A ramp is a sloping surface that’s easy to set up between lower and higher levels. It provides a convenient access solution to those who have mobility restrictions. Using a ramp, mobility scooter users and wheelchair-bound can easily skip steps or inclines to enter or exit a commercial or residential building. Besides, it offers the convenience of getting in and out of cars.
Who can benefit from a ramp?
Both portable and permanent ramps are useful for individuals using any wheel, including wheelchairs, strollers, grocery carts, power chairs, walkers, and scooters.
Portable ramps offer user-friendliness to those using pushcarts, strollers, or other wheeled objects. The best thing about EZ Access ramps for homes is that they are available in multiple sizes and folded for more comfortable transportation.
How to choose the right ramp?
If you want to buy a ramp for stairs or an elevated door in your home, you need to consider the following things before making the final decision.
Size of the ramp
Firstly, it is essential to take proper stairs to understand how long a ramp needs to be. Also, ensure that the ramp is wide enough to accommodate wheelchair and mobility scooter. And, the ramp must have a level platform at both ends – the top and the bottom.
Type of ramp layout
Following are different types of ramp layouts that you can consider as per your requirement:
Switchback ramps
These ramps offer one or more 180-degree turns. These are flexible to adjust as per the walkway or stair design.
Left or right turn ramps
These come with one 90-degree turn. They are great for homes with landing areas on a different side than the walkway.
Straight ramps
These are great for the entire length of a ramp. These are best if you don’t have enough space.
The material of the ramp
Ramps are available in the following types of materials:
Wood ramps
These are beautiful to look at but require regular maintenance.
Aluminum ramps
These are very affordable, easy to install, and durable.
Concrete ramps
These are durable but expensive as it’s difficult to install and require a special permit that may take time.
Steel ramps
Steel ramps have a higher weight threshold compared to aluminum. But, they are vulnerable to rust and difficult to install due to their heavyweight.
After considering the pros and cons of different materials, you can choose the right ramp that’s suitable for your home.
Budget
Cost matters a lot when buying and installing a ramp in your house. The type of material you pick and the ramp’s length significantly impact the total installation cost.
For instance, steel and concrete ramps are quite expensive than wooden and aluminum ramps. On the contrary, portable ramps are easy to remove and also don’t require any permits. Hence, they are relatively cost-effective.
Weather conditions
When choosing a ramp for your house, your region’s weather condition is another essential factor you need to consider. For instance, if you live in a place where it snows or rains a lot, you certainly need to avoid a wooden ramp – as it gets slippery in rain/snow. But if you live in a region where the weather is often dry, installing a wooden ramp makes sense.
Of course, concrete, aluminum, and steel ramps may also get slippery when it snows. But they won’t slip in the rain, so they are comparatively safer than wooden ramps.
Maintenance cost
Another essential aspect that you should consider while buying a ramp is the maintenance cost. Wooden ramps need high maintenance, so they require regular cleaning and protection against conditions. Otherwise, they can quickly decay over time.
Even steel ramps need maintenance to keep the rust away. Relatively, aluminum and concrete ramps are quite low maintenance than wood and steel. Aluminum ramps need tightening of screws and bolts after a few months. Concrete ramps are virtually zero maintenance.
Conclusion
Now that you know important factors to consider while buying the right ramp for your home, you can easily make an informed decision. If you’re still on the fence, taking professional help is your best bet.
