Wheelchair Ramp Design and Construction
A wheelchair ramp can be a valuable aid to assist the person you love independently at home. If they are not designed properly they could be unsafe to use.
ADA regulations require level landings at all changes in direction to avoid compound slopes. They must also provide a grippy surface for collapsible wheelchair Ramp users.
Design
The ramp’s design has to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards to ensure that wheelchairs can comfortably navigate the structure. For example, the ramp slope should not exceed a ratio of 1:12 and must have level landings at any direction change or shift in the ramp’s surface. It also must be constructed out of treated lumber, which is more durable and can withstand precipitation much better than untreated lumber.
The ramp’s bottom and top should be free of obstacles like trees or bushes, or any other structures that could interfere with the safety of the user. In addition, the ramp’s surface must be non-slip and hard. Some municipalities require that the entire ramp be coated with an anti-slip surface.
For the ramp frame, use treated lumber that is at least 4 inches wide. Create posts to anchor the ramp, making sure they are at minimum eight feet apart and that they extend below the ground level. Spindles are the best way to join the posts with the railings of the ramp. This type of connection is preferred since it reduces the risk of an operator of the ramp falling off the side of the ramp.
Then, construct the ramp’s frame using joists that are at least 16 inches long and beams that measure 2 by 4 wheeler ramps inches. The joists should be at least 18 inches above the ground and secured with Joist hangings which are nails that grip within the joists, preventing them from sliding. Attach the ramp decking using a framing nailer.
Include an upper landing in the doorway to ensure the wheelchair-bound occupants are able to easily maneuver the doorswing. The landing should be wide enough to give at least 12 to 24 inches of “elbow space” on the handle side for out-swing doors. The landing for in-swinging doors should be 58 x 60 in order to accommodate the threshold of the door as well as a wheelchair user who needs to walk backwards in the doorway.
Install a level landing whenever you change in the direction of the ramp to avoid the need for wheelchairs to slam on their brakes when turning corners. A level landing makes it simpler to remove a ramp of the path if needed, so that lawnmowers and other equipment can move under it.
Materials
The materials used to construct a wheelchair ramp can be either concrete, wood or aluminum. A professional ramp installer will help you choose the best option for your home or office. It is crucial to think about your budget and needs when choosing the materials for the ramp. The ramp should also be simple to maintain and safe for use. Certain cities require the ramp to be paved with a non-slip surface.
Be sure to check with your local government for permits prior to building or purchasing materials. Also, make sure to adhere to all local building codes. The wrong materials or construction techniques can create dangerous conditions for wheelchair users. You can find up-to-date construction requirements in your local government building department library, or on the internet.
Wood ramps can be the most affordable option for ADA ramp materials. However they require more care. The surface of wood ramps need to be regularly treated with a sealer to prevent rot and warping. Wood splinters can be a problem, and could be particularly dangerous for people in wheelchairs. Wood collapsible ramps for wheelchairs might require additional support to ensure the structure remains in place and stable.
Concrete ramps are extremely durable and long-lasting however they can be expensive. They are heavy, which means that more work is required to construct them and can make it difficult to move the ramp after it is they are no longer needed. Concrete ramps are sturdy enough to withstand the weight of power wheelchairs.
Aluminum ramps weigh less than steel or concrete however they possess the same strength and resistance to corrosion. They are also more affordable than steel or iron and are an ideal choice for those on a limited budget. Aluminum is eco-friendly because it is found in the earth’s crust naturally, and is able to be recycled.
The ramp’s upper landing must be level, or within 3/8 inches of the threshold of the door in order for wheelchairs with smaller wheels to move over the ramp without becoming stuck. Ramps with a gap that is larger than this will not meet ADA standards. Also, ensure that the ramp flows smoothly from the upper landing to the ground surface. The ramp’s final section should be curved to ensure that wheelchairs don’t stop abruptly at the point of leaving or entering a home.
Installation
A ramp for wheelchairs is an inclined plane that is erected on top of or in place of stairs. It allows wheelchair users, as well as people who use carts or strollers to get into areas that would otherwise be difficult to access.
There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a wheelchair ramp, including height, location and cost. The ideal is for a ramp to be located close to the door as is possible to help prevent unnecessary travel. It should be placed at a level where the person using it is able to easily navigate. It should also be properly secured to the ground and clear of obstructions like shrubbery or parked cars.
ADA regulations require ramps to have handrails either side. The rails must be at minimum 36″ apart and have smooth or rounded gripping surface. Additionally, they should be affixed to the car boot ramp for wheelchair and extend at least 12 inches over the edge of the ramp. If a ramp has switchbacks or an L-shaped layout handrails should be a continuous length between the ramp runs.
The length of a ramp varies on the incline, but there are several standard ramps that are suitable for most situations. For instance the threshold ramp is placed right on the edge of a curb, or the threshold of a doorway, while portable ramps can be moved from one location to another and come in a variety of sizes. Modular aluminum ramps can be constructed on-site. These are usually used for public or commercial spaces and are usually longer than the threshold and portable ramps.
Check with your city’s construction department to determine whether a permit is required for an enduring ramp. It is also advisable to speak with an expert in mobility to determine the type of ramp that will work best for your needs and the space. In some instances the installation of an all-weather ramp can increase the value of your home.
Maintenance
It is important to keep your ramp for wheelchairs in good condition particularly if it is going to be used regularly. It is essential to conduct regular inspections and deal with any structural issues as they occur. This will help ensure the ramp is compliant with all ADA requirements and is safe for all users.
Wooden ramps require regular cleaning to remove dirt and debris that may block access. Cleanliness of the ramp will also prevent moisture from accumulating beneath the surface and causing rot. The wood preservatives or stains only work only if the ramp is thoroughly cleaned before application.
Wheelchair ramps are more difficult to maintain than other ramps due to the fact that they are more prone to wear and tear. The most important thing is to ensure you have the right tools for the job. To ensure that all fixings are secure and secure you’ll require a good set of screwdrivers and gauge spanners. It’s also important to check regularly the handrails to ensure they are in a good condition and do not show signs of corrosion or damage. As time passes, and with repeated use, it’s not uncommon that some fittings or bolts that hold the handrails to become loose. This can pose an issue for anyone using the ramp.
Another important aspect is to ensure the ramp’s surface has sufficient grip, particularly in winter, when conditions can be challenging. You’ll need to clean away any dirt, leaves and other debris that can hinder the surface and cause slippage. In addition, you’ll want to apply a non-corrosive ice melt on the ramp’s surface prior to winter arrives to prevent slipping and causing injury.
If you’re planning to use your ramp all winter months, you should consider purchasing wheels for traction, or “snow tires” for your wheelchair. These are specially designed to provide better tracking on uneven surfaces and snow and are therefore more effective than standard wheelchair ramp minivan tires in helping you stay on the ramp. Alternately, you can put heating pads or tape on the ramp’s surface to help melt snow and ice before it accumulates.