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Installing a Wheelchair Ramp For Your Front Door

A ramp for wheelchairs near your front door will reduce the chance of serious injuries due to falls. The ramps are usually constructed for use as a walkway to the porch. However, they can be used to access vehicles or other places.

If these modifications are stylishly integrated into the house, they will preserve resale value. Modular ramps offer flexibility in style and can be customized to your specific home design.

Design Considerations

The slope of the ramp must be smooth and easy for wheelchair users to move. The ADA recommends that ramp slopes shouldn't be steeper than one in 12. (For every inch of vertical rise you have to move 12 inches horizontally).

The landings of the ramp should be large enough for doors to swing and open freely. They should be at an appropriate distance from the edge of the ramp to stop chair tires from rolling over the edge. A 58-inch wide landing, for instance, will give you plenty of space to accommodate a front entryway that opens onto the ramp area.

If the ramp is long and doesn't have an even landing at the top of the slope, you might want to consider adding a side flare. This decreases the chance of tripping as it curves towards the end of the ramp. Another important feature of ramp design is handrails. They are not just decorative, but they are lifelines for the ramp occupants. ADA regulations require handrails that are at least 34-38 inches high and have gripping surfaces capable of holding a person's body weight in any weather.

It is a good idea to install handrails on both sides of the ramp, particularly when there is a change in direction. These railings warn visually impaired wheelchair and walker users of the differences in the ramp surface material and give them something to hold onto for safety.

Some ramps are designed to fold out of the way when they are not in use, however these typically require plenty of space around them. Portable ramps like the Aerolight-Folding Ramp offer a solution to this. They have hinges inside the threshold that allow the ramp to fold up and over. The ramp can be placed right outside the front door to bridge one or more steps. It's an excellent option for people with mobility issues and want to keep their wheelchair or scooter on them at all times.

Materials

Material selection is a crucial decision when designing a ramp. Depending on the type of ramp and the design, materials can vary significantly. In general wood is the most commonly used ramp material used in homes due to the fact that it can be constructed in a variety of styles and enhances the design aesthetic of a lot of homes. A wooden ramp will require regular maintenance to avoid rotting and insect infestation. Additionally the wooden ramp is generally more expensive than an aluminum or concrete ramp.

To choose the appropriate ramp, it is essential to know the specific requirements of a disabled individual and the location in which the ramp will be placed. Taking the time 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 choosing the appropriate ramp much easier.

The selection of the best ramp is based on a variety of other aspects. For example the height or how low the ramp should be. In general, ADA guidelines recommend ramps to be 12" long for every inch of vertical rise. This ensures that a ramp will be safe for anyone using wheelchairs or walker.

The most well-known ramps are aluminum, concrete and wood. Modular aluminum ramps are made in advance, and are usually less expensive than concrete or wood ramps. They may not be as long-lasting or as customizable as a wood or concrete ramp.

Threshold ramps are ramps that are placed directly over a raised door threshold or curbs for sidewalks. They are typically made of rubber or aluminum and offer traction when a person changes between various walking surfaces.

If you require an all-weather ramp, it is best to talk to 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 have the experience to design and construct an appropriate ramp that is secure and complements the style of your home. They can also assist in determining if you will need a building permit and inspections for the ramp to be constructed safely and in a safe manner.

Installation

The first step in the process of installing a wheelchair ramp is to determine the location it should be. It doesn't have to be right up at the front door. However, it should be close enough for someone in a wheel chair to access and leave the home without having to climb steps or stairs. You should also consult your local municipality to determine what regulations might apply to the construction and installation of a ramp.

The Americans with Disabilities Act establishes standards for safe ramp slopes. It is a good idea to adhere to these guidelines to ensure that your ramp is safe for wheelchair users. Generally speaking the ADA recommends that for every inch of rise, ramps must include 12 inches of length. This will allow the wheelchair user to travel up and down a ramp without having to stop or slow down, which could cause a fall.

Once you have determined where the ramp should be placed, you'll need to determine what kind of ramp will best meet your needs. There are many types of ramps to choose from that are portable, such as modular ramps, ramps made of concrete or wood.

Portable ramps are available in a variety of lengths and can easily be moved when not in use. They can be used for small thresholds or for the construction of a short set of steps leading up to the front door. A self-supporting ramp made of aluminum that attaches to the flooring of the home or to the door plate of the entrance will offer maximum stability and is easy to set up.

For a ramp that is wider and bridges over the threshold, an Aerolight-Up and Over ramp kit is available. 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 can be built in many different designs to meet the particular needs of your home and the wheelchair user. They are generally considered the most durable and long-lasting option. They have railings and platforms and can be built in various materials, dependent on your budget and style preferences.

Maintenance

Even the tiniest physical obstruction can limit mobility for someone who uses an electric scooter or wheelchair. wheelchairs ramps that bridges a gap between a threshold on the surface and the doorway can remove this barrier and make your home more accessible. A professional handyman can assist you to select the right ramp material to meet your needs and fit well with your home's design.

After you've constructed a ramp, regular maintenance is vital to its longevity and safety. Make sure to sweep and remove debris regularly to keep your ramp free of hazards that could cause tripping. Use mild soap and water to clean the ramp's surface, paying special attention to areas where grime and dirt accumulate. If your ramp is made of metal, make sure to clean it regularly to avoid rust build-up.

Some ramps need to be cleaned more frequently than other ramps. Steel ramps may require periodic touch-ups with paintbrushes or steel wool. Wooden ramps require more regular maintenance. Be on the lookout for dents, cracks and rust spots, which must be fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

If you are in a region that experiences severe winter weather, make sure to salt your ramps as you would for a walkway or sidewalk. This will stop the accumulation of snow and ice and causing a tripping risk. But, be careful not to over-salt your ramps, because excessive salt can damage wheelchair tires and bearings.