scary cellar ceiling
We have a 3 family that we are using as a 1, with an unfinished cellar with around a 6 foot celing. The ceiling beams are covered with some sort of metal plates that are old and somewhat discolored, and give the cellar a real dungeon like quality that I’d like to change. I am…
We have a 3 family that we are using as a 1, with an unfinished cellar with around a 6 foot celing. The ceiling beams are covered with some sort of metal plates that are old and somewhat discolored, and give the cellar a real dungeon like quality that I’d like to change. I am not going to dig out the basement right now.
Can I take the plates off, or is it some sort of code requirement for 3 fams? If I need a cover, what can I replace these plates with, other than new (shiny) plates? Do I have to cover the beams, or could any cover go in between the beams? Ideas, anyone?
thanks
3 Family buildings require a fireproof cellar ceiling. This is a building department/multiple dweling law. Just because you are using the building as a one does not change the dwelling status of the building. Change the C/O to a one family and you can leave the beams exposed. FYI, It’s still a good idea to keep them covered over the heating plant. 5/8″ sheetrock offers the same fire proof protection as the existing sheetmetal covering.
If a beam is being reinforced by a metal plate, I would not remove it. Find out why it was put there before you remove it.
Probably up there as a fire prevention measure. (as in when the boler blows up it would slow down the spread of flames).
I think you can take them down. Or just take some of it down so you can see what it’s covering. Not to alarm you but I’ve seen this in houses that had termite problems. With out seeing anything first hand it’s hard to know why they the metal was put up in the first place.