Installing a Wheelchair Ramp For Your Front Door A wheelchair ramp for your front door reduces the chance of sustaining a serious injury from falls. These outdoor ramps are usually built to lead up to a porch. However, they can also be used to get into vehicles or other locations. These modifications can be integrated into the home in a tasteful way to maintain its resale price. Modular ramps are available in different designs and can be adapted to match your home's style. Design Considerations The slope of the ramp should be smooth and easy for wheelchair users to maneuver. wheelchair ramps for doorways recommends ramp slopes should not be more steep than one in 12. (For every inch of vertical rise, you have to traverse 12 inches horizontally). The ramp's landings should be wide enough for doors to open and swing freely. They must also be a safe distance from the edge of the ramp, so that the chair's tires don't accidentally roll over the ramp edge. For instance, a 58 inch wide landing will give plenty of room to accommodate a front door that opens into the ramp area. Consider adding a flare on the side when the ramp is lengthy and there isn't a level landing at the end. This decreases the chance of slipping as it curves towards the end of the ramp. Handrails are an additional aspect of the design of the ramp. These are not just decorative afterthoughts; they're vital for the occupants of the ramp. ADA guidelines require handrails that are 34 to 38 inches high and have gripping surfaces that can support a person's weight without becoming slippery in wet 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 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 built to fold away when they are not in use, however they usually require lots of space around them. Portable ramps, such as the Aerolight-Folding ramp, are the ideal solution to this problem. They have hinges inside the threshold that permit the ramp to fold up and then over. The ramp can be placed right outside the front door and used to bridge the gap between a single or a number of steps. It's a great option for people with mobility issues who want to keep their wheelchair or scooter on them at all times. Materials When building a ramp, the material is one of the most crucial decisions to be made. Depending on the type of ramp and design, the materials used can differ considerably. Wood is the most popular ramp material due to its ability to be built in many styles and complements many homes. A wooden ramp will require regular maintenance to prevent the ramp from rotting and insect infestation. A wooden ramp can be more expensive than concrete or aluminum ramp. It is crucial to know the needs of a disabled person and the setting in which the ramp will be set up before you choose the most appropriate ramp. It is important to take 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. Selecting the best ramp for a doorway also depends on other aspects like the length of the ramp must be. In general, ADA guidelines recommend ramps to be 12" long for every inch of vertical rise. This ensures that the ramp will be safe for people who use a wheelchair or walker. Aluminum, concrete and wooden ramps are the most popular ramps available. Modular aluminum ramps can be prefabricated, and are typically less expensive than wood or concrete ramps. They might not be as durable or customizable as a wooden or concrete ramp. Threshold Ramps are short ramps that are placed directly above a threshold that is raised or a curb on the sidewalk. They are usually made of rubber or aluminum, and provide traction as the user moves between walking surfaces. If you are in need of a permanent ramp you should talk to an experienced handyman who can assist you in the process of installing it and offer advice on choosing the appropriate material for your ramp. They will be able to design and construct a ramp that is both 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 properly and safely. Installation In order to put up a ramp for wheelchairs, the first step is to determine where it will be installed. It doesn't need to be right up at the front door. But it should be close enough for someone in a wheelchair to access and leave the house without climbing steps or stairs. You should also consult your local municipality to find out what regulations might apply to the construction and installation of a ramp. The Americans with Disabilities Act sets guidelines for safe slopes on ramps, and it's recommended to adhere to these guidelines to ensure that your ramp is safe for people using wheelchairs. Generally speaking, the ADA recommends that for every inch of rise, ramps must include 12 inches of length. This will ensure that wheelchair users can move up and down the ramp with enough space to avoid slowing down or stopping in order to avoid a fall. Once you have determined the best location for the ramp to be placed, you'll need to determine what kind of ramp is best suited to your needs. There are many types of ramps, including wooden or concrete ramps, modular ramps and portable ramps. Portable ramps come in various lengths and are easily 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 aluminum ramp that attaches to the floor of the house or the door plate of the entrance provides the highest stability and is simple to put in. To build a larger ramp that bridges over the threshold an Aerolight-Up and Over ramp kit can be used. This ramp is designed to fit within the UPVC threshold, so it won't harm it. It can be folded when not in use. This ramp can be used in combination with an Entry Flap accessory for a bridge to traverse the threshold of the door to enter the house. Modular ramps are available in many configurations that can be customized to meet the requirements of your wheelchair or home user. They are generally considered the most durable and long-lasting option. They feature platforms and railings and can be built in different materials dependent on your budget and style preferences. Maintenance Even the tiniest physical obstruction could limit mobility for someone who uses the use of a scooter or wheelchair. A ramp that bridges the gap between a threshold and the entry door can eliminate the barrier, making your home more accessible. A professional handyman will help you select the right materials for your ramp that will satisfy your needs and complement your home's style. After you've put up the ramp, regular maintenance is essential to its durability and security. Make sure to sweep and remove debris regularly to ensure that your ramp is free of tripping hazards. Clean the ramp surface with mild soap and warm water, paying particular attention to areas that collect dirt and grime. If the ramp is made of steel be sure to clean it frequently to prevent rust. Some ramps need to be cleaned more frequently than others. Steel ramps, for example might require regular touch-ups using a paintbrush or steel wool. Wooden ramps require a lot of maintenance. Be on the lookout for dents, cracks and rust spots, which should be repaired as quickly as possible in order to prevent further damage. If you reside in an area that experiences extreme winter weather, be sure to salt your ramps just as you would for a sidewalk or walkway. This will help prevent accumulation of snow and ice and creating the risk of tripping. Be careful not to salt too much on your ramps, because excessive salt can cause damage to the bearings and tires of wheelchairs.
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