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Vehicle Barrier (Bollard in the Garage)

By
Home Inspector with King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. Home Inspector Lic #207

We home inspectors use the term "bollard" frequently. We all know what a bollard is. But, I regret to say that about half of our clients have no clue what we are talking about. A friend who is an HVAC professional calls them "crash poles". Basically, in the photo below, it is the metal pipe that should stop or slowdown a car headed at the water heater or, usually, the water heater and the furnace. In days of yesteryear, instead builders used a concrete tire-stop that was secured to the garage floor. You know, the sort of thing you park the front tires against at the mall. Both systems have advantages and disadvantages but the bollard is standard today.

Thanks for stopping by,

Steven L. Smith

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Posted by

Steven L. Smith

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Richard Dolbeare
Inactive - Wailuku, HI
Living the Hawaii Lifestyle

I'm one of those who has never heard the term.

In my area, the garage is the location for the water heater and washer/dryer (no furnace).  Typically I see a raised area around the perimeter of the parking area which offers the same protection.

Mar 15, 2010 06:24 PM
Dan Tabit
Keller Williams Bellevue - Sammamish, WA

Steve, When I was in the HVAC business, it was always fun to sell someone a new furnace, water heater or both when they didn't stop in time. 

Mar 15, 2010 06:42 PM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

I'm laughing out loud.  I missed the title.

I have never heard of the word, probably because folks don't park in my basement. 

It took me a minute to realize that you were referring to hot waters heaters, HVACs, etc., installed in garages.

It's early.  I'm still on my first cup.

Mar 15, 2010 09:45 PM
Andrea Swiedler
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT
Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT

Steve, won't I look so smart the next inspection when I refer to the "bollard"! I see them often enough, and the lack of them, when the oil tank is in the garage. It is not too common here to see any mechanicals in the garage, although I have.

Mar 15, 2010 10:15 PM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

Good photo Steve.  They put bollards here outdoors too when AC units are placed behind and between townhouses and driveways are beside each.  I notice your earthquake strap too, something we do not see here at all!

Mar 15, 2010 10:20 PM
Charles Buell
Charles Buell Inspections Inc. - Seattle, WA
Seattle Home Inspector

Steve, what I like is when I Karate kick them and they tip over :)

Mar 16, 2010 02:46 AM
Jay Markanich
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC - Bristow, VA
Home Inspector - servicing all Northern Virginia

I saw a post about that bollard kicking once...  can't remember who's it was.

Mar 16, 2010 09:16 AM
James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC - Wallingford, CT
Connecticut Home Inspector

Is that the method of inspectiong bollards taught at the college. Karate kick 'em and see if they stand:)

Mar 16, 2010 10:20 AM
Steven L. Smith
King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham WA Home Inspector

James,

Absolutely not. I think we might have to kick Chuckie Bee in the rear for that smart comment. The poor fellow will go to any extreme to attempt to be Macho. I think that being second fiddle to my assistant on the "manly" scale drives him to excesses.

Mar 16, 2010 10:29 AM
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029

I talk about bollards but depending upon which side of town I am on, some folks think I am talking about billiards. <sigh>

Mar 16, 2010 12:38 PM