Installing a Wheelchair Ramp For Your Front Door

A ramp for your wheelchair at your front door helps reduce the risks of serious injuries from falls. These ramps are typically constructed for use as a walkway to an outdoor porch. However, they can be used to reach vehicles or other destinations.

These modifications can be incorporated into the home in a tasteful way to maintain the resale value. Modular wheel chair van ramps offer flexibility in style and can fit the specific style of your home.

Design Considerations

The ramp slope should be gentle, and easy to maneuver for wheelchair users. The ADA recommends ramp slopes not be more than 1 in 12 (for every inch of vertical rise, you need 12 inches of horizontal travel).

The landings on the ramps must be wide enough to allow a door to open and swing freely. They should also be a safe distance from the edge of the ramp to ensure that the tires of chairs do not accidentally slide over the ramp edge. A 58-inch wide landing, for instance, gives you plenty of space to accommodate a front entryway that can be opened to the ramp area.

You may want to consider adding a flare to the side if the ramp is long, and there is no level landing point at the end. This will reduce the chance of slipping when it curves to the right at the end of the ramp. Handrails are an additional aspect of the design of the ramp. They are not just decorative but are also lifelines for the occupants of the ramp. ADA rules call for handrails that are 34 to 38 inches high and have gripping surfaces that can hold a person's weight without becoming slippery in wet weather conditions.

Installing handrails on the left and right side of the ramp is a great idea, especially in the event of any changes in direction. These railings inform visually impaired users of wheelchairs and walker of the different characteristics of the ramp's surface and give them something to hold on to for safety.

Some ramps are built to fold out of the way when they are not in use, however these typically require plenty of space around them. Portable ramps, such as the Aerolight-Folding ramp, are an excellent solution to this problem. They feature hinges within the threshold that permit the ramp to fold up and over. This lets the ramp be kept right outside a front door, allowing it to be used to bridge a single step or multiple steps into a house. It's an excellent option for people with mobility issues who want to have their wheelchair or scooter on their vehicle at all times.

Materials

When constructing a ramp the material is one of the most important decisions to be taken. Materials can be very different based on the type and design of the ramp. Wood is the most well-known ramp material because it can be built in various styles and complements many homes. A wooden ramp will require regular maintenance to prevent the ramp from the rotting process and insect infestation. A wooden ramp can be more expensive than aluminum or concrete ramp.

In order to choose the appropriate ramp, it is important to understand the specific needs of disabled individuals and the environment where the ramp will be installed. Making sure to answer questions like, "will it be used indoors or outdoors?" and, "how often will it be used?" will help narrow down the choices and make the selection of the best ramp much simpler.

The choice of the right ramp depends on a number of other aspects. For example how high or low the ramp should be. ADA guidelines suggest ramps of 12" long for every inch of vertical rise. This ensures that a ramp is safe for someone using a wheelchair or walker.

The most popular ramps are concrete, aluminum, and wood. Modular aluminum car ramps for wheelchairs can be manufactured and are generally less expensive than wood or concrete ramps. However, they might not be as sturdy or as customizable as a concrete or wood ramp.

Threshold Ramps are ramps that are placed directly above a threshold that is raised or a curb on the sidewalk. They are typically constructed of aluminum or rubber threshold wheelchair ramp and offer traction when a person moves between different surfaces for walking.

If you require an all-weather ramp, it is best to consult a professional handyman. They can assist in the installation process and offer suggestions on the best material for your ramp. They can design and build a ramp that is both safe and enhances the look of your home. They can also assist with determining if you require an approval for construction or inspections to ensure the ramp will be built properly and safely.

Installation

The first step in the process of constructing a Plastic Ramp For Wheelchair for wheelchairs is determining the best location for it. It doesn't need to be right up at the front door. However, it should be close enough for someone in a wheelchair to access and leave the home without climbing steps or climb stairs. It's also a good idea to check with your municipality to see what specific conditions may be applicable to the construction of ramps in your area.

The Americans with Disabilities Act establishes guidelines for safe ramp slopes. It is a good idea to adhere to these guidelines in order to ensure that your ramp is safe for wheelchair users. In general, the ADA recommends that for every inch of rise, ramps should have a length of 12 inches. This will ensure that permanent wheelchair ramps users can travel up and down the ramp with enough space so that they do not have to slow down or stopping, which could lead to an accident.

Once you've determined the best location for the ramp to be located, you'll need to determine what kind of ramp will best suit your requirements. There are many types of ramps available, including wooden or concrete ramps, modular ramps and portable ramps.

Portable ramps are available in different lengths and are easily moved when not being used. They can be used to cover small thresholds, or as a short sequence of steps leading up to the entrance. A self-supporting ramp made of aluminum that attaches to the flooring of the home or to the door plate of the entrance will provide maximum stability and is easy to install.

Aerolight-Up and Over Ramp Kits can be purchased for an extended ramp that can be able to bridge over the threshold. The ramp is placed within the UPVC threshold so that it isn't damaging it, and folds down when not in use. This ramp can be used combination with an Entry Flap accessory for a bridge that can over the threshold of the door to enter the house.

Modular ramps are available in various configurations that can be tailored to meet the requirements of your home or wheelchair user. They are generally regarded as the most durable and durable option. They feature platforms and railings and can be built in various materials, according to your budget and design preferences.

Maintenance

If you or someone you love relies on the use of a wheelchair, scooter, or walker, the smallest physical barrier could hinder full mobility. A ramp that bridges the gap between a floor and an entry door threshold can remove this barrier and make your home accessible. A professional handyman will help you select the right ramp material to meet your requirements and fit well with your home's design.

After you've constructed the ramp, regular maintenance is crucial to ensure its longevity and safety. Make sure to sweep and remove debris regularly to ensure that your ramp is free of hazards for tripping. Use mild soap and water to clean the ramp's surface, paying special attention to areas that are prone to grime and dirt. If the ramp is made of steel, make sure to clean it frequently to prevent rust.

Certain ramps require more frequent cleaning than others. Steel ramps may require regular cleaning with paintbrushes or steel wool. Wooden ramps require more frequent maintenance. Keep an eye out for dents, cracks and rust spots that should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

If you reside in an area that experiences harsh winter weather, be sure to salt your ramps just as you would a sidewalk or walkway. This will prevent the accumulation of snow and ice and causing an increase in the risk of tripping. Be careful not to salt too much on your ramps as excessive salt can harm the wheels and bearings of wheelchairs.