Installing a Wheelchair Ramp For Your Front Door
A ramp for your wheelchair at your front door can reduce the risks of an injury that is serious from falls. The ramps are usually constructed for use as a walkway to an outdoor porch. However, they can be used to access vehicles or other destinations.
When these modifications are tastefully integrated with the home, they can keep the resale value. Modular ramps are flexible in style and can fit the specific style of your home.
Design Considerations
The slope of the ramp must be smooth and easy for wheelchair occupants to maneuver. The ADA recommends ramp slopes not be higher than 1 in 12 (for every inch of vertical rise, 1109278 (
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Ramp landings should be large enough to allow doors to swing open and open. They should be a safe distance away from the edge of a ramp to prevent the chair's tires from accidentally rolling over the edge. For instance, a 58 inch wide landing will allow plenty of space to accommodate a front door
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If the ramp is long and doesn't have an even landing at the top of the incline, consider adding a side flare. This can reduce the chance of slipping at the end of your ramp because it is curved inward. Handrails are an additional aspect of ramp design. They're not merely decorative flimsy additions, they're lifelines for those who use the ramp. ADA regulations require handrails that measure 34 to 38 inches tall and have gripping surfaces that can support the weight of a person without becoming slippery in wet weather conditions.
Installing handrails both on the left and right side of the ramp is a good idea, especially if there are any changes in direction. These railings will alert visually impaired walkers and wheelchair users of the changes in ramp surface material and give the occupant something to hold onto in order to ensure safety.
Some ramps can be folded away to make space when not in use. However, they generally require a significant amount of space. Portable ramps like the Aerolight-Folding Ramp offer a solution to this. They have hinges that sit within the threshold, allowing the ramp to fold up and over it. This allows the ramp to be placed right outside a front door, allowing it to bridge one step or a few steps into a home. It's also a great option for those with mobility issues who wish to keep their scooter or wheelchair with them at all times.
Materials
When constructing a ramp, the material is one of the most important decisions that needs to be made. Materials can vary greatly depending on the design and type of the ramp. In general wood is the most common ramp material used in homes due to the fact that it is able to be built in a variety of styles and enhances the design of many homes. However, a ramp made of wood requires regular maintenance to prevent decay or insects from infesting. Furthermore the wooden ramp is usually more expensive than an concrete or aluminum ramp.
It is important to know the requirements of a disabled person and the environment in which the ramp will be installed before you can choose the most suitable ramp. Making sure to answer questions like, "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 simpler.
Selecting the best ramp for your doorway is dependent on other aspects including how far up or down the ramp must be. ADA guidelines recommend ramps of 12" long per inch of vertical rise. This ensures that a ramp is safe for anyone using a wheelchair or walker.
Concrete, aluminum, and wooden ramps are the most popular ramps available. Modular aluminum ramps are manufactured and usually cost less than a wood or concrete ramp. They might not be as durable or customizable as a wood or concrete ramp.
Threshold ramps are ramps that sit directly over a raised door threshold or curbs on sidewalks. They are typically constructed of aluminum or rubber and give traction when someone switches between different walking surfaces.
If you need a permanent ramp you should talk to an experienced handyman who can assist you in the process of installing it and provide guidance on selecting the appropriate material for your ramp. They will be able to create a ramp that is both safe and enhances the look 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
In order to install a ramp for wheelchairs, the first step is to decide where it should be installed. It doesn't need to be right next to the front door, but it will need to be close in order for people in wheelchairs to be able to enter and exit of the house without the need to climb steps or stairs. It's recommended to check with your municipality to determine what conditions may apply to the construction of a ramp in your area.
The Americans with Disabilities Act establishes standards for safe ramp slopes. It is recommended that you adhere to these guidelines to ensure your ramp is safe for wheelchair users. The ADA recommends ramps with 12 inches of space per inch of slope. This will ensure that the wheelchair user can move up and down the ramp with enough room so that they do not have to slow down or stopping in order to avoid a fall.
After determining the location where the ramp will be placed, you'll have decide on which ramp will best suit your needs. There are a variety of ramps to choose from including portable ramps, modular ramps, ramps made of wood or concrete.
Portable ramps are available in different lengths and can easily be removed when not in use. They can be used to cover small thresholds or to cover a short set of steps leading up to the entrance. A self-supporting ramp made of aluminum that is attached to the floor of the house or the door plate of the entrance will provide maximum stability and is easy to set up.
To build a larger ramp that bridges over the threshold an Aerolight-Up and Over ramp kit is a good choice. The ramp is placed inside the UPVC threshold so that it doesn't damage it and can be folded down when not in use. This ramp can be used in combination with an Entry Flap accessory for a bridge to cross the threshold of the door and enter the house.
Modular ramps are available in various designs that can be adapted to the needs of your wheelchair or home user. They are generally considered the most durable and long-lasting choice. They have railings and platforms and are constructed from a variety of materials, according to your budget and design preferences.
Maintenance
If you or someone you love relies on wheelchair, scooter or walker, even the smallest physical barrier can prevent full mobility. A ramp that bridges the gap between a surface and the threshold of an entry door can remove this barrier and make your home accessible. A professional handyman will help you choose the appropriate materials for your ramp to meet your functional requirements and match your home's aesthetics.
Regular maintenance is vital for the longevity and safety of your ramp. Clean and remove debris frequently to ensure your ramp is free of hazards for tripping. Clean the ramp surface with mild soap and warm water, paying special attention to areas that collect dirt and grime. If the ramp is made of steel ensure that you clean it regularly in order to avoid corrosion.
Some ramps need to be cleaned more frequently than others. Steel ramps, for instance might require regular touch-ups with steel wool or a paintbrush. Wood ramps, on contrary, require more routine care.