Another Hallway Radiator Question

In redoing the house to double-duplex, I plan to install a wall across the hallway with door to upper unit (this is an unusual config with stair to upstairs behind the wall, not starting at front of hall.) I am concerned that the hall radiator, which seemed to provide heat all the way upstairs via the stairwell, will no longer be effective (and make the enclosed hall too hot.) I am planning to place a 4 or 6″ wide metal grill at the edge of the new wall, top to bottom, so heat can escape into the stairwell.

Is this a feasible idea? Does the grill opening violate any fire code?

cmu

in General Discussion 9 years and 10 months ago

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cmu | 9 years and 10 months ago

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No, it’s 2 family – 1 over triplex. Thinking of converting to 2 x 2

steam_man | 9 years and 10 months ago

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It sounds like this was once a one family turned into a two family and therein lies the problem.

cmu | 9 years and 10 months ago

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Thanks. Am a little confused, however as right now the stairwell is wide open to the hallway (and, as it turns out, to the parlor-floor living room as the old pocket doors are no longer there.) Is this ok because it’s all one apartment now?

Any idea on the efficacy of having the opening vs not? As I said, I’m worried that the upper duplex will be too cold without the stairwell chimney effect heat.

steam_man | 9 years and 10 months ago

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Stairwells must be 2hr fire rated enclosures. Any items that breaks the rated enclosure must conform to NFPA & UL standards. Short answer is that you’d have to install a 2hr rated fire-smoke damper in the opening.