What dead load means
Dead load is the weight of the building itself: framing, finishes, roofing and fixed equipment.
Where it matters on a general contracting job
Heavy finishes like tile, stone counters and slate roofs raise dead load. When a customer wants to switch to a heavier material, ask whether the framing was built for it.
What the model code says
- The code defines dead loads as the weight of the materials of construction built into the building, including walls, floors, roofs, finishes and fixed service equipment. (IRC 2021, Chapter 2)
Check which code edition your building department enforces for dead load before you quote.
Work it out
- Licensing: General contractor license rules by state
- Tools, templates and guides: Free general contracting resources
Sources: 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 2, Definitions (ICC). Checked October 9, 2026.