe)

• Dead Load: Weight of permanent components, such as, roofs, walls, floor, etc.

• Live Load: Superimposed by use and occupancy, such as, people furniture, etc.

Common Problems:

• Improper design dies not account for the load the floor must support

• Improper construction that increases span of framing or decreases size of framing members

• User applies more load than anticipated for type of occupancy

• Structural weakening by wood rot due to water intrusion and ponding

Potential Damage:

• Ponding of water on exterior surfaces, such as, balconies or roofs

• Cracking of finishes, such as, stucco or gypsum board

• Walking surface excessively sloped and springy

• Squeaking floors

Typical Solutions:

• Add full-depth blocking between framing members to help spread out concentrated load to adjacent members (does not help for uniform loads)

• Add additional framing members to reduce the amount of load to each member

• Provide additional support beneath the floor to reduce the span

Information provided by Building Analysts, a full-service architectural and engineering firm with many years of experience in construction litigation. Their services include: architectural and structural investigations, repair recommendations, preparation of exhibits and expert testimony. Contact Building Analysts Toll Free at: (800) 352-1497.