power wheelchair ramp for van Ramp Design and Construction

A ramp for wheelchairs is a valuable tool to help your loved ones live more independently at home. If they are not designed properly they could be unsafe to use.

ADA regulations require that landings be level at every shift in direction to avoid compound slopes. They also must provide a gripping surface for wheelchair users.

Design

The ramp's design should be in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards to allow wheelchairs to navigate the structure easily. For example, the ramp slope should not exceed a ratio of 1:12 and must have level landings at any direction change or change in the ramp's surface. It must also be constructed using treated lumber, which is more durable than lumber that is not treated and can weather precipitation better.

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

Use treated lumber of at least four inches in width for the ramp frame. Make posts to support the ramp, making sure they are at least eight feet apart, and that they extend above the level of the ground. Spindles should be used to connect the posts with the railings of the ramp. This type of connection is preferred because it reduces the risk of the ramp operator falling off the edge of the ramp.

Then, you can build the ramp's frame with beams of 2 by 4 inches in size, and joists at least 16 inch long. The joists must be at minimum 18 inches above the ground and secured by Joist hangings, which are nails that fit within the joists, preventing them from sliding. Attach the ramp decking with a framing nailer.

Add an upper landing near the doorway to allow people with disabilities to navigate the doorswing easily. The landing should be 12 to 24 inches on the handle side of out-swinging doors. The landing for doors that are in-swinging must be 58 by 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 when changing the direction of the ramp to prevent wheelchairs from having their brakes on corners. A level landing allows you to move the ramp away from the way, if needed so that lawnmowers and other equipment can go under it.

Materials

The material used to construct ramps for wheelchairs could be wood, concrete or aluminum. A professional ramp installer will help you choose the best option for your home or office. When choosing the material to use for the ramp, it is crucial to consider your budget and requirements. The ramp should be simple to maintain and safe for use. Certain cities require that the ramp be covered with a non-slip surface.

Make sure to inquire with your local government for permits before you begin building or buying any materials. Also, make sure to follow all local building codes. Utilizing the wrong materials or construction methods can lead to dangerous conditions for wheelchair Car ramp users. You can find current construction requirements in your local government building department or library, or on the internet.

Wood ramps are typically the least expensive of ADA ramp materials, but they require more maintenance than other alternatives. The wood ramp's surface should be treated regularly with a sealer in order to stop rot and warping. Wood can split, which can be especially hazardous for people in wheelchairs. Wood ramps might also require additional support to ensure the structure remains standing and steady.

Concrete ramps can be expensive however they are durable and long lasting. They are also heavy, which demands more effort to install and can make moving the ramp after it is no longer needed difficult. Concrete ramps can withstand the weight of powerful wheelchairs.

Aluminum ramps weigh less than concrete or steel however they offer the same strength and resistance to corrosion. They are also more affordable than steel and iron, making them an excellent option for people on an extremely tight budget. Aluminum is also green because it is found naturally in the Earth's crust and can be recycled.

The upper ramp's landing should be at least 3/8 inch of the door threshold in order to allow the front wheels of smaller wheelchairs to move over it without becoming stuck. Ramps with a gap higher than this comply with ADA standards. It is also important to ensure that the ramp transitions smoothly from the upper landing to the ground surface. The final section of the ramp should be a beveled transitions to avoid the abrupt stop of wheelchairs as they exit or enter a dwelling.

Installation

A wheelchair bridge ramp ramp is a plane inclined ramp that can be used as an alternative or in the place of steps. It allows wheelchair users and people who use carts or strollers to access areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach, such as an entranceway or a set up of steep steps.

There are several considerations when choosing a ramp for a wheelchair such as height, location and cost. A ramp should be situated close to the door as possible to avoid unnecessary journeys. It should be set at a level that is easily accessed by the person using it. It should be securely anchored to the floor and free of obstructions like car parks, shrubs or other obstacles.

ADA regulations stipulate that ramps must have handrails on either side. The rails must be at least 36" apart and have a smooth or rounded gripping surface. They must also be attached to the edge of the ramp and extend 12 inches over it. Handrails should be continuous if the ramp is designed with switchbacks, or in an L-shaped layout.

The length of the ramp is determined by the slope. However there are a few standard ramp types which can be used for most situations. For instance the threshold ramp is flush along the lip 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. There are also modular aluminum ramps that can be assembled on the spot. These ramps are commonly used in public or commercial areas and are typically longer.

If you're considering a permanent ramp, make sure you contact your city's building department to determine if you'll need a permit. It is also advisable to speak with a mobility specialist about the kind of ramp that works best for your needs and the space. In certain cases 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, especially if it will be used frequently. You'll have to conduct regular inspections, and fix any structural problems as they develop. This will ensure that the ramp complies with all ADA requirements and is safe for all users.

Wooden ramps require frequent cleaning to get rid of dirt and debris that could block access. Keep the ramp spotless to stop moisture from accumulating beneath the surface. This can lead to rot. Preservatives and stains for wood only work when the ramp has been thoroughly cleaned before application.

Wheelchair ramps are more difficult to maintain than other ramps as they are more likely wear and tear. It is essential to have the right tools. A set of gauge spanners and screwdrivers are essential for making sure all fixings are secure and secure. It's also worth regularly inspecting the handrails to ensure they are in good working order and are free of corrosion or damage. It's possible that over time, with repeated usage and use, the bolts and fittings that hold the handrails on may come loose and pose a major safety concern for those who use the ramp.

Another important factor is ensuring the ramp's surface is grippy, especially in winter when conditions can be challenging. You'll need to remove any dirt, leaves and other debris that may block the surface and cause slippage. In addition, you'll want to apply a non-corrosive ice melt to the ramp surface before winter arrives to prevent slips and causing injury.

You should consider purchasing "snow tires" or traction wheels for your wheelchair if you are planning to use it for the duration of the winter. They're specifically designed to offer better tracking on uneven and snowy surfaces which is why they'll be more efficient than standard wheelchair folding ramp tires in helping you stay on the ramp. Alternatively, you can place heating pads or tape on the ramp's surface to melt snow and ice before it gets accumulated.