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https://www.mymobilityscooters.uk/categories/wheelchair-ramps
Installing a Wheelchair Ramp For Your Front Door A wheelchair ramp at your front door can reduce the chance of serious injuries caused by falls These ramps are typically constructed to lead to the porch However they can also be used to access vehicles or other destinations If these changes are elegantly integrated with the home they can preserve resale value Modular ramps can be customized in style and can fit the design of your home Design Considerations The slope of the ramp must be gentle and easy for wheelchair users to navigate The ADA recommends that ramp slopes not be more than 1 in 12 for every inch of vertical rise you need 12 inches of horizontal space The ramps landings should be large enough for doors to open and swing portable ramp wheelchair must also be a safe distance from the edge of the ramp so that the chairs tires do not accidentally slide over the ramp edge For instance a 58 inch wide landing will allow plenty of space to accommodate a front door that can be opened into the ramp area Consider adding a side flare when the ramp is lengthy and there is no level landing point at the end This will reduce the chance of tripping as it curves inward at the end of the ramp Another important feature of ramp design is handrails They arent just for decoration but also vital for the occupants of the ramp ADA rules call for handrails that measure 34 to 38 inches high and have gripping surfaces that are able to hold a persons weight without becoming slippery in a variety of weather conditions It is a good idea to install handrails on both sides of the ramp especially when there is a change in direction These railings alert visually impaired users of wheelchairs and walker of the differences in the ramps material and give them something to hold onto for safety Some ramps are built to fold away when not in use but they typically require a lot of space around them Portable ramps such as the AerolightFolding ramp are an excellent solution to this They have hinges inside the threshold that permit the ramp to be folded up and over This lets the ramp be kept right outside a front door allowing it to bridge one step or a few steps into a home Its also a great choice for people who have mobility issues and want to have their scooter or wheelchair on them at all times Materials When building a ramp the material used is among the most crucial decisions to be taken Materials can vary greatly depending on the style and type of the ramp Wood is the most soughtafter ramp material since it can be built in various styles and is a perfect match for many homes However a ramp made of wood requires regular maintenance to prevent decay or insects from infesting Additionally the wooden ramp is usually more expensive than an aluminum or concrete ramp To choose the best ramp it is important to understand the unique needs of disabled individuals and the setting in which the ramp will be installed Answering questions like will it be outdoors or indoors or how often will it be used will narrow down your choices and help you select the best ramp Choosing the right ramp for your doorway is dependent on other factors such as the length of the ramp should be In general ADA guidelines recommend ramps be 12 long for every inch of vertical rise This ensures that the ramp will be safe for people who use a wheelchair or walker Concrete aluminum and wooden ramps are the most soughtafter ramps available Modular aluminum ramps are prefabricated and generally less expensive than a wood or concrete ramp However they might not be as durable or as flexible as a wood or concrete ramp Threshold ramps are ramps that are placed directly over a raised door threshold or curbs for sidewalks They are typically made of rubber or aluminum and provide traction as people change levels between walking surfaces If you are in need of an allweather ramp it is recommended to consult with an experienced handyman who can help you with the installation process and help you choose the proper material for your ramp They will have the expertise to design and build an accessible ramp that is safe and complements the style of your home They can also assist with determining if you will need permits for building and inspections to ensure the ramp will be constructed safely and in a safe manner Installation The first step in the process of constructing a ramp for wheelchairs is to decide where it should be placed It doesnt have to be right up at the front door However it should be near enough to allow someone in a wheel chair to enter and exit the house without having to climb steps or climb stairs You should also consult your local municipality to find out what regulations might apply to the construction and installation of a ramp The Americans with Disabilities Act establishes guidelines for safe slopes on ramps It is a good idea that you adhere to these guidelines in order to ensure your ramp is safe for wheelchair users In general the ADA recommends that for every inch of rise ramps must include 12 inches of length This will allow wheelchair users to go up and down the ramp without stopping or having to slow down which could result in an accident After determining where the ramp should be located youll need decide on which ramp is best for your requirements There are a variety of ramps available including concrete or wooden ramps modular ramps and ramps that can be transported Portable ramps come in various lengths and are easily moved when not being used They can be used to cover small thresholds or to cover a short set of steps leading to the entrance A selfsupporting ramp made of aluminum that attaches to the floor of the home or to the door plate of the entrance will provide the highest stability and is simple to install For a ramp that is wider and bridges over the threshold an AerolightUp and Over ramp kit can be used This ramp is designed to fit within the UPVC threshold so it wont damage it It can also be folded away when not in use This ramp can be used in conjunction with an Entry Flap accessory for a bridge to traverse the threshold of the door to get into the house Modular ramps are available in various designs that can be adapted to the needs of your wheelchair or home user They are generally regarded as the most durable and longlasting choice They have railings and platforms and can be constructed in different materials according to your budget and design preferences Maintenance When you or someone you love is dependent on wheelchair scooter or walker even the smallest physical obstacle can prevent full mobility A ramp that bridges the gap between a threshold on the surface and the entry door can remove this barrier making your home more accessible A professional handyman will assist you choose the appropriate materials for your ramp to meet your functional requirements and also match the aesthetics of your home Regular maintenance is vital to the safety and longevity of your ramp Sweep and remove debris regularly to ensure your ramp is free of tripping hazards Make use of mild soap and water to wash the ramps surface paying particular attention to areas where grime and dirt accumulate If your ramp is constructed of metal be sure to keep it clean to avoid rust buildup Certain ramps require to be cleaned more often than others Steel ramps for instance may need periodic touchup with a paintbrush or steel wool Wood ramps on the contrary require more regular care Be aware of cracks dents and rust spots These should be repaired immediately to avoid further damage If you are in a region that experiences harsh winter weather be sure to salt your ramps the same way you would for a sidewalk or walkway This will stop snow and ice from accumulating and causing the risk of tripping Do not oversalt ramps because this could damage the tires of wheelchairs and bearings