Grab Bars: What You Should Know Before Installation

[Guest guest]

Grab Bars: What You Should Know Before Installation

by Jane Hampton for http://www.disaboom.com

Before beginning a grab bar installation, it is important to know

what type of tub or shower you have. The type of shower determines

the installation method and products needed to have a successful

installation.

Installing Grab Bars to Code

Installed grab bars need to sturdy enough to support your weight.

State Building Codes and Federal accessibility guidelines for public

buildings require grab bars be installed to support a minimum 250

pounds. In most cases, additional wood or structural material needs

to be added to the shower walls such as installing plywood between

the shower unit and wall studs, or solid wood blocking between the

wall studs. If you install a grab bar into an existing wall without

providing the proper support, the grab bar installation will not

secure properly. This could cause you great harm in the event you

are relying on the grab bar for support and it pulls off the wall.

How to Install

The easiest way to install proper support is to open the wall, either

from the toilet room side of the wall, or if possible, through the

back side of the wall from the adjacent room. This will require some

patch and repair work to the wall after the support has been

installed.

Molded Fiberglass Shower

If you have a molded fiberglass shower, installation of grab bars is

more challenging. Most prefabricated units use a thin fiberglass

plastic wall material that is not strong enough to support grab bar

installation. If this is your situation, it's best to rely on a

professional installer who has previous experience drilling holes

through a fiberglass wall.

Tools

It is important to have the proper tools to ensure the shower wall

does not " crack " or become damaged. The structural issue of concern

for grab bars mounted on a fiberglass shower is the air space between

the fiberglass wall and stud wall. There is a product on the market

which called " The Solid Mount " that attaches to the wall stud,

filling the hollow space, sealing the hole and leaving a mounting

surface to which a standard grab bar can be safely attached.

If you have tile walls, consider using a professional installer for

grab bars to avoid shattering or cracking the tile when you drill

screw holes.

Styles and Sizes of Grab Bars

Sizes of Grab Bars

As far as grab bar size and styles, a variety of grab bars is

available on the market. They come in different diameters and

clearances to the wall, various lengths, shapes and finishes. You

need to find a grab bar that has a 1-1/4 inch to 1-1/2 inch diameter

(whichever fits your hand size best) and when mounted on the wall,

provides a clearance no greater than 1-1/2 inches. If the clearance

to the wall is greater than 1-1/2 inches, there is a safety

concern. If you were to lose your balance your arm could slide

between the wall and grab bar. You could get " wedged " between the

wall and grab bar or even break your arm.

Styles and Finishes of Grab Bars

Grab bars don't have to look " institutional " . Attractive finishes

and decorative flanges and screw cover plates are available. Grab

bars are available in various colors to match your décor, as well as

brass, antique brass, chrome, bronze, oil rubbed, etc. Some of the

higher end plumbing showrooms carry the more decorative finishes and

cover plates. In addition, some grab bar manufactures offer " non-

slip " surfaces which work well in wet areas.

Though at first glance grab bars by different manufacturers appear to

be comparable, the quality varies. Here are some questions to ask

yourself to determine if you can use a less expensive grab bar or

need a higher quality grab bar:

1. Does the grab bar support the user's weight, or is a stronger grab

bar needed? Some grab bars are designed to meet minimum requirements

set forth by accessibility codes and guidelines (250 pound minimum)

and may not be able to support the weight of a heavier person.

2. If a stainless steel grab bar is selected, will the materials

eventually rust (especially in a shower situation)? Grab bars that

are made of 3 or 4 series metals (stainless) should not rust, grab

bars made of 1 or 2 series metals can rust even though they are

stainless steel.

3. If selecting a powder coated (e.g.: white or colored) grab bar,

will it rust if the bar gets chipped?

4. Is it important to have a style where the screws are counter sunk

(recessed into the bar flange)? Some manufacturers do not recess the

screws into the flange. They are less attractive and the screws may

catch on the user's skin, or snag their clothing, etc.

5. Is it important for you to have the screws concealed for a more

aesthetic image?

6. Is the flange thickness important to you? Some manufacturers

offer a 12 gage flange thickness which is thicker than most that are

only 14 gage. (Note: The lower the gage the thicker the metal.)

7. Is the flange " hand pig " welded to the bar? Some welds are

thinner and possibly not done by hand which may create a weaker joint.

8. Is it important to have all visible clamp or fabrication marks

removed from the surface of the grab bar or are minor imperfections

acceptable?

9. Is a product guarantee important to you? Some manufacturers offer

a lifetime guarantee.

10. Finally, in regards to position and length, there are many

resources available that provide guidelines. But, it is always best

to consult with your physician or therapist to determine the best

grab bar positioning for your specific safety needs.

Jane A. Hampton, CID, CAPS is the President and Founder of

Accessibility Design, a Minneapolis, MN based home access design,

consultation, and project management company (est.1992). As a

Certified Interior Designer and Certified Aging in Place Specialist,

Jane Hampton was one of the early pioneers in developing the

specialty niche of home access and defining what it is today. She and

her company have captured the essence of Universal Design, Aging in

Place, and Home Access and have helped thousands enhance their lives

by refining residential access and independent living. She is looked

to as an expert in the field, as well as an educator on both a

regional and national level.

For more information regarding Jane Hampton and her company, visit

Accessibility Design's website.