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Installing a Wheelchair Ramp For Your Front Door A ramp for wheelchairs at your front door will reduce the risk of serious injury due to falls. These ramps for the outdoors are usually constructed to lead to a porch, although they can also be used to get into vehicles or other destinations. These modifications can be integrated into the home in a stylish way that preserves its resale price. Modular ramps are available in various styles and are able to be customized to suit your home's design. Design Considerations The slope of the ramp should be smooth and easy for wheelchair users to maneuver. The ADA recommends ramp slopes should not be more than 1 in 12 (for every inch of vertical rise, you need 12 inches of horizontal space). 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 to ensure that chair tires aren't able to roll over the ramp's edge. A 58-inch wide landing, for example, will give ample space to accommodate a front entryway that opens onto the ramp area. You may want to consider adding a flare to the side when the ramp is lengthy and there isn't a level landing at the end. This can reduce the chance of slipping at the end of your ramp because it curves to the right. Handrails are a crucial aspect of ramp design. They aren't just decorative but are also lifelines for the occupants of the ramp. ADA regulations require handrails to be at least 34-38 inches tall and have gripping surfaces that can hold the weight of a person's body regardless of the weather. It's a good idea to install handrails on both sides of the ramp, particularly when there is a change in direction. These railings alert visually impaired walker and wheelchair users to the changes in ramp surface material, and they also give the person using the ramp something to hold onto in order to ensure safety. Some ramps can be folded out of the way to save space when not in use. However, they generally require a lot of space. Portable ramps, such as the Aerolight-Folding ramp, offer the ideal solution to this issue. They have hinges inside the threshold that allow the ramp to fold up and over. The ramp can be placed right outside the front door to bridge a single or multiple steps. It's a great option for those with mobility issues who want to keep their wheelchair or scooter on their vehicle at all times. Materials When building a ramp, the material used is among the most crucial decisions to be made. Materials can differ greatly based on the style and type of the ramp. In general wood is the most common ramp material for homes since it can be constructed in a variety of styles and complements the design aesthetic of a lot of homes. However, a wooden ramp requires regular maintenance to avoid rotting or insects from infesting. A wooden ramp is also more expensive than concrete or aluminum ramp. It is crucial to know the needs of a disabled person as well as the environment in which the ramp will be set up before you decide on the most appropriate ramp. Answering questions such as “will it be outdoors or indoors?” or “how often will it be used?” will portable ramps wheelchair down your choices and help you choose the right ramp. Selecting the best ramp for a doorway also depends on other aspects, such as how far up or down the ramp must be. In general, ADA guidelines recommend ramps be 12” long for every inch of vertical rise. This helps to ensure that a ramp is safe for a person using a wheelchair, scooter or walker. The most sought-after ramp options are concrete, aluminum and wood. Modular aluminum ramps are manufactured and are generally less expensive than concrete or wood ramps. They may not be as long-lasting or 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 from rubber or aluminum, and offer traction when a person changes levels between walking surfaces. If you need an all-weather ramp, it is best to talk to a professional handyman who can assist you in the process of installing it and offer advice on choosing the right material for your ramp. They have the experience to design and construct a ramp that is safe and complements the design of your home. They can also help determine whether a building permit is required and if inspections are needed to ensure that the ramp is built safely and correctly. Installation The first step in the process of installing a ramp for wheelchairs is to determine the best location for it. It doesn't have to be right up at the front door. But it should be in a location that is close enough for someone using a wheelchair to access and leave the home without having to climb steps or climb stairs. It is also advisable to check with your local municipality to find out what requirements might apply to the construction and installation of ramps. The Americans with Disabilities Act sets guidelines for safe ramp slopes and it's recommended to adhere to these guidelines to ensure your ramp is safe for those who use wheelchairs. Generally speaking the ADA recommends that for every inch of rise, ramps should have a length of 12 inches. This will ensure that wheelchair users can move up and down the ramp with enough space to avoid slowing down or stop and risk a fall. Once you've determined where the ramp should be placed, you'll need to decide what type of ramp is best suited to your requirements. There are many types of ramps, including concrete or wooden ramps, modular ramps and portable ramps. Portable ramps are available in different lengths that can be easily moved when not being used. They can be used to create small thresholds or for a series of short steps leading up to the front door. A self-supporting ramp made of aluminum that attaches to the floor of the home or the door plate of the entrance will offer maximum stability and is simple to install. Aerolight-Up and Over Ramp Kits can be purchased for a wider ramp which can be able to bridge over the threshold. The ramp is designed to fit inside the UPVC threshold, which means it won't damage it. It can be folded when not being used. 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 can be constructed in many different configurations to meet the specific requirements of your home and the wheelchair user. They are considered to be the most durable choice. They have railings and platforms and can be built in different materials according to your budget and design preferences. Maintenance When you or a loved one relies on the use of a wheelchair, scooter, or walker, the smallest physical barrier can hinder mobility. A ramp that bridges the gap between a floor and an entry door threshold can remove this barrier and make your home more accessible. A professional handyman can help you select the right materials for your ramp that will fulfill your functional needs and also match the aesthetics of your home. After you've put up the ramp, regular maintenance is crucial to ensure its longevity and safety. Regularly sweep and remove debris to keep your ramp free of hazards for tripping. Make use of mild soap and water to wash the ramp's surface. Pay particular attention to areas where dirt and grime accumulate. If your ramp is constructed of steel, be certain to keep it clean to avoid rust build-up. Some ramps have to be cleaned more frequently than others. Steel ramps, for example might require regular touch-ups with a paintbrush or steel wool. Wooden ramps require a lot of maintenance. Be alert for cracks, dents 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 severe winter weather, make sure to salt your ramps as you would for a walkway or sidewalk. This will help prevent accumulation of snow and ice and causing a tripping risk. Be careful not to salt too much on your ramps as excessive salt can damage wheelchair tires and bearings.