5. Temperature Gradient – and Stairwells.

Stairwells are particularly prone to developing a steep temperature gradient because the ceiling height is at least doubled. If draft stripping is poor, conditions are perfect for a 'chimney draft' to develop in which warm air at ground level is sucked upwards and lost through leaky upper-floor windows (A.)

The only effective solution to this problem may be to;-

• draft-strip
• insulate
• recirculate warm air from the highest point back down to the lowest point. This can be done using one or more fans, possibly contained within a duct.

These measures will help to even-up the temperature (and density differences) between the air at higher and lower levels and make things more comfortable at ground level (B.)

Note; hotels and other commercial establishments are obliged by law to fit a partition and fire door on upper landings. This helps to reduce the temperature gradient within the stairwell and may be worth considering in some domestic situations.