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Installing a Wheelchair Ramp For Your Front Door A wheelchair ramp at your front door will reduce the chance of serious injuries from falls. The ramps are usually constructed to lead to a porch. However they can also be used to reach vehicles and other locations. These modifications can be integrated into the home in a chic way that preserves its resale value. Modular ramps offer flexibility in design and can be incorporated into the specific style of your home. Design Considerations The slope of the ramp should be gentle, and easy to move for wheelchair users. The ADA recommends that ramp slopes shouldn't be more than one in 12. (For every inch of vertical rise, you must move 12 inches horizontally). Ramp landings must be wide enough to allow a door to open and swing freely. They should also be a secure distance from the edge of the ramp so that chair tires don't accidentally roll over the ramp edge. A 58-inch wide landing, for instance, gives you plenty of space to accommodate a front entrance that is open to 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 adding a flare to the side. This decreases the chance of slipping when it curves towards the end of the ramp. Handrails are an additional aspect of ramp design. These are not just decorative flimsy additions, they're lifelines for those who use the ramp. ADA regulations require handrails to be at least 34-38 inches tall and have gripping surfaces that can hold the body weight of a person in any weather condition. It's a good idea to install handrails on both sides of the ramp, particularly where there are changes in direction. These railings alert visually impaired walker and wheelchair users to the changes in the ramp's surface, and they also give the occupant something to hold onto in order to ensure safety. Some ramps are designed to fold out of the way when not in use, but these typically require lots of space around them. Portable ramps, like the Aerolight-Folding ramp, are the ideal solution to this issue. They feature hinges that are in the threshold, allowing the ramp to fold and over it. This lets the ramp be placed right outside a front door, allowing it to bridge one step or a few steps into a home. It's also a great option for people who have mobility issues who wish to keep their scooter or wheelchair in 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. Wood is the most sought-after ramp material because it can be built in various styles and can be a great complement to many homes. However, a wooden ramp requires regular maintenance to keep it from decay or insects from infesting. A wooden ramp is more expensive than concrete or aluminum ramp. It is important to know the needs of a disabled person as well as the environment where the ramp will be installed before you choose the best ramp. Answering questions such as “will it be indoors or outdoors?” or “how often will it used?” will narrow down your choices and help you select the best ramp. portable ramp for wheelchairs of the right ramp depends on a number of other factors. For instance the height or how low the ramp should be. In general, ADA guidelines recommend ramps being 12” long for every inch of vertical rise. This will ensure that a ramp is safe for anyone who uses a wheelchair, scooter or walker. Concrete, aluminum and wooden ramps are the most popular alternatives. Modular aluminum ramps can be prefabricated, and are typically less expensive than wood or concrete ramps. However, they might not be as robust or as flexible as a wood or concrete ramp. Threshold Ramps are ramps which sit directly above a raised threshold or curb on the sidewalk. They are typically made from aluminum or rubber, and offer traction when people change levels between the walking surfaces. If you need an unreliable ramp, it's best to talk to a professional handyman. They can help with the installation and give advice on the right material for your ramp. They will be able to design and construct ramps that are safe and enhances the look of your home. They can also assist in determining if you will need an approval for construction or inspections to ensure the ramp will be constructed correctly and safely. Installation In order to install a ramp for wheelchairs first, you need to determine where it will be put in. It doesn't have to be right next to the front door however it needs to be close enough for a person in a wheelchair to move in and out of the home without the need to climb stairs or steps. It's also a good idea to check with your municipal authority to find out what conditions may apply to the construction of ramps in your area. The Americans with Disabilities Act sets guidelines for safe slopes on ramps, and it's best to follow 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 must include 12 inches of length. This will ensure that the wheelchair user can travel between the ramps with enough space so that they do not have to slow down or stopping in order to avoid a fall. After determining where the ramp should be installed, you'll need to decide which type of ramp will best suit your needs. There are several types of ramps available including portable ramps, modular ramps, and ramps made of wood or concrete. Portable ramps are available in different lengths that can be easily removed when not being used. They can be used for small thresholds or an escalator leading up to the front door. An aluminium self-supporting ramp that attaches to the flooring of the home or the door plate of the entrance provides the highest stability and is simple to put in. Aerolight-Up and Over Ramp Kits can be purchased for an extended ramp that can be able to bridge over the threshold. The ramp is placed within the UPVC threshold so that it won't harm it and can be folded away when not in use. This ramp can be used in conjunction with an Entry Flap accessory for a bridge that can traverse the threshold of the door to enter the house. Modular ramps are available in many configurations that can be tailored to meet the requirements of your wheelchair or home user. They are regarded as the most durable option. They can be built with a variety materials and with platforms or railings, depending on the budget and style you prefer. Maintenance Even the tiniest physical obstacle can hinder mobility for a person who uses the use of a scooter or wheelchair. A ramp that bridges the gap between a surface threshold and the entrance door can remove this obstacle and make your home more accessible. A professional handyman can help you choose the best ramp materials to meet your needs and complement your home's aesthetics. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure the safety and longevity of your ramp. Make sure to sweep and remove debris regularly to keep your ramp free of tripping hazards. Clean the ramp's surface with mild soap and warm water, paying particular attention to areas that are prone to collecting dirt and grime. If your ramp is constructed of steel, be sure to keep it clean to avoid rust build-up. Certain ramps require more frequent cleaning than others. Steel ramps may require periodic touch-ups with paintbrushes or a steel wool. Wooden ramps require more frequent maintenance. Watch for cracks, dents, and rust spots. These should be repaired immediately to avoid further damage. If you are in a region that experiences extreme winter weather, be sure to salt your ramps the same way you would your sidewalk or walkway. This will prevent the accumulation of snow and ice which can cause an additional tripping hazard. Do not over-salt ramps because this can damage wheelchair tires and bearings.