The Wheelchair Ramp For Front Door Awards: The Best, Worst, And The Most Bizarre Things We've Seen
Installing a Wheelchair Ramp For Your Front Door
A ramp for wheelchairs at your front door can reduce the chance of sustaining serious injuries from falls. These ramps for the outdoors are usually built to lead up to a porch. However, they can also be used to access vehicles or other places.
These modifications can be incorporated into the home in a stylish way that preserves its resale price. 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 move for wheelchair users. The ADA recommends that ramp slopes shouldn't 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 doors to swing open and open. They should be at a safe distance away from the edge of a ramp to prevent the chair's tires from rolling over the edge. A 58-inch wide landing, for instance, gives plenty of room to accommodate a front entrance that is open to the ramp area.
Consider adding a flare on the side if the ramp is long, and there is no level to land at the end. This will reduce the chance of slipping as it curves to the right at the end of the ramp. Handrails are a crucial aspect of ramp design. They aren't just decorative, but they are lifelines for the people 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 weather conditions.
It's a good idea to install handrails on both sides of the ramp, particularly when there are abrupt changes in direction. These railings will alert visually impaired walkers and wheelchair users of the modifications in the material of the ramp and give the person using the ramp something to hold on to for safety.
Some ramps can be folded away to make space when not in use. However, they usually require a large amount of space. Portable ramps like the Aerolight Folding Ramp are a great solution to this issue. They feature hinges that are in the threshold and allow the ramp to fold up and over it. This allows the ramp to be placed right outside a front door, which allows it to cross one step or a few steps into a home. It's also a great choice for people who have mobility challenges who want to have their wheelchair or scooter on them at all times.
Materials
The selection of materials is an important choice when designing ramps. Materials can be very different based on the style and type of the ramp. Wood is the most sought-after ramp material due to its ability to be built in many styles and complements many homes. A wooden ramp requires regular maintenance to prevent insects and rotting. A wooden ramp is more expensive than concrete or aluminum ramp.
It is essential to understand the needs of a disabled person as well as the environment where the ramp will be installed before you decide on the most appropriate ramp. Taking the time to answer questions like, "will it be used outdoors or indoors?" and, "how often will it be used?" will help narrow down the choices and make choosing the appropriate ramp much simpler.
The choice of the right ramp is based on a variety of other aspects. For instance, how high or low the ramp should be. In wheelchair ramps , ADA guidelines recommend ramps being 12" long for every inch of vertical rise. This ensures that a ramp is safe for people who use wheelchairs or walker.
The most well-known ramp options are concrete, aluminum and wood. Modular aluminum ramps are prefabricated, and are typically less expensive than wood or concrete ramps. They may not be as durable or as customizable as a wood or concrete ramp.
Threshold ramps are ramps that are placed directly on top of a raised door threshold or sidewalk curb. They are usually constructed of aluminum or rubber and give traction when someone changes between various walking surfaces.
If you require a ramp that is permanent you should talk to a professional handyman who can assist you in the process of installing it and offer advice on choosing the proper material for your ramp. They will be able to design and construct ramps that are safe and enhances the look of your home. They can also assist in determining if you will need an approval for construction or inspections for the ramp to be constructed correctly and safely.
Installation
The first step in the process of installing a wheelchair ramp is determining the location it should be. It doesn't have to be located right at the front door. But it should be near enough for someone in a wheelchair to get into and out of the house without having to climb steps or stairs. It's also a good idea to check with your municipality to determine what conditions may apply to the construction of ramps in your neighborhood.
The Americans with Disabilities Act sets guidelines for safe ramp slopes and it is recommended to adhere to these guidelines to ensure that your ramp is safe for people who use wheelchairs. The ADA recommends ramps have 12 inches of space per inch of slope. This will allow the wheelchair user to move through the ramp without stopping or having to slow down, which could cause an accident.
Once you've decided where the ramp should be located, you'll need to decide which type of ramp will best suit your requirements. There are a variety of ramps, including concrete or wooden ramps, modular ramps, and portable ramps.
Portable ramps are available in various lengths that can be easily removed when not in use. They can be used to cover small thresholds, or as a short sequence of steps leading up to the entrance. An aluminium self-supporting ramp that is attached to the floor of the home or the door plate of the entrance will provide maximum stability and is simple to put in.
For a wider ramp that bridges over the threshold, an Aerolight-Up-and-Over ramp kit can be used. The ramp is positioned within the UPVC threshold to ensure it won't harm it and can be folded down when not in use. It can be used in conjunction with an Entry Flap accessory to bridge over the door threshold and into the house.
Modular ramps are available in many different configurations to meet the specific requirements of your home and wheelchair user. They are considered to be the most durable option. They feature platforms and railings and are constructed from various materials, depending on your budget and design preferences.
Maintenance
Even the tiniest physical obstacle can hinder mobility for a person who uses a wheelchair or scooter. A ramp that bridges the gap between a surface and the threshold of an entry door can eliminate this obstacle and make your home accessible. A professional handyman will help you select the right materials for your ramp that will meet your functional requirements and match your home's aesthetics.
Once you've installed a ramp, regular maintenance is essential to its longevity and safety. Clean up and remove debris frequently to keep your ramp free of hazards that could cause tripping. Clean the ramp's surface with mild soap and warm water, paying particular attention to areas that collect dirt and grime. If your ramp is made of steel, be sure to keep it clean to prevent rust deposits.
Some ramps need to be cleaned more frequently than other ramps. Steel ramps may require periodic touches-ups using a steel wool or paintbrush. Wood ramps, on other hand require more regular care. Be aware of cracks, dents, and rust spots. Repairs should be made immediately to prevent further damage.
If you live in an area with extreme winter weather, be sure to salt your ramps just as you would a walkway or sidewalk. This will help prevent snow and ice buildup, which can create an additional hazard for tripping. But, be careful not to over-salt your ramps, because too much salt could cause damage to the bearings and tires of wheelchairs.