20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Wheelchair Ramp For Front Door

Installing a Wheelchair Ramp For Your Front Door

A ramp for wheelchairs at your front door helps reduce the chance of sustaining an injury that is serious from falls. These ramps are typically constructed to connect to an outdoor porch. However, they can be used to access vehicles or other places.

These modifications can be integrated into the home in a stylish way that preserves its resale price. Modular ramps are available in various designs and can be adapted to suit your home's design.

Design Considerations

The slope of the ramp must be smooth and easy for wheelchair occupants to move. The ADA recommends ramp slopes not be steeper than 1 in 12 (for every inch of vertical rise, there must be 12 inches of horizontal travel).

Ramp landings must be wide enough to allow doors to open and swing around. They should be at a safe distance away from the edge of a ramp to prevent the chair's tires from slipping over the edge. For instance, a 58 inch wide landing can give plenty of room to accommodate the front door which is able to open into the ramp.

You may want to consider adding a flare to the side in the event that the ramp is long, and there is no level landing point at the end. This can reduce the chance of slipping at the bottom of your ramp since it curves to the right. Another important feature of ramp design is the handrails. They are not just decorative but also vital for the occupants of the ramp. ADA regulations require handrails that measure 34 to 38 inches high and have gripping surfaces that are able to hold a person's weight without becoming slippery in wet weather conditions.

Installing handrails on the left and right side of a ramp is a good idea, especially in the event of any shifts in direction. These railings warn visually impaired walker and retractable wheelchair Ramp users to changes in the ramp's surface and give the person using the ramp something to hold on to for safety.

Some ramps can be folded out of the way to make space when not in use. However, they usually require a significant amount of space. Portable ramps like the Aerolight-Folding Ramp offer a solution to this issue. They come with hinges that fit within the threshold, allowing the ramp to fold up and over it. The ramp can be positioned just outside the front door to bridge a single or multiple steps. It's a great option for people with mobility issues who want to keep their wheelchair or scooter on their vehicle at all times.

Materials

When constructing a ramp, the material is one of the most important decisions to be taken. Materials can be very different based on the style and type of the ramp. Wood is the most popular ramp material since it can be built in various styles and can be a great complement to many homes. A wooden ramp requires regular maintenance to avoid insects and rotting. A wooden ramp is also more expensive than a concrete or aluminum ramp.

To select the best ramp, it is important to know the specific requirements of disabled people and the setting in which the ramp will be placed. 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 options and make the selection of the best ramp much simpler.

Selecting the best ramp for a doorway depends on other factors like how high or low the ramp must be. ADA guidelines suggest ramps that are 12" long per inch of vertical rise. This ensures that a ramp will be safe for someone using a wheelchair or walker.

Aluminum, concrete and wooden ramps are among the most popular ramps available. Modular aluminum ramps are made and are usually less expensive than a concrete or wood ramp. However, they might not be as durable or as customizable as a wood or concrete ramp.

Threshold Ramps are ramps that are placed directly above the threshold or curb on the sidewalk. They are typically made of rubber or aluminum and offer traction when people change levels between walking surfaces.

If you are in need of a ramp that is permanent it is recommended to consult with an experienced handyman who can assist you in the process of installing it and help you choose the right material for your ramp. They'll have the knowledge to design and construct an accessible ramp that is safe and complements the style of your home. They can also help you determine whether a building permit required and if you require inspections to ensure that the ramp is constructed correctly and safely.

Installation

The first step in the process of installing a wheelchair ramp is to determine where it should be placed. It doesn't have to be right next to the front door. However, it should be near enough to allow someone in a wheel chair to get into and out of the home without climbing the steps or up the stairs. It's also a good idea to inquire with your municipality to see what specific requirements may apply to the construction of ramps in your neighborhood.

The Americans with Disabilities Act sets guidelines for safe ramp slopes and it's a good idea to adhere to these guidelines to ensure your ramp is safe for people using wheelchairs. The ADA recommends ramps have 12 inches of space for each inch of slope. This will allow the wheelchair user to move up and down the ramp without stopping or having to slow down, which could cause an accident.

Once you have determined the best location for the ramp to be, you'll have to decide which type of ramp is best suited to your needs. There are several types of ramps to choose from, including portable ones, modular ramps, and concrete or wood ramps.

Portable ramps are available in a variety of lengths and are easily moved when they are not being used. They can be used to create small thresholds or for the construction of a short set of steps that lead to the front door. A self-supporting ramp made of aluminum that is attached to the floor of the home or the door plate of the entrance provides maximum stability and is easy to install.

Aerolight-Up and Over Ramp Kits can be purchased for the wider ramp that can cross the threshold. The ramp is designed to fit within the UPVC threshold, which means it won't damage it. It can also be folded away when not being used. It can be combined with an Entry Flap accessory to bridge over the threshold of the door and into the home.

Modular ramps are available in various configurations that can be customized to meet the needs of your home or wheelchair user. They are generally considered the most durable and long-lasting option. They feature platforms and railings and are constructed from various materials, depending on your budget and design preferences.

Maintenance

When you or someone in your family relies on a 6ft wheelchair ramp, scooter or walker, the smallest physical barrier can prevent full mobility. A ramp that bridges the gap between a floor and the threshold for entry doors can eliminate this barrier and make your home more accessible. A professional handyman can help you choose the best materials for your ramp that will meet your functional requirements and match your home's aesthetics.

Regular maintenance is essential to the safety and longevity of your ramp. Make sure to sweep and remove debris regularly to ensure that your ramp is free of tripping hazards. Make use of mild soap and water to clean the ramp's surface, paying special attention to areas that are prone to grime and dirt. If your ramp is metal, make sure to clean it frequently to prevent rust.

Some ramps have to be cleaned more frequently than other ramps. Steel shower ramps for wheelchairs, for instance might require regular touch-ups with paintbrushes or steel wool. Wood ramps, on other hand, require more routine care. Be on the lookout for dents, cracks and rust spots that should be repaired as quickly as possible in order to prevent further damage.

If you are in a region that experiences harsh winter weather, be sure to salt your ramps as you would your sidewalk or walkway. This will stop accumulation of snow and ice, which can cause an increase in the risk of tripping. Do not over-salt ramps because this can cause damage to mobile wheelchair ramps tires and bearings.