The Top Reasons People Succeed With The Wheelchair Ramp Industry

Wheelchair Ramp Design and Construction

A wheelchair ramp is a vital tool for helping your loved ones live at home independently. If they are not designed correctly they can be unsafe to use.

ADA regulations require that landings must be level with any change in direction, so as to avoid compound slopes. They also require an accessible surface for wheelchair users.

Design

The ramp's design has to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards to ensure that wheelchairs are able to comfortably navigate the structure. The ramp slope can't exceed a 1:12 ratio and the landings have to be level in any change of direction or shift on the ramp's surface. It must also be constructed from treated lumber that is more durable than untreated and can weather precipitation better.

The sides and top of the ramp should be free of obstacles like bushes, trees or other structures that could interfere with the safe passage of the ramp's user. In addition, the surface of the ramp must be hard and non-slip. Some municipalities require that the entire ramp be covered with a non-slip surface.

Use treated lumber at minimum 4 inches in width for the frame of the ramp. Make posts to support the ramp, ensuring they are at least eight feet apart and that they extend above ground level. Spindles should be used to connect the posts with the railings of the ramp. This kind of connection minimizes the chance of a ramp operator falling off the ramp.

Then, you can build the ramp's frame with beams of 2 by 4 inches in size, and joists that are at minimum 16 inches long. The joists should be at least 18 inches above the ground and secured using joist hangings, which are nails that fit inside the joists to prevent them from sliding. Attach the ramp decking using a framing nailer.

Add an upper landing to the doorway to ensure wheelchair users can easily navigate the doorswing. This landing should provide 12 to 24 inches on the handle side of the doors that swing out. The landing for in-swinging doors must be 58 by 60 inches to accommodate the threshold of the door and a wheelchair user who has to walk backwards in the doorway.

Install a level landing at any change in the direction of the ramp to avoid the need for wheelchairs to slam on their brakes while turning corners. Adding a level landing also makes it easier to move the ramp out of the way if necessary so that lawnmowers and other equipment can pass underneath it.

Materials

The material used to construct ramps for wheelchairs could be wood, concrete or aluminum. A professional ramp installer will help you choose the best option for your office or home. When choosing the material to use for the ramp, it is important to consider your budget and specific needs. The ramp should be easy to maintain, and it should be safe to use. Certain cities require that the ramp be laid with a non-slip surface.

Before you purchase any building materials or begin building, be sure you have the necessary permits from your local authority and that you comply with all building codes within your area. Incorrect construction materials or techniques could create hazardous conditions for wheelchair-users. You can find up-to-date construction regulations in your local building department of the government, library or on the internet.

Wood ramps can be the cheapest option for ADA ramp materials. However they require more care. Wood ramps need to be maintained regularly using a sealer in order to avoid rot. Wood splinters can be a problem, and can be especially hazardous for those who are in wheelchairs. Wood ramps can also need additional support in order to maintain the structure.

Concrete ramps can be costly however they are durable and long lasting. They are also heavy, which demands more effort to install and makes moving the ramp after it is no longer needed difficult. Concrete ramps are strong enough to withstand the weight of power wheelchairs.

Aluminum ramps are lighter and less expensive than concrete or steel. They also have the same durability, strength and corrosion resistance. They are also less expensive than iron and steel ramp for wheelchair which makes them a great option for people on a tight budget. Aluminum is a green choice because it is found in the Earth's crust naturally and is able to be recycled.

The upper ramp's landing needs to be at least 3/8 inch of the threshold in order to allow the smaller front wheels of wheelchairs to cross it without becoming stuck. Ramps with a gap larger than this will not be able to meet ADA standards. Also, ensure that the ramp transitions smoothly between the upper landing and the ground. The final section of the ramp should have a beveled edge to stop wheelchairs from abruptly stopping when they leave or enter a home.

Installation

A ramp for wheelchairs is a sloped plane that can be installed as an alternative or in addition to steps. It allows wheelchair users, as well as those who use strollers or carts to get into areas that are otherwise difficult to access.

When selecting a wheelchair access ramp, there are a variety of factors to consider, such as the location, height, and cost. The ramp should be located closest to the Door threshold ramp for wheelchairs to avoid unnecessary traveling. It should also be placed at an angle that is easily accessed by the person who is using it. It should be securely anchored to the floor and free of obstructions like trees, cars parked or other obstacles.

ADA regulations stipulate that ramps must are equipped with handrails either side. The rails should be at minimum 36" apart and have a smooth or rounded gripping surface. Additionally, they should be affixed to the ramp and extend at least 12 inches beyond the ramp edge. If a ramp has switchbacks or an L-shaped layout, handrails should be a continuous length between the ramp runs.

The length of the ramp is determined by its slope. However there are a few basic ramp types that are suitable for all situations. For instance, a threshold ramp sits right on the edge of a curb or at the threshold of a doorway, while portable ramps can be moved from one location to another and come in many different sizes. Modular aluminum ramps can be built on-site. These are usually used for commercial or public areas and are typically longer than the threshold and ramps that are portable aluminum folding wheelchair ramps.

If you're thinking of an all-weather wheel chair ramp for vans, be sure you check with your city's building department to determine if you'll need an approval. It is recommended to consult a mobility expert to find out what type of ramp is best suited to your needs and the space you have. In some cases the installation of an all-weather ramp can boost the value of your home.

Maintenance

It is crucial to keep your ramp for wheelchairs in good condition especially if it will be used regularly. It is essential to conduct regular inspections and fix any structural issues when they occur. This will ensure that the ramp is in compliance with all ADA requirements, and is safe for the users.

Regularly cleaning wooden ramps is necessary to get rid of dirt and other debris that could block access. Keeping the ramp clean will also prevent moisture from accumulating under the surface and leading to the onset of rot. The wood preservatives or stains only work only if the ramp is thoroughly cleaned before application.

Wheelchair ramps can be more difficult to maintain than other kinds of ramps, since they are more susceptible to wear and wear and tear. The most important thing is to ensure that you have the right tools for the job. A set of gauge spanners and screwdrivers are vital to ensure that all fixings are secure and secure. You should also regularly inspect the handrails for signs corrosion or damage. With time and repeated use, it's not uncommon that some fittings or bolts that hold the handrails to become loose. This can be a safety concern for anyone who uses the ramp.

It is also crucial to ensure that the surface the ramp is sufficiently grippy particularly in winter, when the conditions are challenging. You'll need to clean away any leaves, dirt and other debris that could obstruct the surface and cause slippage. Additionally, you'll need to apply an ice melt that is not corrosive to the ramp's surface before winter arrives to avoid slips and causing injury.

Consider purchasing "snow tires" or traction wheels for your wheelchair to car ramp if intend to use it during the winter. These wheels are designed to be more efficient on slippery and snowy surfaces. They will help you stay on your ramp longer than regular 7 ft wheelchair ramp tires. You can also place heating pads or tape along the ramp surface to help melt ice and snow before it gets accumulated.