2024 Ontario Building Code: Steel Beam Span Tables for Roof and Floor Support with Brick Veneer
Sarah's Expert Insight
OBC Compliance Specialist
"When designing homes with heavy brick veneer in regions like London or Oakville, precise beam selection is non-negotiable to prevent structural settling or masonry cracking. As your senior consultant at empcontracting.ca Inc. your construction contractor in London, Ontario, I ensure we account for the specific 2.0 kPa snow loads typical of Southwestern Ontario to guarantee the long-term integrity of your build."
Understanding OBC Table 9.23.4.3.-E for Residential Construction
In Ontario residential construction, selecting the correct structural support is paramount for safety and longevity. Table 9.23.4.3.-E of the 2024 Building Code Compendium provides the definitive maximum spans for steel beams in dwelling units that support both a roof and one floor, specifically where exterior stud walls are finished with brick veneer.
Key Structural Parameters and Snow Loads
This table is calibrated for a 2.0 kPa specified roof design snow load, a common standard for many regions in Ontario. It accounts for varying supported roof lengths (from 2.4m to 6.0m) and supported floor lengths (2.4m to 3.6m). These measurements represent half the sum of the framing spans on both sides of the beam.
W-Section Steel Beam Specifications
The code specifies allowable spans for various Steel Beam Sections, ranging from W 150 × 22 to W 360 × 57. For example, a W 250 × 33 beam supporting a 2.4m roof length and 2.4m floor length can span up to 4.43 meters. As loads increase—such as moving to a 6.0m roof length—that same beam's maximum allowable span decreases to 3.87 meters to maintain structural integrity under the weight of the brick veneer and snow.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
Interpreting these tables requires precision to ensure your home meets provincial safety standards. At empcontracting.ca Inc. your construction contractor in London, Ontario, we specialize in applying these Part 9 regulations to ensure your structural framing is robust and code-compliant.
Disclaimer: This content is generated from the Ontario Building Code for educational purposes. Always consult with a licensed professional engineer or your local building department before starting any construction project in London, Ontario.