Build in Airshaft?
There is an internal air shaft in my building that runs from basement to roof. (vent w/skylight on roof) My upstairs neighbors built a pantry into the air shaft so now it is 90% blocked with just a small space for electrical wires to run the length of building. Is this legal or fire hazard?…
There is an internal air shaft in my building that runs from basement to roof. (vent w/skylight on roof) My upstairs neighbors built a pantry into the air shaft so now it is 90% blocked with just a small space for electrical wires to run the length of building. Is this legal or fire hazard? I’m not sure how to address it as current owners did not build it they bought the apt that way.
Feedback is much appreciated.
Happy Holidays.
Lafever:
You are correct but I was referring to your post that said:
“If it is needed for bathroom venting, a proper vent should be installed with smoke dampers on each floor. Probably better to seal the shaft and duct through the ceiling on each floor out to an exterior wall.”
In theory, a bathroom air vent can go to an exterior wall but if you read the code, it is almost impossible to do so and have the vent be the required number of feet from any window opening on the same level or above and below. In a brownstone or tenement building, the necessary windows for habitable spaces typically preclude the venting to an exterior wall.
Skylight on top, vents on side to allow air to escape. Works great and keeps out the pigeons.
One thing I am confused about, if it is an airshaft to the roof, why would there be a skylight, shouldn’t it be open to the air?
To clarify, I’m talking about the evolution of fire code, not current code.
These air shafts were designed into the buildings because of fire code. You architects need a history lesson on NY fire code. It allows a legal bedroom in the middle of a row house that does not have a window. There were also dumbwaiter shafts. Sounds like yours is the second because it is next to the bathroom. If it is an old building turned condo, then the DOB is well aware of it. Check the plans on file at the DOB to see how it is listed. That can be done without alerting anyone or stepping on anyones toes. Get informed first. Not from this site.
plumbing vents need to be vented to the roof fresh air vents do not. Most pre-war bathrooms are fresh air vented by a window.
Air shafts, such as described, were constructed to allow for ventilation from kitchens and bathrooms in older buildings. Unless the required ventilation is satisfied in some other way (new sheetmetal ducts to the roof), the intrusion into the air shaft is not legal since it blocks the necessary ventilation.
The shaft is not as much of a fire hazard as it might seem. By code it should be constructed of 2 hour walls (steel plate such as you see in boiler room ceilings has a 2 hr rating) Additionally there shouldn’t be anything combustible in the shaft (Another reason the pantry is a problem). A fire from below would more likely come through concealed spaces within the apartments (that hadn’t been firestopped properly) where heating/water pipes run. If smoke did get into the shaft it would rise up to the roof.
A possible solution might be to have a new ventilation duct run in the shaft for all units(after removal of the pantry).
Note to Lafever: Bathrooms must be vented to the roof.
you need to: a) vent your bathroom b) make sure it complies with fire codes. There are a variety of ways to do this. You should speak to an architect. The whole building needs to be in on it. I would say you are getting little or no venting and maximum fire exposure so it would be a good idea to do something. the fix will cost money. 311 is not going to help.
What? This is ridiculous. If it is an airshaft with a vented skylight on top with windows opening from the bathroom, then of course it’s not fireproof and of course smoke will get into the other apartments and of course you should not sheetrock over it as you will destroy the ventilation into your bathrooms. Just leave well enough alone.