Wheelchair Ramp Design and Construction

A ramp for wheelchairs is a vital tool for helping your loved ones live at home independently. If they are not designed properly they can be dangerous to use.

ADA regulations require level landings at all changes in direction, to avoid compound slopes. They also require a surface that is gripping for automatic wheelchair ramp for van users.

Design

The ramp's design must be in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards to ensure that wheelchairs easily navigate the structure. The ramp slope can't exceed a 1:12 ratio, and the landings should be level at any change of direction or shift on the ramp surface. It also must be constructed from treated lumber that is more robust and withstands rain better than untreated lumber.

The top and bottom of the ramp must be free of obstacles such as bushes, trees or other structures that may hinder the safe passage of the ramp's user. The ramp's surface must be non-slip and hard. Some municipalities require that the entire ramp be covered with a non-slip surface.

Use treated lumber of at minimum 4 inches in width for the frame of the ramp. Build posts to secure the ramp, making sure they are at least eight feet apart and that they extend below ground level. The posts should then connect with the ramp's railings by using spindles. This kind of connection is preferred because it minimizes the risk of an operator of the ramp falling off the edge of the ramp.

Then, build the ramp's frame using Joists that are at minimum 16 inches long and beams of 2 by 4 inches. The joists should be placed at least 18 inches above the ground and secured with joist hangings which are nails that sit inside the joists to prevent them from sliding. Attach the ramp decking using a framing nailer.

Include an upper landing in the doorway so that the wheelchair to car ramp-bound occupants are able to easily maneuver the doorswing. The landing should be 12 to 24 inches on the handle side of doors that out-swing. For in-swing doors, the landing must be at minimum 58 by 60 inches to allow for the threshold of the door and a person in wheelchair who has to roll backward through the doorway.

Install a level landing whenever you change in the direction of the ramp to prevent the necessity for wheelchairs to hit on their brakes when turning corners. A level landing also makes it easier to move the ramp away from the way if necessary to allow lawnmowers or other equipment can slide under it.

Materials

The material used to construct ramps for wheelchairs could be either concrete, wood or aluminum. A professional ramp installer can assist you in choosing the right option for your office or home. When choosing the material for the ramp, it is crucial to consider your budget and specific needs. The ramp should be easy to maintain and should be safe for use. Some cities require that the ramp be laid with an anti-slip surface.

Make sure to inquire with your local government for permits prior to building or purchasing materials. Also, make sure to follow all local building codes. Utilizing the incorrect materials or construction techniques can lead to dangerous conditions for wheelchair users. You can get the most up-to-date information on construction requirements at your local government's building department office library or online.

Wood ramps are usually the least expensive of ADA ramp materials, however they require more care than other alternatives. The wood ramp's surface must be regularly treated with a sealer in order to stop rot and warping. Wood can splinter, which is particularly hazardous for people in wheelchairs. Wood ramps also require extra support to ensure the structure is maintained.

Concrete ramps are expensive but they are also durable and long lasting. They are heavy, which means that more work is required to construct them, and they can make it difficult to move the ramp when no longer needed. Concrete ramps can withstand the weight of powerful wheelchairs.

Aluminum ramps are less heavy and more affordable than steel or concrete. They also have the same durability, strength and corrosion resistance. They are also less expensive than iron or steel which makes them an ideal choice for those with a tight budget. Aluminum is environmentally friendly because it is found in the earth's crust naturally and can be recycled.

The ramp's upper landing must be at a level level, or within 3/8 inches of the threshold of the door, allowing wheelchairs with smaller wheels to pass over the ramp without becoming stuck. lightweight ramps for wheelchairs that have a gap greater than this will not be able to meet ADA standards. It is also important to ensure that the ramp is smooth transitioning from the upper landing to the ground. The ramp's final section should have a beveled edge that will prevent wheelchairs from stopping abruptly when they leave or enter a house.

Installation

A wheelchair ramp is a ramp that has a plane ramp that can be erected as an alternative to or in addition to stairs. It allows wheelchair users and people who use strollers or carts to get around areas that would otherwise be difficult to access like the front door or a set of sloping steps.

There are many factors to consider when selecting a ramp for wheelchairs that should be considered, including the size, location, and height. The ramp should be placed as close as possible to the door to avoid unnecessary traveling. It should be set at a level that is easily accessed by the person who is using it. It should be securely anchored to the floor and clear of obstructions like shrubbery, parked cars or other obstacles.

ADA regulations state that ramps should have handrails on either side. The rails must be at least 36" apart and have a smooth or rounded gripping surface. In addition, they must be connected to the ramp and extend at least 12 inches beyond the ramp edge. Handrails must be continuous if a ramp is designed with switchbacks or in an L-shaped layout.

The length of the ramp is determined by the slope. However there are common ramp types that are suitable for all situations. For instance the threshold ramp is directly on the lip of a curb or at the threshold of a doorway, while ramps that are portable can be moved from one spot to another and come in many different sizes. Modular aluminum ramps can also be assembled on-site. These are usually used for commercial or public spaces, and are typically larger than the threshold and portable ramps.

If you are considering a permanent ramp, make sure you contact the building department of your city to see if you need a permit. It is recommended to speak with an expert in mobility to determine which kind ramp will be the most suitable for your requirements and the space that you have. In some instances, installing permanent ramps can improve the value of your house.

Maintenance

It is crucial to maintain your wheelchair ramp especially if it will be used regularly. You'll need to conduct regular inspections, and fix any structural issues as they develop. This will ensure that the Ramp for Wheelchair is in compliance with all ADA requirements, and is safe for the users.

Wooden ramps require frequent cleaning to get rid of dirt and debris that may block access. Keeping the ramp clean will also stop moisture from accumulating beneath the surface and creating the onset of rot. Preservatives and stains for wood will only work if the ramp has been thoroughly cleaned prior to application.

Wheelchair ramps are more challenging to maintain than other types of ramps because they are more susceptible to wear and wear and tear. It is essential to have the proper tools. To ensure that all fixings are secure and tight, you will need an excellent set of screwdrivers and gauge spanners. It's also important to check regularly the handrails to ensure that they are in good working order and are free of damage or corrosion. It's possible that over time, with repeated usage some of the fittings and bolts which hold the handrails in place may loosen, which can be a major safety concern for those who use the ramp.

It is also important to make sure that the surface of the ramp is grippy enough, especially in winter when conditions can be difficult. You'll need to sweep away any leaves, dirt and other debris that may hinder the surface and cause slippage. You'll also want to apply an ice melt that is non-corrosive to the ramp's surface to prevent slips and injuries.

Think about purchasing "snow tires" or traction wheels for your wheelchair if intend to use it during the winter. They're specially designed to provide better tracking on snow and uneven surfaces which is why they'll be more efficient than standard wheelchair tires in helping you stay on the ramp. Alternately, you can put heating pads or tape along the ramp's surface to melt snow and ice before it gets accumulated.