Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 6/27/2009

Question
Hi Bruce,
In the house we're planning to buy, the sellers had a gas line run along the back wall of the garage and then in to the family room for the fireplace. Our home inspector suggests it is a safety hazard and that a lally column must be installed to prevent a car from hitting the wall and causing the line to rupture. The line runs the full back wall, about 6 inches off the floor. What do you think? Is a lally column the best way to go? Where would it be put? Thanks a lot for your help.
Rick

Answer
Hi Rick, first of all at six inches above the floor it is unlikely that a car will be able to hit the line at all.  I hang tennis balls from the ceiling of my garage with a string in a location so that the ball hits the windshield of the car to let me know that I am far enough into the garage to let the garage door shut.  Or a car stop mounted to the floor will work also.  Basically any thing to keep the car from proceeding too far into the garage.  Even a two by four tapconned to the floor will tell you when your car hits it that it is time to stop.  I hope this information helps, feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com