Having a disability can pose multiple issues when one is trying to get into or come out of a building. Most commercial properties or structures that are open to the public are required by special laws that set forth guidelines to allow access to those with limited mobility. If looking to perform wheelchair ramp construction on a private residence, many find it advisable to follow certain rules to ensure the most safety.
The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted in 1990 and has set forth construction specification that provide for the safest ramps for those with limited mobility. They cover everything from the slope progression and width to guard rails and slip protection. It even suggests the most appropriate materials for various circumstances.
Adhering to theses specifications helps ensure that the project has better quality and is safe for the people who are to use it. It needs to be made suitable not only for those in chairs but also those using crutches, canes, walkers and walking normally. Those who choose to build these structures should understand the responsibility that they are opting to take on.
Structures of this type are made from multiple types of material. Concrete is the sturdiest, most durable and unfortunately the most expensive of all the choices but should only be used for structures that are intended to be permanent. It may also be the safest because slip preventing textures may be added directly to the ramp as the substance is drying.
The strength of steel is desirable but it does require galvanization to make it weatherproof and textures will need to be added as a slip preventative. Aluminum is both weather resistant and strong but it is expensive and slick. One major issue is that it is so lightweight and if the supports are not calculated properly it may bend under the weight of something as heavy as an occupied wheelchair.
Wood is both more affordable and more common though being a natural substance, it requires regular maintenance. It will need to be sealed with a varnish to prevent warping and rotting due to weather conditions and sanding is necessary to prevent splinters on the hand rails. Boards should be attached with screws instead of nails and placement should be close enough to be a smooth ride but still allow space for water drainage.
According to ADA guidelines, a slope should rise a single inch for every twelve inches of length. This angle is easy enough for an individual to manually roll their own chair up the incline and to control their speed going down. Those same specifications suggest a level area of approximately 2' be place along each eight to ten feet of distance for rest and safe descent.
There is quite a bit of planning that goes into proper wheelchair ramp construction. The slope needs to be at a safe ratio and adequate steps should be taken to ensure the structure is durable and strong enough to hold the weight of all who pass over it as electric chairs are quite heavy. It needs to be easily traveled by those on wheels, crutches, walkers, canes and on feet.
The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted in 1990 and has set forth construction specification that provide for the safest ramps for those with limited mobility. They cover everything from the slope progression and width to guard rails and slip protection. It even suggests the most appropriate materials for various circumstances.
Adhering to theses specifications helps ensure that the project has better quality and is safe for the people who are to use it. It needs to be made suitable not only for those in chairs but also those using crutches, canes, walkers and walking normally. Those who choose to build these structures should understand the responsibility that they are opting to take on.
Structures of this type are made from multiple types of material. Concrete is the sturdiest, most durable and unfortunately the most expensive of all the choices but should only be used for structures that are intended to be permanent. It may also be the safest because slip preventing textures may be added directly to the ramp as the substance is drying.
The strength of steel is desirable but it does require galvanization to make it weatherproof and textures will need to be added as a slip preventative. Aluminum is both weather resistant and strong but it is expensive and slick. One major issue is that it is so lightweight and if the supports are not calculated properly it may bend under the weight of something as heavy as an occupied wheelchair.
Wood is both more affordable and more common though being a natural substance, it requires regular maintenance. It will need to be sealed with a varnish to prevent warping and rotting due to weather conditions and sanding is necessary to prevent splinters on the hand rails. Boards should be attached with screws instead of nails and placement should be close enough to be a smooth ride but still allow space for water drainage.
According to ADA guidelines, a slope should rise a single inch for every twelve inches of length. This angle is easy enough for an individual to manually roll their own chair up the incline and to control their speed going down. Those same specifications suggest a level area of approximately 2' be place along each eight to ten feet of distance for rest and safe descent.
There is quite a bit of planning that goes into proper wheelchair ramp construction. The slope needs to be at a safe ratio and adequate steps should be taken to ensure the structure is durable and strong enough to hold the weight of all who pass over it as electric chairs are quite heavy. It needs to be easily traveled by those on wheels, crutches, walkers, canes and on feet.
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