Load capacity of balconies: how much load can it withstand?

Balconies are particularly popular with rental apartments because they are often the only way to be outside, to eat, to relax or to celebrate parties. However, balconies cannot withstand unlimited loads.

Balcony constructions

There are several ways in which balconies are built and how they withstand stress.

• Unsupported: The balconies are not connected to the house. The main load is therefore on the supports of the balcony. Wooden balconies are often built subsequently.
  
• Partly self-supporting: The balcony is connected to the facade, for example by special suspensions, but it also has supports. The load capacity is thus also determined by the condition of the facade or wall.
  
• Integrated: The balconies are already taken into account when planning the new building. It is much easier to plan and ensure an appropriate load capacity in advance.

Requirements

The legal requirements do not differentiate according to construction or material. The same applies to all variants: The balcony construction must be able to carry between 300 and 400 kg per square meterwithout giving in. In the planning, however, certain securities are also included, so that it is extremely rare for balconies to collapse. When such a disaster happens, it is often because the constructions are outdated.

material

The material plays a major role in resilience. wood is a natural raw material, but it does not withstand high loads as well as reinforced concrete or metal. In addition, wooden beams react more strongly to the weather. Moisture penetrating unnoticed is particularly dangerous. Wooden constructions therefore have to be replaced more often than balconies made of other materials.

Bigger loads

The average family who eats breakfast on their balcony has no influence on their resilience. The weight is distributed over a larger area. The situation is different if you set up a paddling pool or sandpit for the children. At a height of 10 cm and an area of ​​one square meter, water already weighs 100 kg. Wet sand can also be extremely heavy.

Liability

In principle, the house owner is responsible for ensuring that the balconies can withstand loads. However, the tenant of an apartment has an obligation to cooperate. If he notices any changes to his balcony, he must inform the landlord of this. The following applies to homeowners: Depending on whether the balcony was taken into account in the planning of the house or was built later, structural engineers and architects are also liable. The house builder must be able to rely on the fact that he has been given the correct specifications and plans.

Note: If a balcony falls due to a material defect, the supplier or Manufacturer of the building material responsible.

Control of the balcony

Larger damage can be noticed more quickly. It is important to also pay attention to the minor damage. In reinforced concrete, there may be the first small cracks. Rust shows up on metal structures. Wood can rot or be attacked by pests. This can be recognized by the small heaps of sawdust that collect under the balcony structure or small holes in the beams or Boards.

Note: Balconies can withstand stress longer if they are well cared for. You can easily replace rust inhibitors for metal or wood protection paints yourself.

frequently asked Questions