10 Things Your Competitors Learn About Wheelchair Ramp For Front Door
Installing a lightweight wheelchair ramp Ramp For Your Front Door
A ramp for wheelchairs near your front door can reduce the risk of serious injury from falls. The ramps are usually constructed for use as a walkway to the porch. However, they can be used to access vehicles or other destinations.
If these changes are elegantly and seamlessly integrated into the home, they can keep the resale value. Modular ramps are flexible in style and can be customized to the specific style of your home.
Design Considerations
The slope of the ramp should be gentle, and easy to navigate for wheelchair users. The ADA recommends that ramp slopes not be steeper than one in 12. (For every inch of vertical rise you need to travel 12 inches horizontally).
The landings of the ramp should be wide enough for doors 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 don't accidentally roll over the ramp's edge. A 58-inch wide landing, for example, will give ample space to accommodate a front entrance 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 to land at the end. This will reduce the risk of tripping at the end of your ramp as it turns towards the back. Handrails are another important aspect of ramp design. These are not just decorative afterthoughts; they're lifelines for ramp occupants. ADA rules call for handrails that are 34 to 38 inches tall and have gripping surfaces that are able to hold a person's weight without becoming slippery in weather conditions.
Installing handrails on both the left and right side of the ramp is a good idea, especially in the event of any changes in direction. These railings inform visually impaired wheelchair and walker users of the differences in the ramp's material and provide them with something to hold onto for safety.
Some ramps are built to fold away when not in use, but these typically require a lot of space around them. Portable ramps like the Aerolight Folding Ramp offer a solution to this issue. They have hinges inside the threshold that permit the ramp to be folded up and then over. This lets the ramp be placed right outside a front door, allowing it to be used to bridge a single step or multiple steps into a home. It's also a great choice for people who have mobility issues who wish to have their scooter or wheelchair in their vehicle wheelchair ramp at all times.
Materials
When constructing a ramp the material used is among the most important decisions that needs to be taken. Materials can differ greatly based on the design and type of the ramp. In general wood is the most popular ramp material used in homes due to the fact that it can be constructed in a variety of styles and complements the design of many homes. A wooden ramp will require regular maintenance to avoid insects and rotting. In addition, a wooden ramp is typically more expensive than aluminum or concrete ramp.
It is crucial to know the needs of a disabled person as well as the environment in which the ramp will be placed before you can choose the most suitable ramp. Making sure to answer questions such as, "will it be used outdoors or indoors?" and, "how often will it be used?" will help narrow down the options and make selecting the right ramp much easier.
Selecting the best ramp for your doorway is dependent on other factors including the length of the ramp must be. In general, ADA guidelines recommend ramps to be 12" long for every inch of vertical rise. This helps to ensure that the ramp is safe for someone who uses a wheelchair, scooter or walker.
Concrete, aluminum and wooden ramps are the most popular alternatives. Modular aluminum ramps can be manufactured and are generally cheaper than concrete or wood ramps. However, they might not be as durable or as flexible as a concrete or wood ramp.
Threshold Ramps are ramps that sit directly over the threshold or curb on the sidewalk. They are usually made of rubber or aluminum and offer traction when a person changes between various walking non slip surfaces for wheelchair ramps.
If you require 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 ramps that are secure and matches the style of your home. They can also assist you to determine whether a building permit required and if inspections are required to ensure that the ramp has been constructed correctly and safely.
Installation
To install a ramp for wheelchairs, the first step is to decide where it will be placed. It doesn't have to be located right at the front door. However, it should be close enough to allow someone in a wheelchair to get into and out of the home without climbing the steps or up the stairs. It's recommended to consult with your local municipal authority to find out what requirements might apply 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 to ensure your ramp is safe for retractable wheelchair ramps users. The ADA recommends ramps have 12 inches of space for each inch of slope. This will ensure that wheelchair users can move between the ramps with enough space to avoid having to slow down or stop and risk falling.
Once you have determined the best location for the ramp to be located, you'll need to determine what kind of ramp is best suited to your requirements. There are several types of ramps that are available that are portable, such as modular ramps and concrete or wood ramps.
Portable ramps are available in different lengths and can easily be moved when not in use. They can be used to cover small thresholds, or as a short sequence of steps leading up to the entrance. A self-supporting aluminum ramp that is connected 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 are available to create a wider ramp which can be able to bridge over the threshold. The ramp is placed inside the UPVC threshold so that it won't harm it and can be folded away when not in use. This ramp can be used in combination with an Entry Flap accessory for a bridge that can cross the threshold of the door and enter the house.
Modular ramps can be built in a variety of designs to meet the particular needs of your home and your wheelchair user. They are generally considered the most durable and long-lasting option. They come with platforms and railings and are constructed from a variety of materials, dependent on your budget and preferences for design.
Maintenance
Even the smallest physical obstacle can limit mobility for someone who uses the use of a scooter or wheelchair. A ramp that bridges the gap between a surface and the threshold for entry doors can eliminate this obstacle and make your home accessible. A professional handyman will help you choose the best materials for your ramp that will meet your functional requirements and complement your home's style.
After you've constructed an ramp, maintaining it regularly is vital to its longevity and safety. Clean up and remove debris frequently to ensure that your ramp is free of hazards for tripping. Use a mild soap and water to wash the ramp's surface, paying particular attention to areas where dirt and grime accumulate. If your ramp is constructed of metal, be sure to keep it clean to avoid rust build-up.
Some ramps have to be cleaned more frequently than others. Steel ramps, for instance, may need periodic touch-up using paintbrushes or steel wool. Wooden ramps require more frequent maintenance. Be alert for dents, cracks and rust spots that should be repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage.
If you live in an area with harsh winter weather, be sure to salt your ramps as you would a walkway or sidewalk. This will help prevent snow and ice buildup, which can cause an additional tripping hazard. Do not over-salt ramps as this could damage the tires of wheelchairs and bearings.
