Ramps

A Modular Aluminum Ramp can Handle Weather Extremes Better than any Other Material

Ramps come in many shapes and sizes… and angles. But they really need to be done correctly to be safe. If the ramp is too steep, even a power chair may have problems. And if it’s too flat, you can be on it for an unnecessarily long time, which, as my occupational therapist and physical therapist friends will remind me, may be hard on the shoulders of a manual wheelchair user.

While it does not apply directly to a home, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifies that a ramp should be one foot long for every inch of rise.

So, for a sixteen-inch rise from grade to landing, the ramp should be sixteen feet long. This is a great rule of thumb because it will be the most-familiar experience to public settings.

EASE does Incredible Ramps!

Material choice is another consideration

How many ramps made from well-meaning individuals fail because of using wood or other products that cannot handle the elements? Lots! The last thing any of us need in the journey of living a life of full access is to maintain yet one more thing.

There are some ways to construct a ramp out of wood that will last for years, but it typically means using pressure-treated lumber underneath and either marine-grade plywood or some composite material (which can be slippery) on top.

By the time you add everything up for materials, and considering that the labor expense is pretty similar regardless of material choice, it starts becoming a far better value to consider aluminum.

Like the ramp featured at the top of this page, a modular aluminum ramp can handle weather extremes better than any other material. And it hardly needs any maintenance at all. There certainly is no painting, concerns of dry rot, or splinters associated with them.

And, as a huge benefit, the ramp can be moved or resold if it is no longer needed at the current location. Another version of an aluminum ramp is those made for steps.

They are portable in design and can help temporarily or semi-permanently resolve various obstructions to traveling in a wheelchair, scooter, or walker.

And, because they are portable, they can be carried from one location to another, allowing them to serve multiple steps at the same home or in other locations altogether.

Using the same design guidelines as before, the length of the ramp needed is supposed to be as many feet long as you have inches to ramp (eg., 6” rise needs a 6’ ramp).

In only a few cases will you encounter a home that does not have a threshold at its door. Thresholds have historically been used to keep weather and insects from entering the building.

Typically effective in their job, transitions create another barrier for many of our clients, and you can see it most often at the front door that is raised, for example, 1.75” from the approaching sidewalk.

Even little bumps between flooring material in a home can create quite a challenge for our clients. Fortunately, threshold ramps exist in different heights and styles to allow unimpeded access through a doorway.

Threshold Ramp on Steroids!

As seen in the two applications below, gaining access to the front door depends on the specifics of each project. In both cases, the rubber threshold ramp looks a lot like a regular door mat, but it mitigates the difference in height of the door from the walkway leading up to it.

In the second case, the ramp had to be beveled on both sides so it would not become an impediment to anyone going from one side to the other.

One of the companies we use can even provide a custom color finish to enhance your home, should you so desire. Just let us know what you want to complement your home or business and we will see to it that your needs are met!

Aesthetically Pleasing Interior & Exterior Threshhold Ramp in Sun City
Custom Threshold Ramp
Alternative to Roll-In Shower

Finally, in the category of ramps is a product made by one of our ramp manufacturers to make showers accessible. In lieu of costly remodeling for a roll-in shower, this company will take our precise measurements of your shower and build a platform that is level with the curbed entry.

That allows the use of a ramp to get up and onto the shower platform. And, when you’re done, you can remove just the ramp or, if cleaning underneath is needed, the platform, as well.

At HomeBase Solutions, we work with you to find the most appropriate solution to make your home safe and accessible. If your budget is extensive, we can help design an award-winning way to get in and out of your home.

Or, if you are budget-constrained, we will gladly work with you to find a safe and elegant way to get in and out that won’t break the bank. Just give us a call today to set up an appointment to see what solutions are most appropriate for you!