15 Reasons Why You Shouldn t Be Ignoring Wheelchair Ramp

Wheelchair Ramp Design and Construction

A ramp for wheelchairs is an important tool for helping your loved ones live at home independently. If they are not designed properly, they can be unsafe to use.

ADA regulations require level landings at any changes in direction to avoid compound slopes. They also require an accessible surface for aluminium wheelchair ramps uk users.

Design

The ramp's design should be in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards to allow wheelchairs to move around the structure easily. The ramp's slope must not exceed a 1:12 ratio, and the landings should be level in any change of direction or shift in the ramp surface. It must also be constructed from treated lumber which is more durable than lumber that is not treated and is able to withstand rain better.

The ramp's top and bottom should be free of obstructions, such as trees or bushes, as well as other structures which could interfere with the user's safe passage. The surface of the ramp should be non-slip as well as hard. Some municipalities require an anti-slip running surface along the ramp's entire length.

Use treated lumber at minimum four inches wide for the frame of the ramp. To make sure the ramp is secure, build posts that are at least 8 feet apart and extend below the ground level. The posts must then be connected with the ramp's railings by using spindles. This type of connection decreases the chance of a ramp operator slipping off the ramp.

Next, construct the frame of the ramp using beams that measure 2 by 4 inches in size and joists at least 16 inch long. The joists should be at minimum 18 inches above the ground and secured using hangings for joists which are nails that sit within the joists to stop them from sliding. Attach the ramp decking using a framing nailer.

Add an upper landing to the doorway to ensure Wheelchair Threshold Ramp For Sliding Glass Door occupants can easily manage the doorswing. This landing should have 12 to 24 inches on the handle side of doors that out-swing. The landing for doors that are in-swinging must be 58 by 60 inches to accommodate the threshold of the door and a metal wheelchair ramps sale user who needs to go backwards through the doorway.

Install a level landing when you change the direction of the ramp to prevent wheelchairs from having to hit their brakes at corners. A level landing makes it easier to move the ramp away from the way when needed to allow lawnmowers or other equipment can go under it.

Materials

The material used to construct the ramp for wheelchairs can be either concrete, wood or aluminum. A professional folding wheel chair ramp installer will assist you in choosing the right option for your home or office. When choosing the material for the ramp, it is important to consider your budget and specific needs. The ramp should be simple to maintain and must be safe to use. Some cities require that the ramp be paved with an anti-slip surface.

Make sure to inquire with your local government for permits before you begin building or buying any materials. Also, be certain to follow the local building codes. The wrong materials or construction techniques could create hazardous conditions for wheelchair users. You can find current construction requirements in your local building department of the government or library, or on the internet.

Wood ramps can be the least expensive alternative for ADA ramp materials. However they require more care. Wood ramps need to be treated regularly with a sealer in order to prevent decay. Wood can splinter and can be hazardous for those using wheelchairs. Wood ramps can also need additional support in order to ensure the structure is maintained.

Concrete ramps can be expensive, but are durable and last for a long time. They are also heavy, which requires more work to construct and makes moving the ramp when it is no longer needed difficult. Concrete ramps can withstand the weight of heavy power wheelchairs.

Aluminum ramps are lighter than concrete or steel however they possess the same strength and corrosion resistance. They are also less expensive than steel or iron which makes them a great option for those on a limited budget. Aluminum is also eco-friendly, since it is naturally present in the earth's crust and can be recycled.

The ramp's upper landing must be level, or within 3/8 inches of the threshold of the door, allowing wheelchairs with smaller wheels to go over the ramp without getting stuck. Ramps with a gap higher than this conform to ADA standards. It is also important to ensure that the ramp transitions smoothly between the landing area and the ground surface. The final section of the folding wheel chair ramp should be curved to stop wheelchairs from abruptly stopping when they leave or enter a house.

Installation

A wheelchair ramp is an inclined plane that is used in addition to or instead of stairs. It allows drive wheelchair ramp users and those who use carts or strollers to access areas that would otherwise be difficult to access.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a ramp for a wheelchair such as location, height and cost. The ramp should be placed close to the door to avoid unnecessary traveling. It should be placed at a height that the person using it is able to easily walk on it. It should also be properly anchored to the ground and free of obstructions like trees or parked cars.

ADA regulations stipulate that ramps should have handrails on either side. The rails must be at 36 inches apart and have a gripping surface that is rounded or smooth. In addition, they must be connected to the ramp and extend at least 12 inches over the edge of the ramp. Handrails should be continuous if a ramp is designed with switchbacks or in an L-shaped layout.

The length of a ramp depends on the incline, but there are a few common ramps that can be used in all situations. A threshold ramp, for instance is placed flush against the curb's lip or threshold of the doorway. Portable ramps are however are able to be moved to a different location and are available in various sizes. There are also aluminum ramps that are modular that can be constructed on the spot. These ramps are usually used in commercial or public areas and are typically longer.

Contact your city's construction department to determine whether a permit is required for a permanent ramp. It's also a good idea to consult with a mobility specialist to find out what type of ramp is best suited to your requirements and the space you have. In certain cases, installing an ongoing ramp could boost the value of your home.

Maintenance

It is crucial to keep your ramp for wheelchairs in good condition particularly if it is going to be used frequently. You'll need to conduct regular inspections and deal with any structural issues as they arise. This will ensure that the ramp is in compliance with all ADA requirements, and is safe for all users.

Wooden ramps require frequent cleaning to remove dirt and debris that may block access. Cleanliness of the ramp will also prevent moisture from trapping under the surface and creating the onset of rot. Wood preservatives and stains only work if the ramp is completely clean before application.

Wheelchair ramps are more difficult to maintain than other ramps due to the fact that they are more susceptible to wear and tear. It is important to have the proper tools. A good set of gauge spanners and screwdrivers is vital to ensure that all fixings are tight and secure. It's also worth regularly inspecting the handrails to ensure they are in good working order and have no signs of damage or corrosion. It is possible that over time, and with repeated use and use, the fittings and bolts which hold the handrails in place may loosen and cause an extremely dangerous risk for those who use the ramp.

Another important factor is ensuring the surface of the ramp has sufficient grip, particularly during winter when conditions may be challenging. You'll need to clean away any dirt, leaves or other debris that might block and cause slippage. Additionally, you'll need to apply an ice melt that is not corrosive to the ramp's surface prior to winter arrives to avoid slips and causing injury.

If you're planning on using your ramp all winter months, you should consider purchasing traction wheels or "snow tires" for your wheelchair. They're specially designed to provide better tracking on uneven surfaces and snow and are therefore more efficient than standard wheelchair tires at keeping you on the ramp. Alternatively, you can place heating pads or tape on the ramp surface to help melt ice and snow before it builds up.