The Ultimate Glossary On Terms About Wheelchair Ramp For Front Door

Installing a Wheelchair Ramp For Your Front Door

A wheelchair ramp at your front door will reduce the risk of serious injury from falls. These outdoor ramps are usually designed to connect to a porch. However, they can also be used to access vehicles or other places.

These modifications can be integrated into the home in a chic way to maintain its resale price. Modular ramps are available in various styles and are able to be customized to match your home's style.

Design Considerations

The ramp slope should be gentle and easy to maneuver for wheelchair users. The ADA recommends ramp slopes should not be steeper than one in 12. (For every inch of vertical rise, you have to travel 12 inches horizontally).

The landings of the ramp should be wide enough for a door to swing and open freely. They should be at a safe distance away from the edge of the ramp to prevent chair tires from slipping over the edge. For instance, a 58-inch wide landing should allow plenty of space to accommodate a front door that opens into the ramp area.

You may want to consider adding a flare to the side when the ramp is lengthy and there isn't a level to land at the end. This decreases the chance of tripping as it curves inward at the end of the ramp. Another important aspect of ramp design is the handrails. These are not just ornamental features, they are lifelines for those who use the ramp. ADA guidelines require handrails that measure 34 to 38 inches tall and have gripping surfaces that are able to hold a person's weight without becoming slippery in wet weather conditions.

Installing handrails on both the right and left sides of a ramp is a good idea, particularly if there are any changes in direction. These railings warn visually impaired wheelchair and walker users of the different characteristics of the ramp's surface and give them something to hold onto for safety.

Some ramps are designed to fold away when they are not in use, however they usually require lots of space around them. Portable ramps like the Aerolight-Folding Ramp are a great solution to this problem. They have hinges inside the threshold which allow the ramp to be folded up and over. This lets the ramp be stored right outside the front door, allowing it to cross a single step or multiple steps into a home. It's a great option for people with mobility issues and want to keep their wheelchair or scooter on them at all times.

Materials

When constructing a ramp, the material is one of the most important decisions that needs to be taken. Materials can vary greatly depending on the design and type of the ramp. In general wood is the most popular ramp material for homes since it can be constructed in a variety of styles and enhances the aesthetic of many homes. However, a ramp made of wood requires regular maintenance to avoid decay or insects from infesting. A wooden ramp can be more expensive than a aluminum or concrete ramp.

To choose the right ramp, it is essential to know the specific requirements of disabled people and the setting in which the ramp will be placed. It is important to take the time to answer questions such as, "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 easier.

Selecting the best ramp for a doorway also depends on other aspects like how high or low the ramp must be. ADA guidelines recommend ramps that are 12" long for every inch of vertical rise. This ensures that a ramp will be safe for people who use a wheelchair ramps for vans prices (Highly recommended Online site) or walker.

The most popular ramps are aluminum, concrete and wood. Modular aluminum ramps are made and generally less expensive than a concrete or wood ramp. They may not be as long-lasting or customizable as a wooden or concrete ramp.

Threshold ramps are ramps that are placed directly on top of a threshold for a door that is raised or a curbs for sidewalks. They are typically made of aluminum or rubber, and provide traction as the user moves between the walking surfaces.

If you need a ramp that is permanent it is recommended to consult with a professional handyman who can assist you in the process of installing it and offer advice on choosing the right material for your ramp. They can design and construct a ramp that is both secure and matches the style of your home. They can also assist you in determining if you require permits for building and inspections for the ramp to be built properly and safely.

Installation

The first step of constructing a ramp for wheelchairs is to decide where it should be placed. It doesn't have to be right next to the front door however, it should to be near enough for people in wheelchairs to get in and out of the house without having to climb stairs or steps. You should also consult your local municipality to determine the requirements that might be applicable to the construction and installation of ramps.

The Americans with Disabilities Act establishes standards for safe ramp slopes. It is recommended to adhere to these guidelines in order to ensure your ramp is safe for wheelchair users. The ADA recommends ramps that have 12 inches of space per inch of slope. This will allow the mobile wheelchair ramps user to go up and down the ramp without stopping or having to slow down, which could cause a fall.

Once you've determined the best location for the ramp to be, you'll have to decide which type of ramp will best meet your needs. There are many types of ramps, such as concrete or wooden ramps, modular ramps, and portable wheelchair ramps for homes electric ramps for wheelchairs.

Portable ramps are available in a variety of lengths and can be easily moved when they are not being used. They can be used to create small thresholds, or as a series of short steps leading up to the front door. A self-supporting aluminum ramp that is affixed to the floor or the door plate at the entry point provides maximum stability and is easy to install.

Aerolight-Up and Over Ramp Kits can be purchased for the wider ramp that can 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. It can be combined with an Entry Flap accessory to bridge over the threshold of the door and into the house.

Modular ramps are available in many different configurations to meet the specific requirements of your home and telescoping wheelchair ramp user. They are generally considered the most durable and long-lasting option. They come with platforms and railings and are constructed from different materials dependent on your budget and design preferences.

Maintenance

Even the smallest physical obstacle can limit mobility for someone who relies on an electric wheel chair ramp scooter or wheelchair. A ramp that bridges the gap between a surface and the threshold for entry doors can eliminate this barrier and make your home accessible. A professional handyman will help you choose the best ramp materials to meet your functional needs and match your home's design.

Regular maintenance is essential to the safety and longevity of your ramp. Clean and remove debris frequently to ensure your ramp is free of hazards for tripping. Make use of mild soap and water to wash the ramp's surface, paying special attention to areas that are prone to grime and dirt. If your ramp is made of metal ensure that you keep it clean to prevent the rust from developing.

Some ramps require more frequent cleaning than others. Steel ramps might require regular touch-ups with paintbrushes or steel wool. Wooden ramps require a lot of maintenance. Be on the lookout for dents, cracks and rust spots, which should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

If you live in a harsh winter climate you must salt your ramps the same way you would a sidewalk or walkway. This will prevent the accumulation of snow and ice and creating the risk of tripping. Don't over-salt the ramps as this could damage the tires of wheelchairs and bearings.