12 Companies Leading The Way In Wheelchair Ramp For Front Door
Installing a Wheelchair Ramp For Your Front Door
A ramp for wheelchairs near your front door can reduce the risk of serious injury due to falls. These ramps for the outdoors are usually designed to connect to a porch, however they can also be used to access vehicles or other locations.
When these modifications are tastefully integrated into the home, they are able to preserve resale value. Modular ramps are available in various styles and are able to be customized to fit your home design.
Design Considerations
The slope of the ramp should be gentle and easy for wheelchair occupants to move. The ADA recommends ramp slopes should not be more than 1 in 12 (for every inch of vertical rise, you require 12 inches of horizontal travel).
The ramp's landings should be large enough for a door to open and swing. They should be placed at a safe distance away from the edge of a ramp to prevent chair tires from slipping over the edge. A 58-inch wide landing, for example, will give plenty of room to accommodate a front entryway that opens onto the ramp area.
If the ramp is long and does not have an even landing at the end of the slope, you might want to consider adding a side flare. This will reduce the risk of tripping at the end of your ramp as it curves to the right. Another important feature of ramp design is handrails. They're not just ornamental features, they are lifelines for ramp occupants. ADA regulations require handrails to be 34-38 inches tall and have gripping surfaces that can hold the body weight of a person regardless of the weather.
It's a good idea install handrails on both sides of the ramp, especially when there are abrupt changes in direction. These railings warn visually impaired walker and wheelchair users to modifications in the material of the ramp and also provide the person using the ramp something to hold on to for safety.
Some ramps are designed to fold up ramps for wheelchairs out of the way when not in use, but they usually require lots of space around them. Portable ramps, like the Aerolight-Folding ramp, are the ideal solution to this issue. They feature hinges within the threshold which allow the ramp to fold up and then over. This lets the ramp be stored right outside the front door, which allows it to be used to bridge one step or a few steps into a house. It's also a great choice for people who have mobility issues who wish to keep their scooter or Lightweight wheelchair Ramp in their vehicle at all times.
Materials
When building a ramp, the material is one of the most important decisions to be made. Depending on the type of ramp and the design, materials can vary considerably. In general wood is the most common ramp material used in homes due to the fact that it is constructed in a variety of styles and enhances the aesthetic of many homes. However, a wooden ramp requires regular maintenance to avoid the rotting process or insect infestation. Furthermore the wooden ramp is typically more expensive than an aluminum or concrete ramp.
To choose the best ramp, it is important to know the specific requirements of disabled people and the setting in which the ramp will be placed. Answering questions such as "will it be outdoors or indoors?" or "how often will it be used?" will narrow down your choices and help you choose the right ramp.
The selection of the best ramp is contingent on a number of other elements. For example how high or low the ramp is recommended to be. In general, ADA guidelines recommend ramps be 12" long for every inch of vertical rise. This helps to ensure that a ramp is safe for a person who uses a wheelchair, scooter or walker.
Concrete, aluminum, and wooden ramps are among the most popular ramps available. Modular aluminum ramps are made and generally less expensive than a wood or concrete ramp. However, they may not be as durable or as flexible as a concrete or wood ramp.
Threshold Ramps are short ramps that sit directly over the threshold or curb on the sidewalk. They are usually made of rubber or aluminum and provide traction as the user moves between the walking surfaces.
If you need an all-weather ramp it is recommended to seek out an experienced handyman who can assist you in the process of installing it and help you choose the right material for your ramp. They will be able to design and build a ramp that is both secure and matches the style of your home. They can also help determine whether a building permit required and if inspections are needed to ensure that the ramp is built correctly and safely.
Installation
The first step of constructing a ramp for wheelchairs is to decide where it should be placed. It doesn't need to be right next to the front door, but it will need to be close enough for people in wheelchairs to be able to enter and exit of the house without the need to climb the stairs or steps. You should also check with your local municipality to determine what requirements might apply to the construction and installation of a ramp.
The Americans with Disabilities Act establishes standards for safe slopes on ramps. It is recommended to follow these guidelines in order to ensure that your ramp is safe for power wheelchair ramps for vans users. In general the ADA recommends that for every inch of rise, ramps should contain 12 inches of length. This will ensure that wheelchair users can move up and down the ramp with enough room to avoid slowing down or stopping, which could lead to a fall.
Once you've decided where the ramp should be, you'll have to decide what type of ramp is best suited to your needs. There are many types of ramps for wheelchairs, including concrete or wooden ramps, modular ramps and portable ramps.
Portable ramps are available in a variety of 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 to the entrance. A self-supporting aluminium ramp that is connected to the floor or to the door plate at the entry point offers the greatest stability and ease of installation.
For a wider ramp that bridges over the threshold, an Aerolight-Up-and-Over ramp kit can be used. This ramp is designed to fit within the UPVC threshold, which means it won't harm it. It can also be folded away when not in use. It can be paired with an Entry Flap accessory to bridge over the threshold of the door and into the home.
Modular ramps can be built in various configurations to match the specific requirements of your home and wheelchair user. They are regarded as the most durable choice. They have railings and platforms and can be constructed in different materials depending on your budget and design preferences.
Maintenance
Even the tiniest physical obstacle can limit mobility for someone who uses an electric scooter or wheelchair. A ramp that bridges the gap between a floor and an entry door threshold can eliminate this barrier and make your home accessible. A professional handyman can help you select the right ramp material to meet your functional needs and fit well with your home's design.
Once you've installed an ramp, maintaining it regularly is crucial to ensure its durability and safety. Regularly sweep and remove debris to keep your ramp free of hazards that could cause tripping. Clean the ramp surface with mild soap and warm water, paying particular focus on areas that accumulate dirt and grime. If your ramp is made of metal, make sure to clean it frequently to prevent corrosion.
Some ramps have to be cleaned more frequently than others. Steel ramps, for example, may need periodic touch-up using steel wool or a paintbrush. Wood ramps, on other hand require more frequent maintenance. Keep an eye out for dents, cracks and rust spots, which should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
If you reside in the harsh winter weather you must salt your ramps just as you would a walkway or a sidewalk. This will help prevent the accumulation of snow and ice which can create an additional tripping hazard. Do not over-salt ramps as this can cause damage to movable wheelchair ramp tires and bearings.