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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 risk of serious injury from falls These ramps are typically constructed to lead to the porch However they can be used to access vehicles and other locations When these modifications are tastefully integrated into the home they are able to help preserve the value of resales Modular ramps can be customized in design and can be incorporated into your specific home design Design Considerations The slope of the ramp must be smooth and easy for wheelchair occupants to move The ADA recommends that ramp slopes not be steeper than 1 in 12 for every inch of vertical rise you require 12 inches of horizontal space The landings of the ramp should be large enough for doors to swing and open freely They should also be a secure distance from the edge of the ramp so that the chairs tires dont accidentally roll over the ramp edge For instance a 58 inch wide landing will provide plenty of room to accommodate an entrance door that is able to open into the ramp If the ramp is long and doesnt offer a level landing at the top of the incline consider adding a flare to the side This decreases the chance of slipping as it curves inward at the end of the ramp Handrails are an additional aspect of ramp design They arent just decorative but they are lifelines for the people who use the ramp ADA regulations require handrails that are at least 3438 inches tall with gripping surfaces capable of holding a persons body weight in any weather Installing handrails both on the right and left sides of the ramp is a good idea especially when there are any changes in direction These railings warn visually impaired walker and wheelchair users to changes in ramp surface material and they also give the user something to hold onto in order to ensure safety wheelchair ramps can be folded out of the way to save space when they are not in use However they generally require a lot of space Portable ramps like the AerolightFolding Ramp offer a solution to this They have hinges that sit within the threshold and allow the ramp to fold and over it The ramp can be positioned in front of the front door and used to bridge the gap between a single or a number of steps Its also a great option for those with mobility issues and want to keep their wheelchair or scooter on them at all times Materials When constructing a ramp the material is one of the most crucial decisions to be made Materials can vary greatly depending on the style and type of the ramp In general wood is the most common ramp material for homes since it is constructed in a variety of styles and complements the design aesthetic of a lot of homes However a ramp made of wood requires regular maintenance to avoid rotting or insects from infesting A wooden ramp is more expensive than a concrete or aluminum ramp It is essential to understand the requirements of a disabled person and the environment where the ramp will be placed before you can choose the best ramp Answering questions like will it be outdoors or indoors or how often will it used will narrow down your choices and make it easier to choose the right ramp The choice of the right ramp is contingent on a number of other aspects For instance how high or low the ramp should be ADA guidelines recommend ramps of 12 long for every inch of vertical rise This ensures that the ramp will be safe for people who use wheelchairs or walker The most popular ramp options are concrete aluminum and wood Modular aluminum ramps are prefabricated and usually cost less than a wood or concrete ramp However they may not be as robust or as customizable as a concrete or wood ramp Threshold Ramps are short ramps that are placed directly above a raised threshold or curb on the sidewalk They are usually made of aluminum or rubber and offer traction when a person switches between different walking surfaces If you need a ramp that is permanent it is recommended to talk to an expert handyman who will help you with the installation process and offer advice on choosing the appropriate material for your ramp They can design and build ramps that are safe and enhances the look of your home They can also assist with determining whether youll require an approval for construction or inspections to ensure that the ramp can be constructed safely and in a safe manner Installation To install a wheelchair ramp first it is necessary to determine where it will be installed It doesnt need to be right up at the front door However it should be in a location that is close enough to allow someone in a wheelchair to enter and exit the house without having to climb steps or climb stairs Its also a good idea to consult with your local municipality to determine what requirements may apply to the construction of ramps in your neighborhood The Americans with Disabilities Act sets guidelines for safe ramp slopes and it is recommended to follow these guidelines to ensure that your ramp is safe for those who use wheelchairs In general the ADA recommends that for every inch of rise ramps should contain 12 inches of length This will enable the wheelchair user to travel up and down the ramp without having to stop or slow down which could cause the risk of falling After determining the location where the ramp will be installed youll need decide on which ramp is best for your requirements There are many types of ramps such as wooden or concrete ramps modular ramps and ramps that can be transported Portable ramps are available in a variety of 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 up to the entrance A selfsupporting aluminum ramp that is affixed to the floor or the door plate at the entrance offers the greatest stability and ease of installation For a wider ramp that bridges over the threshold an AerolightUpandOver ramp kit can be used The ramp is positioned inside the UPVC threshold so that it doesnt damage it and folds down when not in use This ramp can be used in conjunction with an Entry Flap accessory for a bridge that can cross the threshold of the door and enter the house Modular ramps can be constructed in a variety of configurations to meet the specific requirements of your home and your wheelchair user They are generally considered the most durable and longlasting option They can be constructed in different materials and are complemented by platforms or railings depending on the budget and style you would like to have Maintenance Even the tiniest physical obstacle could limit mobility for someone who is dependent on the use of a scooter or wheelchair A ramp that bridges the gap between a floor and the threshold of an entry door can remove this barrier and make your home more accessible A professional handyman can help you select the best materials for your ramp to meet your functional needs and complement your homes design Once youve installed the ramp regular maintenance is vital to its longevity and safety Sweep and remove debris regularly to ensure your ramp is free of hazards for tripping Clean the ramps surface using mild soap and warm water paying special attention to areas that collect dirt and grime If your ramp is constructed of metal be certain to keep it clean to avoid the formation of rust Certain ramps require more frequent cleaning than others Steel ramps for instance might require periodic touchups using a paintbrush or steel wool Wooden ramps require more frequent maintenance Be alert for cracks dents and rust spots which must be fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage If you live in an area with severe winter weather make sure to salt your ramps the same way you would for a sidewalk or walkway This will help prevent accumulation of snow and ice which can create an additional tripping hazard Dont oversalt the ramps as this can damage wheelchair tires and bearings