ADA Ramp Slope Requirements: Explained

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) helps ensure commercial and government buildings meet certain accessibility standards, but not just any ramp will suffice. Williams Lift Company provides wheelchair ramps and stairlifts to customers in New Jersey. Here, our team will help you understand ADA ramp slope requirements and why it is so important to follow them.

What Are the ADA Ramp Slope Requirements?

A ramp is essentially an inclined plane, allowing users to reach higher elevations gradually. These ramps are helpful for many people, including:

• Wheelchair users
• Those who rely on canes, walkers, or crutches
• People suffering from heart or breathing ailments
• Parents with children in strollers
• Those moving large or heavy items

Slope-related ADA ramp requirements include:

Maximum Slope

To be compliant with ADA regulations, a commercial ramp must have a maximum slope of 1:12. This means that for every 1 inch of vertical rise, the ramp must have 12 inches of length. This requirement helps ensure that ramps aren’t too steep. When dealing with curb ramps at existing facilities, if a particular space features limitations that would make this impossible, the dimensions may deviate slightly.

Maximum Length

Another restriction regarding slope involves the overall rise of a given ramp section, or ramp run. Ramp runs must not exceed a maximum rise of 30 inches, meaning (based on the maximum slope mentioned above) they cannot exceed 30 feet long.

Landings

If your vertical rise is significant enough to need more than one ramp run, you’ll need to add in at least one landing. Landings are flat areas that allow ramp users to relax without fear of falling or rolling. There should be level landings at the top and bottom of each ramp run, and each landing should be at least five feet in length, ensuring wheelchair users have enough space to freely maneuver.

Cross Slope

Cross slope is a measurement of the slope measured perpendicular to the direction of travel. According to ADA requirements, the cross slope of a wheelchair ramp may not exceed 2%, or 1:50. This measurement, which often applies to curb ramps, helps ensure the surface is level enough to keep mobility aids from tipping sideways.

Other Important ADA Requirements to Consider When Adding a Ramp

Aside from these slope-related concerns, other factors go into creating an ADA ramp that meets the necessary codes and guidelines. These requirements include:

Ramp Width

According to the ADA, the minimum clear width of a ramp should be at least 36 inches. This means users should have at least three feet of usable space between the ramp’s edges or handrails.

Handrails

Handrails are important for ramps that feature greater rises or horizontal projections. If handrails are included in a ramp, they must be on both sides of the ramp, and the top of the handrails’ gripping surfaces should be set between 34 and 38 inches above the ramp’s surface. Handrails against a wall should offer at least 1-1/2 inches of clearance. Handrails that aren’t continuous must extend at least one foot past the top and bottom of each ramp run.

Textured Surfaces

Ramp surfaces need to be firm and stable. Slip-resistant textures help keep users from suffering falls or other accidents by allowing dependable grip for wheelchair wheels and other mobility devices. It is also important to consistently monitor these surfaces, especially during and after inclement weather, to help prevent water from pooling or ice from forming.

Edge Protection

Another crucial aspect of the ADA requirements for ramps is edge protection. This safety consideration helps keep users from falling off the sides of the ramp. Edge protection comes in different forms, with curbs, walls, and railings being some of the most popular options. Each of these additions may have specific requirements, as well. For instance, curbs should be at least 2 inches high.

Building owners will also want to provide necessary lighting, especially for facilities that may have nighttime or early morning visitors. It’s also imperative that you take care of your ramp surfaces and handrails. Frequent maintenance and regular inspections can be the difference between a ramp that is safe for use and one that is an accident waiting to happen.

Why Should You Look to the Professionals for Wheelchair Ramps?

There are a lot of important factors that go into designing and constructing an ADA-compliant wheelchair ramp. The last thing any home or business owner wants is for someone to get hurt on their property. Having a visitor get injured can lead to long and expensive legal battles that are best avoided altogether.

At Williams Lift Company, we have a team of professionals who are highly skilled and knowledgeable on ADA requirements. We can help building owners ensure their spaces are safe and our installation process is quick and efficient. We also provide residential ramps for homeowners, which feature similar construction guidelines. Our team ensures every aspect of the project meets your preferences and federal, state, and local requirements, offering peace of mind.

Our selection includes a variety of ramp types to suit different situations. Our modular wheelchair ramps are made of strong and stable aluminum, which can support up to 1,000 pounds. They also feature non-skid surfaces to help prevent slippage.

We also offer portable wheelchair ramps for those who need a more versatile option. Our SUITCASE Signature Series models are designed with live hinges to help prevent any protrusions that might make rolling difficult. They are also made with integrated handles that help you carry them during your travels. Lastly, we offer threshold ramps that create a small incline to help those with mobility issues move over door frames and raised landings. These ramps come in a wide variety of sizes to fit your specifications.

If you only need a ramp for a short period, consider our wheelchair and handicap ramp rentals. You can rent one of our high-quality ramps for as long as you need to, making this a smart option for those who have temporary injuries that limit mobility or homeowners who have visitors staying who need accessibility support. We can even transfer some of your rental payments toward a purchase if a permanent solution is required.

Turn to Our Wheelchair Ramp Team Today

At Williams Lift Company, our experts have over 50 years of combined experience in the industry in New Jersey, so you can trust our process and our results. We know the ADA ramp slope requirements and the other regulations, so we can help protect you from liability and keep everyone safe. Contact us today if you are interested in learning more or would like to request an estimate.