I would like to know the best, safest, and easiest way to install handicapped bars in a tub surround with porcelin tile? Have tried to talk the old fella into diagonal application (most sense because I can hit both with a stud and easier for him to have a variance in height)...ABSOLUTELY NOT! He wants it (36" down low, 24" about waist high and a 12" about shoulder) Plumbing supplier in town says to use the plastic anchors that come with the bar, guy at Lowes sold me some very small mollies (looks like you'd hand a towel bar with...) I've already got the tile drills with varying sizes but don't know what to trust as far as fasteners...
I don't know why he wants that configuration ? .....for the "backseat engineers" I always propose a temp. mount on a sheet of plywood and a test drive......."to fine tune the placement"
What does the ADA say? Check the specs. If you don't install them according to regulations you could be liable in the event of a pull out and an injury.
42-45 inch off the TUB floor is the mount height do not use plastic anchors, they will pull out, and some one will fall. toggle bolts is the way i would go. actually the best way is to pull the rock on the back side of the shower.and install plywood or a 2x6. that way your mind is at ease, as to the proper.instalation you also need to use brass screws,because it is a wet area. and steel will rust.dab a little silicon on the screw heads, after instalation. to seal the hole
Posts: 1675 | Location: i i live in southern mississippi | Registered: Jun 01, 2008
HD and Lowes sell very expensive, but very effective mounting systems for the grab bars. I don't remember the name, but they are with the grab bars. Monica
Originally posted by Bud Cline: What does the ADA say? Check the specs. If you don't install them according to regulations you could be liable in the event of a pull out and an injury.
ADA does not apply to private residences.
Rick Marinelli, P.E.
Don't start vast projects with half-vast knowledge.
I ended up using the application that abnorm suggested...very expensive but atleast I can sleep at night knowing that it's strong. I sure didnt like putting a 1.25 in. hole in the tile, though...thanks for all of the suggs.
hello rick.. you are so right that ada. does not pertain to your own home. its your house, you can put the grab bars on the ceiling. if you want. but.... when you go to sell the house. if its not "normal" it might not sell
Posts: 1675 | Location: i i live in southern mississippi | Registered: Jun 01, 2008
Actually, the old man is right. The bars are considered dangerous when mounted diagonally because it is too easy to slip on them when putting one's weight on them.
Originally posted by frodo: hello rick.. you are so right that ada. does not pertain to your own home. its your house, you can put the grab bars on the ceiling. if you want. but.... when you go to sell the house. if its not "normal" it might not sell
Possibly. I was only correcting the note about "installing them according to regulations." There are no "regulations" to install them according to. There are "guidelines," and I would encourage using them.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Rick Marinelli,
Rick Marinelli, P.E.
Don't start vast projects with half-vast knowledge.
Rick, that P.E. after your name? Why do you need to display that here? What does it mean? What's it for? Why is it necessary? How does it help us here?
By the way! The ADA does make recommendations and they also have specifications to be followed for anyone that wants to be in compliance with the government standards. They also publish a book with this information in it. The book is about 3/4" thick and is full of this type of information.
No one says anyone has to ever comply with anything.
The speed limits posted on the highways are only recommendations. You don't have to adhere to them if you don't want to. But, what could be the consequences if you don't?
It may be that there are no regulations for private buildings, but public buildings are required to be handicapped accessible, and this accessibility includes the requirement that such bars, both in showers and near toilets, be horizontal or vertical. Other bars are considered dangerous. I know this, not just believe it. A complaint and inspection by ADA will result in a citation and a requirement (not recommendation) that the bars be changed. While such bars are not required for private homes, they should be installed properly if at all. Anyone who installs them improperly is begging for a lawsuit if an accident results. But they should be installed properly because it is the safe thing to do, not because the installer is just trying to avoid a lawsuit.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: jdr,
While such bars are not required for private homes, they should be installed properly if at all. Anyone who installs them improperly is begging for a lawsuit if an accident results. But they should be installed properly because it is the safe thing to do, not because the installer is just trying to avoid a lawsuit.
EXACTLY. Why shoot from the hip when when there are IN FACT standards to follow.
