Laundry chute?

[sarah83]

Hi, I posted yesterday about a hopeful extension we want to embark on soon.

My one idea was that I would love, no NEED, a laundry chute to make life easier. Does anyone know if it possible and how to make it safe?

I would like it to go from the new bathroom straight down into the utility room.
Is this a silly fantasy- obviously my main concern is safety for my 4 little monsters.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Well it is slightly mad but why not? Its your house after all! Usually designed for commercial premises‘, they can look somewhat utilitarian, no doubt one of the commercial firms would be happy to supply you with everything you need. Essentially though, for a house, its just a hole through the floor so you could just have one drawn up in your plans eg
http://www.ecologhouse.org/laundry-chute-in-the-log-house.html
http://www.ecologhouse.org/laundry-chute-is-finished-at-last-on-the-log-house.html
Fire regs may be an issue but I expect it would just need a fire seal on the flap on the first floor and the duct would need to be fire rated as has been installed in the one in the links. As ever, if its planned and designed in advance it should not be difficult. Safety for the kiddies should not be an issue provided it is reasonably high, no different to a balcony.

As ever, a wealth of stuff on the web
http://ezinearticles.com/?Laundry-Chute&id=595443

 

[cmother1]

If you don't find the kids trying to climb down it on a rope I'd be very surprised Sounds like a bit of fun to me....

 

[sarah83]

Actually i'm too scared to get a cat in case that ends up being thrown down!

Thanks for the links- will check them out later.