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Installing a Wheelchair Ramp For Your Front Door A ramp for wheelchairs at your front door helps reduce the risks of a serious injury from falls. These ramps for the outdoors are usually designed to connect to a porch, although they can be used to access vehicles or other locations. These modifications can be integrated into the home in a chic way to maintain the resale value. Modular ramps are available in a variety of styles and are able to be customized to fit your home design. Design Considerations The slope of the ramp should be gentle and easy for wheelchair users to move. The ADA recommends ramp slopes should not be more steep than one in 12. (For every inch of vertical rise, you need to travel 12 inches horizontally). Ramp landings should be large enough to allow a door to open and swing freely. They should also be a safe distance from the edge of the ramp so that the chair's tires aren't able to roll over the ramp edge. A 58-inch wide landing for instance, gives plenty of room to accommodate a front entryway that can be opened to the ramp area. If the ramp is long and doesn't have an even landing at the end of the slope, you might want to consider adding a flare to the side. This will reduce the risk of slipping at the end of your ramp as it is curved towards the back. Another crucial aspect of ramp design is handrails. They're not merely ornamental features, they are vital for the occupants of the ramp. ADA regulations require handrails to be at least 34-38 inches tall and have gripping surfaces capable of holding the weight of a person's body regardless of the weather. Installing handrails both on the left and right side of the ramp is a good idea, particularly in the event of any changes in direction. These railings alert visually impaired walker and wheelchair users to the modifications in the material of the ramp and also provide the user something to hold on to for safety. Some ramps can be folded out of the way to save space when they are not in use. However, they usually require a significant amount of space. Portable ramps such as the Aerolight-Folding Ramp offer a solution to this problem. They feature hinges within the threshold that permit the ramp to be folded up and then over. The ramp can be placed just outside the front door and used to bridge the gap between a single or a number of steps. It's a great choice for those with mobility issues who wish to keep their scooter or wheelchair with them at all times. Materials When constructing a ramp the material used is among the most important decisions that needs to be made. Materials can vary greatly depending on the style and type of the ramp. In general wood is the most commonly used ramp material for homes since it is constructed in a wide range of styles and enhances the design of many homes. However, a ramp made of wood requires regular maintenance to prevent the rotting process or insects from infesting. Furthermore the wooden ramp is usually more expensive than an aluminum or concrete ramp. It is essential to understand the requirements of a disabled person and the setting where the ramp will be installed before you can choose the most suitable 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 the selection of the best ramp much easier. The right ramp to use for a doorway also depends on other aspects like how far up or down the ramp will need to be. ADA guidelines recommend that ramps are 12” long per inch of vertical rise. This helps to ensure that the ramp is safe for anyone who uses a wheelchair, scooter or walker. The most well-known ramps are concrete, aluminum and wood. Modular aluminum ramps can be made in advance, and are usually less expensive than concrete or wood ramps. However, they may not be as robust or as customizable as a concrete or wood ramp. wheelchair foldable ramp are short ramps that are placed directly over the threshold of a door or sidewalk curb. They are typically made from rubber or aluminum and provide traction as a person changes levels between different walking surfaces. If you require a ramp that is permanent, it is best to seek out a professional handyman who can help you with the installation process and offer advice on choosing the proper material for your ramp. They will be able to create a ramp that is both safe and complements the appearance of your home. They can also assist you to determine if a building permit is required and if you require inspections to ensure that the ramp is built safely and correctly. Installation To install ramps for wheelchairs first, you need to decide where it will be installed. It doesn't have to be right up at the front door. However, it should be close enough for a person in a wheelchair to enter and exit the home without having to climb steps or climb stairs. It's recommended to check with your municipality to see what specific conditions may apply to the construction of a ramp in your area. The Americans with Disabilities Act sets guidelines for safe ramp slopes and it is best to adhere to these guidelines to ensure your ramp is safe for people using wheelchairs. In general the ADA recommends that for every inch of rise, ramps should include 12 inches of length. This will ensure that the wheelchair user can move between the ramps with enough space to avoid slowing down or stop in order to avoid falling. After determining where the ramp should be located, you'll need to determine which kind of ramp is best for your requirements. There are many types of ramps, including wooden or concrete ramps, modular ramps, and ramps that are portable. Portable ramps are available in a variety of lengths and can be easily moved when not in use. They can be used for small thresholds, or as an escalator that lead to the front door. A self-supporting aluminium ramp that is affixed to the floor or the door plate at the entry point offers the greatest stability and ease of installation. For a ramp that is wider and bridges over the threshold an Aerolight-Up and Over ramp kit is a good choice. The ramp is positioned inside the UPVC threshold so that it isn't damaging 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 threshold of the door and into the house. Modular ramps are available in many different designs to meet the particular needs of your home and the wheelchair user. They are considered to be the most durable option. They can be constructed in a variety materials and with platforms or railings, depending on the design and budget you like. Maintenance When you or someone in your family is dependent on a wheelchair, scooter or walker, the smallest physical barrier can hinder mobility. A ramp that bridges the gap between a surface and the threshold of an entry door can eliminate this barrier and make your home more accessible. A professional handyman will assist you choose the best materials for your ramp that will satisfy your needs and match your home's aesthetics. After you've put up a ramp, regular maintenance is vital to its durability and safety. Clean up and remove debris frequently to keep your ramp free of hazards for tripping. Use a mild soap and water to clean the ramp's surface, paying particular attention to areas that are prone to grime and dirt. If your ramp is metal be sure to clean it regularly in order to avoid corrosion. Some ramps require more frequent cleaning than others. Steel ramps, for example, may need periodic touch-up with steel wool or a paintbrush. Wood ramps, on the contrary require more regular care. Check for cracks, dents and rust spots. They should be fixed promptly to avoid further damage. If you live in an area with a harsh winter climate you must salt your ramps as you would a walkway or a sidewalk. This will help prevent the accumulation of snow and ice and creating a tripping risk. Do not over-salt ramps because this can cause damage to wheelchair tires and bearings.