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Installing a Wheelchair Ramp For Your Front Door A ramp for wheelchairs at your front door will reduce the chance of serious injuries due to falls. The ramps are usually constructed to lead to an outdoor porch. However they can also be used to reach vehicles or other places. If these changes are elegantly integrated into the home, they can keep the resale value. Modular ramps are available in different designs and can be adapted to fit your home design. Design Considerations The slope of the ramp should be gentle and easy to navigate for wheelchair users. The ADA recommends that ramp slopes not be steeper than 1 in 12 (for every inch of vertical rise, you require 12 inches of horizontal travel). The landings on the ramps must be wide enough to allow a door to open and swing around. They should also be a secure distance from the edge of the ramp so that the tires of chairs don't accidentally roll over the ramp edge. A 58-inch wide landing, for instance, will give plenty of room to accommodate a front entrance 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 incline, consider adding a flare to the side. This will reduce the chance of tripping as it curves inward at the end of the ramp. Handrails are an additional aspect of ramp design. They aren't just decorative but are also lifelines for the occupants of the ramp. ADA regulations require handrails that are at least 34-38 inches tall and have gripping surfaces capable of holding a person's body weight in any weather. It is a good idea to install handrails on both sides of the ramp, particularly when there is a change in direction. These railings will alert visually impaired walkers and wheelchair users to changes in ramp surface material, and they also give the person using the ramp something to hold onto for safety. Some ramps are designed to fold away when they are not in use, however these typically require a lot of space around them. Portable ramps like the Aerolight Folding Ramp offer a solution to this. They feature hinges that are in the threshold, allowing the ramp to fold up and over it. The ramp can be positioned right outside the front door and used to bridge a single or multiple steps. It's also a great choice for people who have mobility challenges who want to keep their scooter or wheelchair in their vehicle at all times. Materials When constructing a ramp, the material is one of the most crucial decisions to be taken. Materials can vary greatly depending on the design and type of the ramp. Wood is the most popular ramp material due to its ability to be constructed in a variety of styles and is a perfect match for many homes. However, a wooden ramp requires regular maintenance to avoid the rotting process or insect infestation. A wooden ramp can be more expensive than aluminum or concrete ramp. To select the right ramp, it's important to understand the unique needs of a disabled individual and the location in which the ramp will be installed. Answering questions like “will it be outdoors or indoors?” or “how often will it used?” will narrow down your choices and help you pick the right ramp. The selection of the best ramp is based on a variety of other aspects. For example the height or how low the ramp is recommended to be. ADA guidelines suggest ramps that are 12” long per inch of vertical rise. This will ensure that the ramp is safe for a person using a wheelchair, scooter or walker. Aluminum, concrete and wooden ramps are among the most popular ramps available. Modular aluminum ramps can be made in advance, and are usually cheaper than wood or concrete ramps. They might not be as long-lasting or as customizable as a wood or concrete ramp. Threshold ramps are short ramps that are placed directly on top of a raised door threshold or curbs on sidewalks. They are typically made from aluminum or rubber, and provide traction as people change levels between walking surfaces. If portable wheelchair ramps need a permanent ramp it is best to talk to a professional handyman. They can help in the installation process and offer advice on the right material for your ramp. They will be able to design and build ramps that are safe and enhances the look of your home. They can also assist you to determine if a building permit is required and if inspections are required to ensure that the ramp is constructed correctly and safely. Installation The first step in the process of constructing a ramp for wheelchairs is determining where it should be placed. It doesn't need to be located right at the front door. But it should be in a location that is close enough for a person using a wheelchair to access and leave the home without climbing steps or stairs. You should also check with your local municipality to determine the requirements that might be applicable to the construction and installation of a ramp. The Americans with Disabilities Act sets guidelines for safe ramp slopes, and it is best to follow these guidelines to ensure your ramp is safe for those who use wheelchairs. In general the ADA recommends that for every inch of rise, ramps must have a length of 12 inches. This will ensure that the wheelchair user is able to move up and down the ramp with enough room to avoid slowing down or stop in order to avoid an accident. After determining where the ramp will be placed, you'll have to determine which kind of ramp will best suit your needs. There are a variety of ramps to choose from including portable ramps, modular ramps and concrete or wood ramps. Portable ramps come in various lengths and can be easily moved when they are not in use. They can be used to cover small thresholds, or for a short series of steps leading up to the entrance. A self-supporting ramp made of aluminum that attaches to the floor of the house or the door plate of the entrance provides maximum stability and is easy to put in. For a wider ramp that bridges over the threshold, an Aerolight-Up and Over ramp kit can be used. The ramp is positioned inside the UPVC threshold to ensure it won't harm it and can be folded down when not in use. It can be combined with an Entry Flap accessory to bridge over the door threshold and into the home. Modular ramps are available in various designs that can be adapted to the needs of your wheelchair or home user. They are generally regarded as the most durable and long-lasting choice. They feature platforms and railings and can be constructed in various materials, depending on your budget and style preferences. Maintenance Even the tiniest physical obstacle can limit mobility for someone who is dependent on an electric scooter or wheelchair. A ramp that bridges a gap between a threshold and the entrance door can eliminate the barrier, making your home more accessible. A professional handyman will assist you choose the appropriate materials for your ramp that will fulfill your functional needs and also match the aesthetics of your home. Regular maintenance is vital to ensure the safety and longevity of your ramp. Clean and remove debris frequently to keep your ramp clear of hazards for tripping. Use a mild soap and water to wash the ramp's surface, paying special attention to areas where dirt and grime accumulate. If your ramp is made of metal, be sure to clean it regularly to prevent rust deposits. Some ramps have to be cleaned more often than others. Steel ramps may require periodic touches-ups using a steel wool or paintbrush. Wood ramps, on the contrary require more regular care. Check for cracks, dents and spots of rust. Repairs should be made promptly to avoid further damage. If you live in an area with severe winter weather, make sure to salt your ramps as you would for a sidewalk or walkway. This will help prevent snow and ice from accumulating and creating an increase in the risk of tripping. But, be careful not to over-salt your ramps, because too much salt could harm the wheels and bearings of wheelchairs.