Installing a Wheelchair Ramp For Your Front Door

A wheelchair ramp at your front door can reduce the chance of serious injuries from falls. The ramps are usually constructed for use as a walkway to an outdoor porch. However they can also be used to access vehicles or other destinations.

When these modifications are tastefully integrated with the home, they are able to preserve resale value. Modular ramps offer flexibility in design and can be incorporated into your specific home design.

Design Considerations

The slope of the ramp should be gentle and easy to maneuver for wheelchair users. The ADA recommends that ramp slopes not be more steep than one in 12. (For every inch of vertical rise, you must move 12 inches horizontally).

The landings on the ramps must be wide enough to allow a door to open and swing around. They should be placed at an appropriate distance from the edge of a ramp to prevent the chair’s tires from accidentally rolling over the edge. A 58-inch wide landing, for instance, gives ample space to accommodate a front entryway that is open to the ramp area.

Consider adding a flare on the side in the event that the ramp is long and there isn’t a level landing point at the end. This will reduce the chance of slipping as it curves inward at the end of the ramp. Another important feature of ramp design is handrails. They aren’t just for decoration but are also lifelines for the ramp occupants. ADA regulations require handrails to be at least 34-38 inches high and have gripping surfaces that can hold the body weight of a person regardless of the weather.

Installing handrails on the left and right side of a ramp is a good idea, particularly when there are any shifts in direction. These railings will alert visually impaired walkers and wheelchair rubber ramp users of the changes in ramp surface material and also provide the occupant something to hold onto for safety.

Some ramps can be folded away to save space when not in use. However, they generally require a lot of space. Portable ramps for wheelchairs at home, such as the Aerolight-Folding ramp, offer an excellent solution to this. They have hinges inside the threshold that allow the ramp to be folded up and 3 step wheelchair Ramp over. This lets the ramp be stored right outside the front door, which allows it to cross one step or a few steps into a house. It’s also a great option for people who have mobility issues and want to keep their scooter or removable wheelchair Ramps with them at all times.

Materials

When constructing a ramp the material used is among the most important decisions to be made. Depending on the kind 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 wide range of styles and enhances the design aesthetic of a lot of homes. A wooden ramp requires regular maintenance to avoid rotting and insect infestation. A wooden ramp can be more expensive than aluminum or concrete ramp.

It is important to know the needs of a disabled person as well as the environment where the ramp will be installed before you can choose the most suitable ramp. It is important to take the time to answer questions like, “will it be used indoors or outdoors?” and, “how often will it be used?” will help narrow down the options and make selecting the right ramp much easier.

The choice of the ideal ramp depends on a number of other aspects. For example how high or low the ramp should be. ADA guidelines recommend ramps of 12″ long per inch of vertical rise. This ensures that a ramp will be safe for someone using wheelchairs or walker.

The most well-known ramps are made of concrete, aluminum and wood. Modular aluminum ramps are made and usually cost less than a concrete or wood ramp. However, they might not be as robust or as flexible as a wood or concrete ramp.

Threshold ramps are ramps that are placed directly over the threshold of a door or curbs for sidewalks. They are usually constructed of aluminum or rubber and give traction when someone switches between different walking surfaces.

If you need a permanent ramp it is recommended to speak with a professional handyman. They can assist you with the installation and give guidance on the appropriate material for your ramp. They will have the expertise to design and build an accessible ramp that is safe and matches the look of your home. They can also assist in determining whether you’ll require an approval for construction or inspections to ensure the ramp will be constructed correctly and safely.

Installation

In order to install ramps for wheelchairs first, it is necessary to determine where it will be installed. It doesn’t have to be right next to the front door however it needs to be close in order for a person in a wheelchair to move in and out of the home without having to climb steps or stairs. You should also consult your local municipality to determine what requirements might apply to the construction and installation of a ramp.

The Americans with Disabilities Act sets guidelines for safe ramp slopes, and it is best to follow these guidelines to ensure that your ramp is safe for people who use wheelchairs. The ADA recommends ramps that have 12 inches of space for each inch of slope. This will ensure that wheelchair users can travel between the ramps with enough room to avoid having to slow down or stop, which could lead to falling.

Once you’ve decided 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 available including portable ramps, modular ramps, and ramps made of wood or concrete.

Portable ramps are available in different lengths and can easily be moved when not being used. They can be used to create small thresholds, or as a series of short steps leading up to the front door. An aluminium self-supporting ramp that attaches to the flooring of the home or the door plate of the entrance will offer the highest stability and is simple to install.

For a wider ramp that bridges over the threshold an Aerolight-Up and Over ramp kit can be used. The ramp is designed to fit inside the UPVC threshold, so it won’t damage it. It can also be folded away when not in use. This ramp can be used in combination with an Entry Flap accessory for a bridge that can over the threshold of the door and be able to enter the home.

Modular ramps are available in a variety of configurations that can be tailored to meet the requirements of your wheelchair or home user. They are thought to be the most durable choice. They have railings and platforms and can be built in a variety of materials, according to your budget and design preferences.

Maintenance

Even the tiniest physical obstruction could limit mobility for someone who relies on a vehicle wheelchair ramp or scooter. A ramp that bridges a gap between a surface threshold and the entrance door can remove this obstacle and make your home more accessible. A professional handyman can assist you to choose the best ramp materials to meet your functional needs and match your home’s design.

Regular maintenance is crucial to the safety and longevity of your ramp. Sweep and remove debris regularly to ensure that your ramp is free of tripping hazards. Clean the ramp’s surface using mild soap and warm water, paying special focus on areas that accumulate dirt and grime. If the ramp is made of steel ensure that you clean it frequently to avoid rust.

Some ramps require more frequent cleaning than others. Steel ramps, for instance might require regular touch-ups with a paintbrush or steel wool. Wooden ramps require more frequent maintenance. Be alert for dents, cracks and rust spots, which should be repaired as quickly as possible in order to prevent further damage.

If you live in the harsh winter weather you must salt your ramps as you would a walkway or sidewalk. This will help prevent snow and ice from accumulating and causing an increase in the risk of tripping. Don’t over-salt the ramps as this can damage wheelchair tires and bearings.