International Code Council Building Safety Bulletin
For Immediate
Release
May 24, 2004
For further information, contact:
1-888-ICC-SAFE, ext. 4212
(708) 351-8880 (cell)
Public Urged to Inspect Porches, Decks,
Balconies
The International Code Council is issuing
a building safety bulletin urging the public to pay close
attention to the safety and stability of their porches and
balconies. The International Code Council strongly recommends
that homeowners, condominium owners and apartment dwellers
visually inspect porches, balconies, elevated freestanding
decks and similar structures at least twice a year for safety.
Homeowners are especially encouraged to inspect their porches
prior to the Memorial Day weekend, when millions of Americans
mark the unofficial start of summer with outdoor activities
and gatherings.
"Porch collapses last summer in Chicago and New York
resulted in injuries and deaths," said International
Code Council CEO James Lee Witt. "Taking steps to secure
porches, balconies and decks now can go a long way in preventing
disasters in the future."
The most common mistake found in the construction of porches
and balconies is nailing them to houses and buildings instead
of using proper anchors. Building to code, which requires
a building permit and an inspection, will help ensure that
the structure is safe. It is also advisable to contact a professional,
licensed engineer to inspect the porch or balcony.
According to building safety codes published by the International
Code Council, residential porches should withstand at least
40 pounds per square foot plus the weight of the porch itself.
Balconies, which are only supported where they are connected
to the building, are designed to withstand 60 pounds per square
foot. "A rule of thumb is if people on the porch or balcony
have difficulty moving, the structure probably exceeds capacity,"
explained International Code Council Vice President of Code
Development Mike Pfeiffer, a licensed professional engineer.
"Decks that sway are unstable too and should be inspected."
The International Code Council suggests residents look for
the following when examining porches or balconies:
split or rotting wood
loose or missing nails, screws or anchors where the porch
attaches to the building
missing, damaged or loose support beams and planking
wobbly handrails or guardrails
"If you find any of those problems with your porch or
balcony, you should get a professional inspection," said
Pfeiffer. "And when building or repairing a porch be
sure to get a building permit from the local building department.
Make sure the structure meets building safety codes and is
inspected by a local official before it is used."
"The building codes in place to guide the construction
of porches and balconies are to help keep the public safe,"
said Witt. "Local building officials work hard every
day to ensure that the buildings you live, work, play and
learn in are safe. This extends to exterior structures like
porches, as well."
The International Code Council's fire prevention codes address
the use of charcoal grills and other open burning devices
on porches and balconies. The 2003 International Fire Code
states that grilling should not occur on combustible balconies
or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Exceptions
are one- and two-family dwellings and where buildings, balconies
and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
The International Code Council, a membership association
dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops
the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings,
including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and
states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed
by the International Code Council.
