If you or a loved one deal with mobility issues, you may be considering installing a wheelchair ramp to improve accessibility. There are important aspects to consider when installing wheelchair ramps. Williams Lift Company provides ramps and stair lifts to residents throughout New Jersey. Our team has created this comprehensive wheelchair ramp guide to help you understand the ins and outs of ramps and feel confident in your decisions.
Wheelchair ramps provide a way for people in wheelchairs and others with mobility issues to bypass stairs. Thanks to the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA), it’s more important than ever for building owners to be considerate of those with mobility issues. One of the most common additions these acts have brought about is wheelchair ramps. Ramps, according to the ADA, are defined as any part of an accessible route with a slope greater than 1:20. People dealing with mobility concerns at home should consider having a ramp installed.
While homeowners may not be in jeopardy of the fines and other legal penalties that businesses may suffer when not following ADA ramp requirements, they should still take time to evaluate the important safety aspects involved with a wheelchair ramp. These include:
The slope of a ramp is the amount of incline. The ADA requires ramps to have a slope of 1:12 or less. This means that the ramp needs to have 12 inches of length for every one inch of vertical rise. For example, a ramp that takes users from the ground level up 5 inches will need a ramp at least 60 inches (or 5 feet) long. Homeowners will benefit from these general slope guidelines as well because they prevent the ramp from being too steep, which could lead to accidents.
Because these ramps are often used by people in wheelchairs, they should be built wide enough to accommodate these devices, as well as scooters and other mobility aids that users may need. As such, they should offer a clear width of at least 36 inches. This means that the width between any handrails or curbs on the edges should be at least 3 feet, which enables easy maneuverability for wheelchair users.
Wheelchairs and other mobility aids can take a lot of energy out of users, so it’s important that your ramp has landings whenever necessary. To protect against fatigue, these level surfaces should be at least 60 inches long, and, if the ramp direction changes at a landing, they should also be at least 60 inches wide. This helps users stop and adjust their direction comfortably.
Another aspect of ramps that homeowners shouldn’t ignore is the edges. To ensure wheelchair users don’t slide off the sides, consider adding some form of edge protection. This can be in the form of curbs, handrails, projecting surfaces, or walls, all of which help keep users inside.
Handrails are a common feature that makes life easier for anyone using a ramp. Installing handrails on your wheelchair ramp is a smart idea if it features a vertical rise of more than 6 inches or a horizontal projection of more than 6 feet. Handrails should be located on both sides of the ramp, making it easy for people going up or down to get the support they need.
It’s a good idea to make sure your surfaces aren’t slippery. Outdoor ramps can accumulate water during and after rain, which can become a hazard for those using mobility aids. Your ramp should be designed so water doesn’t pool. If you notice water pooling or other changes, especially during colder temperatures, you should address it right away. Call a professional promptly to fix the problem.
Different types of wheelchair ramps exist to help home and business owners find solutions to their accessibility problems. Whether you are a senior, someone who struggles with mobility, or a caretaker looking for an option to make life easier for those you care for, you need to understand your options. They include:
Modular ramps are made with several sections that can be installed in different setups to help you find what works best. This allows them the flexibility needed to change as you update your space, and they can even be expanded in the future if needed.
Ramps can be made of a variety of materials, but modular ramps are often made with aluminum to be sturdy and dependable. Aluminum ramps are also lightweight and provide a sleek look that won’t impede on your space’s aesthetic. Aluminum is also built to withstand outdoor conditions and needs virtually no maintenance to stay strong.
Those who need temporary wheelchair ramps that can be folded up and brought with them will love the convenience of portable wheelchair ramps. These ramps can be set up and taken down quickly, but they still provide the stability and security to protect users from injury. Many of these models are made from strong metals like aluminum and feature surfaces designed to prevent sliding.
Portable ramps come in a wide range of sizes, allowing you to find the option that works best for you and your space. To find the right size, you should consider the height differences you need to account for and the size of the mobility device that will be used on the ramp.
If you just need a small ramp to help yourself or visitors get over the lips of doorways and up and down raised landings, consider a threshold ramp. These ramps come in a variety of sizes to cover thresholds of different dimensions. Since they are typically freestanding pieces, they are extremely easy to set in place. Many models are also capable of indoor or outdoor use.
People throughout New Jersey can trust the experts at Williams Lift Company to handle all your wheelchair ramp needs. Between our professionals, we have over 50 years of experience in the industry. We can work on jobs of all sizes, and we have the knowledge, tools, and training needed to install ramps around homes or commercial buildings, including medical facilities, restaurants, and more.
Our talented team is here to provide professional advice and installation that meets all your needs. Whether you are interested in a modular ramp to meet unique specifications, a portable ramp that can go wherever you go, or a threshold ramp to make getting around easier, our selection offers something for everyone. We know people who have mobility concerns want the work done quickly, but we’ll always ensure it is safe and secure, helping prevent injury down the road. We are careful not to damage your home or yard in the process.
After the installation is complete, our professionals will answer any questions you have and go over important safety tips and user guidelines. We know many homeowners don’t know much about wheelchair ramps, so our dedicated professionals will make sure you feel confident in your product before we leave.
If you think a reliable wheelchair ramp could help you or your guests navigate your space, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at Williams Lift Company. We have helped people throughout New Jersey since 1947 and take pride in our work. Our wheelchair ramp guide should give you a good idea of what your ramp options are and the type of ramp services you can expect from our team. If you are interested in a showroom visit or would like any questions answered, contact us today!
Wheelchair ramps are important for residential spaces because no one should struggle to get in and around their own homes. These additions not only help you maneuver around your living spaces but also give you a sense of independence that many with mobility challenges strive for.
For building owners, wheelchair ramps help prevent complaints, injuries, and legal complications. There’s not much worse for a business owner than a customer having an accident because you haven’t followed ADA guidelines.
While some ramps are relatively easy to install, you should always turn to a professional because they will make sure the installation is done properly. You can also count on the experts at Williams Lift Company to ensure the finished project meets all safety requirements, as well as federal, state, and local guidelines.
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to add a ramp or are a caretaker looking for a simpler way for those you care for to get around, you’ll first want to meet with the experts. Our trusted professionals come out to assess your space, talk about your preferences, and take measurements. At Williams Lift Company, you can request an estimate, helping you evaluate your options before agreeing to the project. Then, our expert installers will schedule an installation date and come out and finish the work.
Typically, the overall time for ramp installation depends on the ramp type, size, and location. However, those who choose the factory-trained technicians at Williams Lift Company can expect the job to be done in only a few hours. Our experienced team will make sure the job is done right, so you won’t have to worry about something being built incorrectly.
While many wheelchair ramps are designed for long-lasting use, Williams Lift Company offers a more convenient, money-saving option with wheelchair ramp rentals. Renting a wheelchair ramp is a smart choice for those who need a ramp for less than 18 months. This is often the case with people rehabilitating from surgery, those who’ve suffered a short-term injury that affects mobility, or those who have family members visiting who might need help getting up or down steps.
The ramps that Williams installs can be quickly removed if they are no longer needed. Those made from concrete, stone, or wood may be more permanent as they will require extensive work to remove. However, people who want similar strength without this kind of commitment should look to metal options. Williams Lift Company provides plenty of different models, but our aluminum construction is something you can trust and that can be removed when needed.