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https://www.mymobilityscooters.uk/categories/wheelchair-ramps

Wheelchair Ramp Design and Construction A ramp for wheelchairs can be an effective device to aid your loved ones live more independently at home If not designed correctly they can be unsafe to use ADA regulations require level landings on any changes in direction to avoid compound slopes They also require an area that is grippy for wheelchair users Design The ramp design must meet the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA standards to ensure that wheelchairs are able to effortlessly navigate the structure For example the ramp slope should not exceed the ratio 112 and must have level landings at any change in direction or shift in the ramps surface The ramp must also be constructed from treated lumber which is more durable and withstands rain better than untreated lumber The ramps top and bottom should be free of any obstacles such as trees or bushes as well as other structures that could hinder the users safe passage In addition the ramps surface must be hard and nonslip Some municipalities require that the entire ramp be coated with an antislip surface For the ramp frame Choose treated lumber that is at least four inches wide To secure the ramp build posts that are at least 8 feet apart and extend below the level of the ground The posts must then be connected to the ramps railings using spindles This type of connection reduces the chance of a ramp operator slipping off the side Then construct the ramps frame using Joists that are at minimum 16 inches long and beams of 2 by 4 inches Make sure that the joists stand a minimum of 18 inches above ground level and that theyre secured with joist hangers which are nails that bind the inside of the joists to prevent them from slipping off the ground Attach the ramp decking using a framing nailer Install an upper landing on the doorway so that the wheelchairbound occupants are able to easily maneuver the doorswing The landing should be wide enough to allow at least 1224 inches of elbow room on the handle side for outswing doors For inswing doors the landing should be at least 58 by 60 inches to accommodate the doors threshold and a person in wheelchair who must move backwards through the doorway Install an elevated landing at every change in ramp direction to avoid the necessity for wheelchairs to hit on their brakes as they turn corners A level landing is easier to move a ramp out of the way if required so that equipment such as lawnmowers can be able to pass underneath it Materials Concrete wood or aluminium can be used to build ramps for wheelchair s A professional ramp installation service will help you choose the best option for your home or business When choosing the material for the ramp its important to consider your budget and specific needs The ramp must also be simple to maintain and safe to use Certain cities require the ramp to be paved with a nonslip surface Before you purchase any material or begin building be sure that you have the necessary permits from your local government and that you comply with all building codes within your area Incorrect construction materials or techniques could create hazardous conditions for wheelchairusers You can find the most current information about construction regulations at the building department of your local government office library or online Wood ramps are typically the least expensive choice of ADA ramp materials but they require more care than other options The wood ramps surface must be regularly treated with a sealer in order to stop rot and warping Wood can split and be dangerous for people using wheelchairs Wood ramps may also require additional support to ensure the structure is maintained Concrete ramps are extremely durable and last for a long time but 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 once they are no longer needed Concrete ramps are strong enough to support the weight of power wheelchairs Aluminum ramps are lighter than concrete or steel however they offer the same strength and corrosion resistance They are also more affordable than steel and iron making them an excellent option for those with an extremely tight budget Aluminum is also green since it is found naturally in the Earths crust and can be recycled The ramps upper landing should be at a level level or within 38 inches of the threshold of the door in order for wheelchairs with smaller wheels to go over the ramp without getting stuck Ramps with a gap that is larger than this will not comply with ADA standards You should also make sure that the ramp is smooth transitioning from the upper landing to the ground The last section of the ramp must have a a beveled transition to avoid the abrupt stop of wheelchairs when they enter or exit an apartment Installation A wheelchair ramp is an inclined plane that is erected on top of or in place of stairs It allows wheelchair users as well as those who use carts or strollers to access areas that are otherwise difficult to access When choosing a wheelchair accessible ramp there are many factors to consider such as the location height and cost Ideally a ramp should be situated near the door as is possible to avoid unnecessary journeys It should also be positioned at an angle that is easily accessed by the person using it It should be securely anchored to the floor and free of obstructions such as shrubbery parked cars or other obstacles ADA regulations state that ramps must have handrails either side The rails must be at 36 inches apart and have the gripping surface rounded or smooth They must also be anchored to the edge of the ramp and extend 12 inches over it If the ramp has switchbacks or an Lshaped layout handrails should be a continuous length between the ramps edges The length of the ramp is determined by its incline However there are basic ramp types that are suitable for all situations For instance the threshold ramp is right on the edge of a curb or the threshold of a doorway while ramps that are portable can be moved from one place to another and come in many different sizes Modular aluminum ramps may also be assembled onsite These ramps are commonly used in commercial or public areas and are usually longer Check with your citys construction department to determine if a permit is required for a permanent ramp It is recommended to consult a mobility specialist to determine what kind ramp will be the most suitable for your requirements and the space that you have In some cases installing permanent ramps could increase the value of your house Maintenance It is essential to maintain your wheelchair ramp especially if it will be used often Youll need to conduct regular inspections and fix any structural issues when they occur This will help ensure that the ramp complies with all ADA requirements and is safe for all users Wooden ramps require frequent cleaning to remove dirt and debris that could block access Keep the ramp clean to prevent moisture from building up under the surface This can cause the onset of rot The wood preservatives or stains will only work when the ramp has been thoroughly cleaned prior to application Wheelchair ramps are more difficult to maintain than other ramps as they are more prone to wear and tear The most important thing to do is ensure that you have the appropriate tools for the job A good set of gauge spanners and screwdrivers are crucial to ensure that all fixings are secure and secure Also you should regularly check the handrails for signs of damage or corrosion As time passes and with repeated use its not uncommon for some of the bolts or fittings the handrails to come loose This can pose an unsafe situation for anyone who is using the ramp Another important aspect is to ensure the ramps surface has sufficient grip particularly in winter when conditions can be a challenge Youll need to clean away any dirt leaves or other debris that could obstruct and cause slippage Youll also want to apply an ice melt that is noncorrosive to the ramp surface to prevent slips and injuries Consider purchasing snow tires or traction wheels for your wheelchair if you intend to use it during the winter These wheels are made to better track on snowy and uneven surfaces They will allow you to stay on your ramp longer than regular wheelchair tires You can also make use of heating pads or heating tape to melt snow and ice on the ramp before it accumulates