Driveways and Garage | |
One option for finishing drives to be slip-proof is to use an exposed aggregate finish. An exposed aggregate slab can be made by any of several methods: You can form and pour the slab, then scatter aggregate such as gravel, quartz, or granite on the surface. The aggregate is then tamped down into the fresh concrete. When the concrete has firmed, the surface is pressure-washed to remove the concrete and to expose the aggregate. Optionally, the aggregate can be added to the concrete mix at the plant, and the surface concrete washed away after the slab has been leveled and is firm. For best access, driveway finishes such as cobblestone and any deep joints or pattern should be avoided. Surfaces that are very uneven present a walking hazard to those who are unsure or unsteady on their feet, and may present difficulty for anyone who uses a walking aid or a wheelchair. All driveway surfaces should be kept free of dirt, oil, and stray objects that might impede free travel. GARAGE A double overhead garage door provides the easiest access, rather than using a series of single garage doors. Door height should be sufficient to allow a passenger van to enter. My own minivan, a Ford Aerostar, requires a garage door height of 6 1/2 ft. (78 in.) for entry, but full-size vans used for medical ambulances may require full 8-ft. high garage doors. Garage door openers are almost a standard equipment item in modern houses and are even more desirable for those with limited access. The garage door opener provides convenience, safety, and lighting at the push of a button. The opener does all the work of lifting the door, eliminates the driver having to get out of the car and into the weather to open the door, and lets the driver and passengers gain the safety of a closed, lighted garage before exiting the vehicle. In addition, it is difficult for an intruder to open a garage door that has an automatic opener. Other options on the door controls include the ability to turn on lights inside the house before you enter. The width of the garage should be such that you can park 2 vehicles side by side and still have a minimum of 3 ft. between vehicles - more is better, if you plan for wheelchair access. Vans will be almost 6 ft. wide, and if you allow for 3 ft. on each side, plus 3 ft. between the vehicles, you arrive at a combined 21 ft. For a garage that will be used by a wheelchair occupant, it is best to provide 24 ft. of width in the garage. Garage floors and drives should be kept sealed, whether they are concrete or blacktop. A sealed surface will let occupants wipe away any oil or grease drips, to keep the slab dry and free from falling hazards. Written by Gary Branson Reprinted with permission. Copyright HouseNet, Inc. |