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Installing a Wheelchair Ramp For Your Front Door A ramp for wheelchairs near your front door can help reduce the chance of serious injury caused by falls. These outdoor ramps are usually designed to connect to a porch, however they can be used to access vehicles or other locations. These modifications can be incorporated into the home in a stylish way that preserves its resale value. Modular ramps are available in various designs and can be adapted to suit your home's design. Design Considerations The slope of the ramp should be gentle and easy for wheelchair occupants to move. The ADA recommends ramp slopes should not be more than one in 12. (For every inch of vertical rise you need to move 12 inches horizontally). Ramp landings should be large enough to allow a door to swing open and open. They should be placed at a safe distance away from the edge of the ramp to stop chair tires from slipping over the edge. A 58-inch wide landing for example, will give plenty of room to accommodate a front entryway that opens onto the ramp area. If the ramp is long and does not have an even landing at the end of the slope, you might want to consider installing a flare on the side. This reduces the risk of slipping as it curves towards the end of the ramp. Another crucial aspect of ramp design is handrails. 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 support the body weight of a person in any weather condition. Installing handrails on both the left and right side of the ramp is a great idea, particularly if there are any shifts in direction. These railings alert visually impaired wheelchair and walker users of the differences in the ramp's material and give them 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 large amount of space. Portable ramps like the Aerolight Folding Ramp offer a fantastic solution to this. They have hinges inside the threshold that allow the ramp to fold up and over. The ramp can be put right outside the front door and used to cross the gap between a single or a number of steps. It's also a great option for those with mobility issues and want to have their wheelchair or scooter with them at all times. Materials When constructing a ramp the material used is among the most crucial decisions to be made. Depending on the kind of ramp and design, materials can vary dramatically. In general, wood is the most popular ramp material used in homes due to the fact that it is able to be built in a wide range of styles and complements the design aesthetic of a lot of homes. A wooden ramp will require regular maintenance to avoid insects and rotting. A wooden ramp is also more expensive than concrete or aluminum ramp. It is essential to understand the needs of the disabled person as well as the environment in which the ramp will be set up before you choose the most appropriate ramp. Answering questions like “will it be outdoors or indoors?” or “how often will it be used?” will narrow down your options and help you choose the right ramp. The selection of the best ramp depends on a number of other aspects. For example, how high or low the ramp is recommended to be. In general, ADA guidelines recommend ramps to be 12” long for every inch of vertical rise. This ensures that a ramp is safe for anyone who is using a scooter, wheelchair or walker. The most sought-after ramps are concrete, aluminum, and wood. Modular aluminum ramps are manufactured and are usually less expensive than a wood or concrete ramp. However, they may not be as sturdy or as flexible as a concrete or wood ramp. Threshold Ramps are ramps which sit directly above a raised threshold or curb on the sidewalk. They are usually made of aluminum or rubber, and offer traction when the user moves between walking surfaces. If you need an unreliable ramp, it's best to consult a professional handyman. They can assist you with the installation process and provide suggestions on the best material for your ramp. They will be able to design and construct a ramp that is both safe and complements the appearance of your home. They can also assist you in determining whether you'll require a building permit and inspections to ensure that the ramp can be built properly and safely. Installation In order to install a wheelchair ramp first, it is necessary to decide where it should be placed. It doesn't have to be located right at the front door. However, it should be in a location that is close enough for a person using a wheelchair to access and leave the home without having to climb steps or climb stairs. It's recommended to check with your municipality to determine what conditions may apply to the construction of a ramp in your area. The Americans with Disabilities Act sets standards for safe ramp slopes, and it is best to adhere to these guidelines to ensure that your ramp is safe for people using wheelchairs. Generally speaking, the ADA recommends that for every inch of rise, ramps must have a length of 12 inches. This will allow the wheelchair user to travel up and down a ramp without having to stop or slow down, which could cause an accident. Once you've decided the best location for the ramp to be located, you'll need to decide what type of ramp is best suited to your requirements. There are many types of ramps, such as wooden or concrete ramps, modular ramps, and portable ramps. Portable ramps are available in different lengths that can be easily moved when not in use. They can be used to cover small thresholds, or as a short sequence of steps that lead to the entrance. A self-supporting aluminum ramp that is attached to the floor of the home or the door plate of the entrance will provide maximum stability and is simple to put in. Aerolight-Up and Over Ramp Kits are available for the wider ramp that can be able to bridge over the threshold. This ramp sits inside the UPVC threshold so that it isn't damaging it, and can be folded down when not in use. wheelchair ramps for homes can be paired with an Entry Flap accessory to bridge over the door threshold and into the house. Modular ramps can be constructed in various configurations to match the specific requirements of your home and the wheelchair user. They are generally considered the most durable and long-lasting option. They feature platforms and railings and can be built in various materials, depending on your budget and style preferences. Maintenance When you or a loved one is dependent on the use of a wheelchair, scooter, or walker, the smallest physical obstruction 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 will assist you select the right materials for your ramp that will meet your functional requirements and match your home's aesthetics. Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity and safety of your ramp. Sweep and remove debris regularly to keep your ramp clear of hazards for tripping. Clean the ramp surface with mild soap and warm water, paying special attention to areas that collect dirt and grime. If your ramp is made of metal ensure that you keep it clean to prevent corrosion. Some ramps have to be cleaned more often than others. Steel ramps may require periodic cleaning with a steel wool or paintbrush. Wooden ramps require a lot of maintenance. Be aware of cracks, dents, and spots of rust. These should be repaired 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 sidewalk or walkway. This will stop the accumulation of snow and ice and causing the risk of tripping. However, don't over-salt your ramps, as excessive salt can damage wheelchair tires and bearings.