Can anyone explain to me what is meant by 40 psf live load/10 psf dead load, compared with 40 psf live load/20 psf dead load? What's the difference between 10 psf and 20 psf - and how do you determine which applies to your home? Does it make a difference if it's one story or two story? Thanks.

The live load is what will be placed on the structure after it is built. People furniture etc. that is not stationary or permanently attached in one place (a variable or “live” load can be moved or relocated).

The dead load is the weight of the materials and any part of the structure resting on a specific element or system (for example a floor system). These are stationary loads that will never move or be moved and are normally considered part of the structure.

A two story house will have a greater dead load on the first floor walls but not necessarily on the first floor system (depending on the support locations for the second floor). In most cases the load is transferred to support walls and/or columns that carry the second floor load all the way to the ground (or footing).


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