What to Consider Before Adding a Wheelchair Ramp to Your Home
Did you know that over one hundred thirty-one million people in the world require a wheelchair to move? If you’re disabled, or you live with someone who is, then you’re probably considering adding a wheelchair ramp to your home.
This goes a long way toward making mobility easier and more convenient for people in a wheelchair. However, the last thing that you want is a wheelchair ramp that’s poor quality.
At best this makes using it inconvenient, and at its worst, it’s potentially dangerous. So how can you avoid it? Simple by considering the factors on this list when adding a wheelchair ramp. Let’s get started!
Where Will the Wheelchair Ramp Be Used?
The first thing that you need to do is determine where the wheelchair ramp will be used. This will go a long way toward determining the best type of product for your needs. For example, do you just need to navigate a few steps?
If so, then a simple threshold ramp is likely the right product for you. Or maybe you need to circumnavigate an entire flight of stairs to get to your floor? For more complex systems like this, then you’re better off going with a modular ramp system.
Regardless of which type of ramp you choose you will always need two areas of solid floor or ground where the ends of the ramp can be properly placed. As such, you should make sure that your area has this.
What is the Minimum Length and Width of the Wheelchair Ramp?
Next, you will need to determine the size of your wheelchair ramp. Let’s start with the length. You need to make sure that your wheelchair ramps aren’t too short. This can result in a steep slope that is hard to navigate up and down.
In some cases, a steep slope can even be dangerous. Generally, the rule goes that you should always have a 1:12 slope. That means that for every inch that you rise vertically you need to have twelve inches of length added.
Also, keep in mind that certain powered wheelchairs have specific recommendations on the type of ramps that they can navigate. As such, you should always consult the product first. Once you determine the length, then you can move on to the width.
This is much easier. Simply measure the width of your wheelchair. Then, add a few inches to the amount. This will ensure that your ramp has a little wiggle room when you move up and down it.
How Much Weight Does the Ramp Need to Support?
Different ramps have different weight capabilities. The last thing that you want to do is overload your ramp. This could easily cause it to break down, which will likely result in injuries or worse.
As such, you should always calculate how much weight the ramp needs to take. To do this you should take the weight of your wheelchair and your weight.
How Visible Is Your Property?
Odds are that you’ll be using the wheelchair ramp during the night when it’s dark out. Ideally, there will be some building lights that can illuminate the ramp. However, this isn’t always the case.
If there aren’t any light sources around your ramp, then you will need to install them. It’s dangerous to use a ramp in the dark, so you should always take this into account.
How Hard is It to Install?
Next, you need to consider how hard the ramp will be to install. Some ramps are incredibly easy to install. In these cases, you can usually set it up yourself within a matter of minutes. However, most types of ramps won’t be this easy, especially if they’re larger.
For example, wooden rams can take weeks to properly construct from scratch. Aluminum ramps can usually be set up in a day, but they often require multiple workers and professional knowledge.
If you aren’t confident in your ability to install a wheelchair ramp, then you shouldn’t feel bad reaching out for help. Getting professional installation is preferable in a lot of ways, and not just because it’s way easier.
Going with a supplier that you trust helps ensure that the installation job is done correctly. That means that you can expect your wheelchair ramp to last for many years to come.
Which Supplier Should You Go With?
Once you consider all of these factors, then it’s time to pick a supplier to purchase the ramp from. So, how do you find a good supplier? We recommend first asking around your network.
Odds are that your friends, family, or acquaintances might have a suggestion on the best company to choose from. If your network isn’t helpful, then an online search will suggest.
After all, you don’t know the person writing the review. However, a large number of bad reviews should be a clear red flag.
Also, if you need professional installation, then make sure to choose a company that both provides the ramp and installs it. That way, you don’t have to go through multiple companies.
Want More Content? Keep Reading
We hope this article helped you consider everything you’ll need before adding a wheelchair ramp. A good wheelchair ramp can completely open the world up to disabled people. However, it needs to be installed in a way that’s safe and secure.
However, as long as you follow all of the advice on this list, then you should be fine. Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep exploring to find more topics that you’re sure to love.
