Commercial applications and custom homes should go this route. Live Loads are those loads that can come and go over the life of the structure. This would typically include people and furniture, but may include such things as wind, snow, and ice when our products are used in roof applications. Most building codes require a floor system to be able to withstand 40 psf load. Also, since people and pets usually don't walk on the ceiling, there is no Bottom-live designation.
Stiffness ratios are also important.
These are the L- numbers in our charts. These numbers are linear ratios for comparison purposes. The bigger the number the better. Camber is the slight curvature of a beam or joist needed to compensate for the dead loads as described above. Many builders will refer to this as a crown.