Disabled individuals are often faced with several challenges when it comes to finding easy access to many buildings. Most that are for commercial use or which are open to the public must comply with laws that require them to adhere to certain guidelines in regards to those with mobility issues. Private residence wheelchair ramp construction may use these same specifications to build safe structures.
Safe construction specifications for the building of safe ramps for those with mobility challenges were set forth with The Americans with Disability Act that was enacted in 1990. It maintains standards for aspects such as slip protection, the placement of guardrails, the width of the surface and especially the progression of the slope. There are also suggestions for which materials may be best for specific 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.
ADA specifications suggest that for each foot in length, the slope rise just one inch. This angle is the right pitch to be gentle enough for someone to roll themselves up and allows one to more securely manage the decline. For the sake of safety, a level area of at least two feet should be installed at intervals of approximately eight feet.
A lot of planning should go into any wheelchair ramp construction project. A safe slope ratio and proper support placement can help make sure everything about the structure is sturdy and durable enough to withstand the weight strains that may be placed upon it. A well made piece will be just as easy to travel by foot as to roll over or use with a cane, crutch or walker.
Safe construction specifications for the building of safe ramps for those with mobility challenges were set forth with The Americans with Disability Act that was enacted in 1990. It maintains standards for aspects such as slip protection, the placement of guardrails, the width of the surface and especially the progression of the slope. There are also suggestions for which materials may be best for specific 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.
ADA specifications suggest that for each foot in length, the slope rise just one inch. This angle is the right pitch to be gentle enough for someone to roll themselves up and allows one to more securely manage the decline. For the sake of safety, a level area of at least two feet should be installed at intervals of approximately eight feet.
A lot of planning should go into any wheelchair ramp construction project. A safe slope ratio and proper support placement can help make sure everything about the structure is sturdy and durable enough to withstand the weight strains that may be placed upon it. A well made piece will be just as easy to travel by foot as to roll over or use with a cane, crutch or walker.
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