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Installing a Wheelchair Ramp For Your Front Door A ramp for wheelchairs at your front door can help reduce the chance of serious injury from falls. These ramps are typically built to lead to an outdoor porch. However, they can be used to reach vehicles and other locations. If these changes are elegantly integrated with the house, they will keep the resale value. Modular ramps are available in a variety of styles and can be customized to fit your home design. Design Considerations The ramp slope should be gentle, and easy to maneuver for wheelchair users. The ADA recommends ramp slopes should not be higher 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 doors to open and swing freely. They should be at an appropriate distance from the edge of the ramp to stop chair tires from accidentally rolling over the edge. A 58-inch wide landing for instance, will give ample space to accommodate a front entrance that opens onto the ramp area. Consider adding a flare on the side if the ramp is long and there isn't a level landing point at the end. This reduces the risk of tripping as it curves to the right at the end of the ramp. Another crucial aspect of the ramp design is the handrails. They're not just decorative flimsy additions, they're vital for the occupants of the ramp. ADA regulations require handrails that are at least 34-38 inches tall and have gripping surfaces that can hold a person's body weight regardless of the weather. Installing handrails on the right and left sides of a ramp is a good idea, particularly when there are any shifts in direction. These railings warn visually impaired walker and wheelchair users of the modifications in the material of the ramp, and they also give the occupant something to hold onto for safety. Some ramps are designed to fold out of the way when not in use, but they typically require a lot of space around them. Portable ramps, like the Aerolight-Folding ramp, offer an excellent solution to this. They have hinges that sit within the threshold and allow the ramp to fold down and over it. The ramp can be positioned right outside the front door and used to cross a single or multiple steps. It's a great option for those with mobility issues who wish to keep their scooter or wheelchair on them at all times. Materials When constructing a ramp the material is one of the most important 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 used in homes due to the fact that it is constructed in a wide range of styles and enhances the aesthetic of many homes. However, a wooden ramp requires regular maintenance to prevent decay or insect infestation. A wooden ramp is also more expensive than concrete or aluminum ramp. In order to choose the best ramp, it's important to know the specific requirements of disabled people and the location in which the ramp will be placed. Answering questions like “will it be outdoors or indoors?” or “how often will it used?” will narrow down your options and make it easier to choose the right ramp. The choice of the right ramp depends on a number of other elements. For instance how high or low the ramp is recommended to be. ADA guidelines recommend ramps that are 12” long per inch of vertical rise. This ensures that the ramp will be safe for people who use wheelchairs or walker. The most popular ramp options are aluminum, concrete and wood. Modular aluminum ramps can be manufactured and are generally cheaper than concrete or wood ramps. However, they may not be as robust or as customizable as a concrete or wood ramp. Threshold Ramps are short ramps which sit directly above a raised threshold or curb on the sidewalk. They are usually made of rubber or aluminum and offer traction when the user moves between the walking surfaces. If you need a ramp that is permanent it is recommended to consult with an experienced handyman who can assist you in the process of installing it and help you choose the right material for your ramp. They will have the expertise to design and build a ramp that is safe and complements the style of your home. They can also assist in determining if you will need an approval for construction or inspections to ensure that the ramp can be constructed safely and in a safe manner. Installation The first step in the process of installing a wheelchair ramp is to determine the location it should be. It doesn't need to be right up at the front door. However, it should be in a location that is close enough for a person in a wheelchair to access and leave the home without climbing the steps or up the stairs. You should also consult your local municipality to determine what regulations might apply to the construction and installation of ramps. The Americans with Disabilities Act sets guidelines for safe slopes on ramps, and it is a good idea to adhere to these guidelines to ensure that your ramp is safe for people who use wheelchairs. The ADA recommends ramps with 12 inches of space for every inch of slope. This will ensure that wheelchair users is able to move up and down the ramp with enough space to avoid slowing down or stopping and risk a fall. After determining where the ramp should be placed, you'll have decide on which ramp is best for your requirements. There are many types of ramps available, including portable ones, modular ramps and ramps made of concrete or wood. Portable ramps are available in a variety of lengths and can be easily moved when not in use. They can be used to create small thresholds or the construction of a short set of steps leading up to the front door. A self-supporting aluminum ramp that is attached to the floor or to the door plate at the entrance offers the greatest stability and ease of installation. Aerolight-Up and Over Ramp Kits are available to create an extended ramp that can cross the threshold. This ramp is designed to fit within the UPVC threshold, so it won't harm it. It can also be folded away when not being used. This ramp can be used in combination with an Entry Flap accessory for a bridge to traverse the threshold of the door to enter the house. Modular ramps are available in many different configurations to match the specific requirements of your house and wheelchair user. They are thought to be the most durable option. They can be built with a variety materials and with platforms or railings, based on the design and budget you would like to have. Maintenance If you or a loved one relies on a wheelchair, scooter or walker, the smallest physical obstacle can hinder mobility. A ramp that bridges the gap between a floor and an entry door threshold can eliminate this barrier and make your home accessible. My Mobility Scooters can help you select the right ramp material to meet your needs and fit well with your home's design. Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity and safety of your ramp. Make sure to sweep and remove debris regularly to ensure that your ramp is free of tripping hazards. Make use of mild soap and water to wash the ramp's surface, paying particular attention to areas that are prone to grime and dirt. If your ramp is constructed of metal, be sure to clean it regularly to avoid rust build-up. Certain ramps require to be cleaned more frequently than other ramps. Steel ramps might require regular cleaning with a steel wool or paintbrush. Wooden ramps require more frequent maintenance. Be on the lookout for dents, cracks and rust spots, which should be repaired as quickly as possible in order to prevent further damage. If you live in an area with extreme winter weather, be sure to salt your ramps as you would a sidewalk or walkway. This will help prevent snow and ice buildup, which could create an additional hazard for tripping. However, don't over-salt your ramps, because excessive salt can damage wheelchair tires and bearings.