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Do Not Forget Wheelchair Ramp For Front Door: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Really Need It
Installing a Wheelchair Ramp For Your Front Door

A wheelchair ramp at your front door can reduce the risk of serious injury due to falls. These ramps are typically constructed to lead to a porch. However, they can be used to access vehicles and other locations.

If these changes are elegantly integrated with the home, they are able to help preserve the value of resales. Modular ramps are available in various designs and can be adapted to fit your home design.

Design Considerations

The slope of the ramp should be gentle and easy to maneuver for wheelchair users. The ADA recommends that ramp slopes not be steeper than one in 12. (For every inch of vertical rise, you must traverse 12 inches horizontally).

Ramp landings should be large enough to allow a door to swing open and open. They must also be a safe distance from the edge of the ramp, so that chair tires aren't able to roll over the ramp edge. For instance, a 58 inch wide landing will give plenty of room to accommodate a front door that opens into the ramp area.

If the ramp is long and doesn't offer a level landing at the end of the incline, think about adding a side flare. This will reduce the risk of tripping at the end of your ramp as it turns towards the back. Another important aspect of the ramp design is the handrails. These are not just ornamental features, they are lifelines for ramp occupants. ADA regulations require handrails that are at least 34-38 inches tall and have gripping surfaces that can support the body weight of a person regardless of the weather.

Installing handrails on the right and left sides of the ramp is a great idea, particularly in the event of any shifts in direction. These railings inform visually impaired wheelchair and walker users of the differences in the ramp surface material and provide them with something to hold onto for safety.

Some ramps are built to fold away when not in use, but they usually require lots of space around them. Portable ramps like the Aerolight Folding Ramp offer a fantastic solution to this. They have hinges in the threshold that allow the ramp to be folded up and then over. This allows the ramp to be stored right outside the front door, which allows it to cross one or more steps into a house. It's also a great option for those with mobility challenges who want to have their scooter or wheelchair with them at all times.

Materials

When building a ramp, the material is one of the most important decisions to be taken. Materials can be very different based on the style and type of the ramp. In general wood is the most commonly used ramp material for homes since it can be constructed in a variety of styles and complements the aesthetic of many homes. A wooden ramp will require regular maintenance to prevent insects and rotting. A wooden ramp can be more expensive than 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 appropriate ramp. Making sure to answer questions like, "will it be used indoors or outdoors?" and, "how often will it be used?" will help narrow down the options and make the selection of the best ramp much simpler.

The right ramp to use for a doorway also depends on other factors including how far up or down the ramp must be. ADA guidelines suggest ramps of 12" long per inch of vertical rise. This ensures that a ramp is safe for anyone who uses a wheelchair, scooter or walker.

The most well-known ramps are aluminum, concrete and wood. Modular aluminum ramps are made and are usually less expensive than a wood or concrete ramp. However, wheelchair ramp foldable might not be as robust or as customizable as a wood or concrete ramp.


Threshold ramps are ramps that are placed directly on top of a threshold for a door that is raised or a curbs on sidewalks. They are usually made of rubber or aluminum and provide traction as people change levels between different walking surfaces.

If you are in need of an all-weather ramp it is recommended to seek out a professional handyman who can help you with the installation process and help you choose the appropriate material for your ramp. They have the experience to design and construct an appropriate ramp that is secure and complements the design of your home. They can also assist you to determine whether a building permit required and if inspections are needed to ensure that the ramp is constructed correctly and safely.

Installation

In order to put up a wheelchair ramp first, you need to decide where it should be installed. It doesn't need to be right up at the front door. But it should be close enough for a person using a wheelchair to get into and out of the house without having to climb steps or 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 slopes on ramps, and it's a good idea to adhere to these guidelines to ensure that your ramp is safe for people using wheelchairs. The ADA recommends ramps that have 12 inches of space for every inch of slope. This will allow the wheelchair user to travel up and down a ramp without having to stop or slow down, which can cause an accident.

After determining where the ramp should be located, you'll need to decide which type of ramp will best suit your needs. There are a variety of ramps available, including wooden or concrete ramps, modular ramps, and portable ramps.

Portable ramps are available in a variety of lengths and are easily moved when not in use. They can be used to create small thresholds or for a series of short steps that lead to the front door. A self-supporting aluminium ramp that is connected to the floor or to the door plate at the entry point gives the highest stability and is easy to install.

Aerolight-Up and Over Ramp Kits are available to create a wider ramp which can be able to bridge over the threshold. This ramp sits inside the UPVC threshold to ensure it won't harm it and can be folded down when not in use. It can be paired with an Entry Flap accessory to bridge over the door threshold and into the house.

Modular ramps are available in various designs to meet the particular requirements of your home and wheelchair user. They are generally considered the most durable and long-lasting option. They can be built with various materials and include railings or platforms, depending on the budget and style you would like to have.

Maintenance

Even the tiniest physical obstacle can hinder mobility for a person who relies on an electric scooter or wheelchair. A ramp that bridges the gap between a surface and the threshold for entry doors can eliminate this obstacle and make your home accessible. A professional handyman can help you choose the appropriate materials for your ramp that will meet your functional requirements and match your home's aesthetics.

Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and safety of your ramp. Make sure to sweep and remove debris regularly to keep your ramp free of hazards that could cause tripping. Use a mild soap and water to clean the ramp's surface, paying special attention to areas that are prone to grime and dirt. If your ramp is constructed of metal, make sure to clean it regularly to avoid the formation of rust.

Certain ramps require more frequent cleaning than others. Steel ramps may require periodic touches-ups using a steel wool or paintbrush. Wood ramps, on contrary require more frequent maintenance. Be on the lookout for dents, cracks and rust spots that should be repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage.

If you reside in an area that experiences severe winter weather, make sure to salt your ramps the same way you would your walkway or sidewalk. This will help prevent accumulation of snow and ice, which can cause an increase in the risk of tripping. Don't over-salt the ramps as this can damage wheelchair tires and bearings.

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