roof hatch sealed?
hi all, im about to buy a brownstone. the current owner has had the hatch to the roof sealed, presumably because she’s an elderl woman living alone and thought that would prevent burgleries. the engineer has inspected the roof by going up to neighbors and then walking across. he says its in excellent condition. but…
hi all, im about to buy a brownstone. the current owner has had the hatch to the roof sealed, presumably because she’s an elderl woman living alone and thought that would prevent burgleries. the engineer has inspected the roof by going up to neighbors and then walking across. he says its in excellent condition. but isnt the sealed hatch a code violation? is this something i should be concerned about? and any idea how much it would cost to unseal it/install a new hatch? seems like that access should be there.
Anon, two large overhanging trees + several large large trees nearby. The leaves mostly come from the overhang, but those winged seed pods come from everywhere. I’m also downwind from Prospect Park which sets of my pollen allergies.
For multiple dwellings it is required that occupants be able to go up to the top of the stair hall, climb up the ladder and get onto the roof through the hatch – so it is illegal to seal it up.
Every few weeks? Wow. I only do it every couple of months and especially in the autumn. You must have trees overhanging your roof. I, obviously, do not.
To answer your question, the fire code calls for free and clear access to the basement and roof, and as OE pointed out this will be easy to fix. You will also need get to the roof to clean of debriss every few weeks, and more often in spring/fall depending on the species of trees nearby.
Your buying a brownstone.. this will be the
least of your concerns.
It’s probably something you can get a handyman
to fix for $100.