How To Design Disabled Ramps Properly

By Rosella Campbell


A contractor's responsibility does not only involve installing an incline. Since they are dealing with essentials for a person with disability, then you should make sure that your chosen contractor knows how to design disabled ramps too. This is to ensure that they are making one that is really meant for the person with disability.

Even though the contractor is the one who is mainly responsible with both the designing and installation, you got to make sure that you understand what designing entails. If you do, then you will find it easier to understand why the installation costs you much. Here are those designing details you have to pay close attention to.

First, you have to think about the length. This is the design issue that will differ depending on where the said ramp is to be installed. If it is a place of public accommodation, then it has to be one foot long for every inch high. There are other codes that must be followed, depending on the area the ramp is to be installed.

The location is the next thing to consider. This usually involves having to decide which external door you will have to use for the said ramp. While it is logical to make use of the front door, everyone will agree that this is so not aesthetically pleasing. It is also more tedious to go ahead with using this on the front door.

Material. It is definitely natural for you to find a material that you can use for the making of this structure. You have the option of using wood or metal. Both are good ideas but it is highly recommended to use the wooden one. After all, the wood is a proven option to be more durable as well as cost-effective.

There is the landings too. It is only natural to consider the incline to be climbing up. However, that should not be all to the said installation. It is better for you to make sure that there is a flat somewhere along its length. This flat area is considered to be the landing or resting place for the person with disability.

The railings is the next in the line of details you got to think of. It is really of great help to the person with disability to have the railings, especially when his or her wheelchair is not a power wheelchair. If their wheelchair is the manual type, they will have to use their own strength to pull themselves up the incline. The railing helps with this.

There is the door entry next. It is important for you to have a small incline to the door. This is so that the person with disability will find it easier to enter the establishment. Just make sure that this incline is a gentle slope. Install handrails there too to avoid having the person roll off the platform.

Get a permit. This is actually the first concern you have to address when you are installing the ramp for the house. Any contractor will have to take responsibility for the securing of the permit. Do not allow a ramp to be build without a permit. Avoid contractors who say that it is okay to build a ramp without one.




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