Balconies are particularly popular in rented apartments because they are often the only way to be outside, to eat, to relax or to celebrate parties. However, balconies do not withstand unlimited loads.

In a nutshell

  • Building material mostly wood, concrete or metal
  • Structures can be free-floating or supported
  • Load limits are quickly reached at certain points
  • Material ages, load capacity decreases
  • regular monitoring of the condition is important

balcony constructions

There are several variants of how balconies are built and how they withstand loads.

Balcony already integrated during construction
  • Cantilever: Balconies are not connected to the house. The main load is thus on the supports of the balcony. Wooden balconies are often built later.
  • Partially self-supporting: The balcony is connected to the facade, for example by means of special suspensions, but it also has supports. The load is thus also determined by the condition of the facade or the 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 from the outset.

Requirements

The legal requirements do not differentiate between construction or material. The same applies to all variants: The balcony construction must be able to support between 300 and 400 kg per square meter, without giving in. However, certain safeguards are also included in the planning, so that it is extremely rare for balconies to collapse. When such an accident happens, it is often because the constructions are outdated.

material

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

Bigger loads

An average family that has 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. Water weighs 100 kg at a height of 10 cm and an area of one square meter. Wet sand can also be extremely heavy.

liability

In principle, the homeowner is responsible for ensuring that the balconies can withstand loads. However, the tenant of an apartment has a duty to cooperate. If he notices changes on his balcony, he must inform the landlord. The following applies to house owners: Depending on whether the balcony was taken into account when planning the house or was built later, structural engineers and architects are also liable. The house builder must be able to rely on the right specifications and plans being made for him.

Notice: If a balcony falls due to a material defect, the supplier or manufacturer of the building material may also be responsible.

Control of the balcony

Major damage can be noticed more quickly. It is important to pay attention to the minor damage. In reinforced concrete, there may be the first small cracks. Rust will show up on metal structures. Wood can rot or be attacked by pests. This can be recognized by small piles of sawdust that collect under the balcony construction or small holes in the beams or boards.

Notice: Balconies can withstand loads longer if they are well cared for. Rust inhibitors for metal or wood protection paints can easily be renewed by yourself.

frequently asked Questions

What should be considered with the balcony railing?

This also has a certain load limit, which is specified horizontally per meter and is around 50 kg. No more people are allowed to lean against the railing, otherwise it could break.

When is caution appropriate?

It is difficult for laypersons to determine when the load-bearing capacity of the balcony has been reached. Wooden balconies can sag before falling completely. At the latest when there are unusual noises in the construction, a closer look must be taken.

What should be considered at parties?

The load should be distributed over the entire surface if possible. Heavy objects can also play a role at parties. For example, water basins or stacked crates of drinks.

What can be stored on the balcony?

Basically everything that is not too heavy, i.e. ordinary garden furniture or a grill. The situation is different as soon as something is stacked on top of one another in a small area. This includes crates of drinks or firewood.

Category:

Garden design