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.
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.
The project's level of quality, as well as its safety quotient, can depend directly on one's adherence to these specifications. They will help make sure the structure is good for all types of chairs as well as feet, canes, crutches and walkers. There is a lot of responsibility laying on the shoulders of one who decides to take on an undertaking of such importance, making sure no one gets injured.
Structures of this type may be built from several different materials. If one intends the construction to remain as a permanent fixture, the most durable material is concrete, and though sturdy, it is also a bit expensive. Anti-slip textures can be added directly to the surface as it is drying.
While steel has great strength, it is not rust and corrosion proof without galvanization and it is easy to slip on without added texture. Aluminum is resistant to weather conditions and is strong, but it is also expensive and requires anti-slip measures. Because it is so lightweight, there is always the risk of bending under the strain of the weight being put on it, so support calculations need to be precise.
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.
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.
The project's level of quality, as well as its safety quotient, can depend directly on one's adherence to these specifications. They will help make sure the structure is good for all types of chairs as well as feet, canes, crutches and walkers. There is a lot of responsibility laying on the shoulders of one who decides to take on an undertaking of such importance, making sure no one gets injured.
Structures of this type may be built from several different materials. If one intends the construction to remain as a permanent fixture, the most durable material is concrete, and though sturdy, it is also a bit expensive. Anti-slip textures can be added directly to the surface as it is drying.
While steel has great strength, it is not rust and corrosion proof without galvanization and it is easy to slip on without added texture. Aluminum is resistant to weather conditions and is strong, but it is also expensive and requires anti-slip measures. Because it is so lightweight, there is always the risk of bending under the strain of the weight being put on it, so support calculations need to be precise.
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.
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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