We take phone calls everyday from people who have questions about wheelchair ramps. Over the years, we’ve noticed that there are a few questions we hear over and over. We’ve answered many of those questions in this article.
How much do ramps cost?
The simple answer is the cost of a ramp is usually determined by the length of the ramp.
The longer the ramp, the higher the price.
Material also affects price. Ramps can be built from wood, metal (aluminum or steel), concrete, and even rubber.
Material cost from most to least expensive:
- Concrete
- Rubber
- Metal
- Wood
How Long Should My Wheelchair Ramp Be?
Another version of this question is “Why do I need such a long ramp?”
Ramp companies will almost always install ramps that meet ADA guidelines, specifically the 1:12 ratio.
The 1:12 ratio means that for every inch of rise you have, you need at least 12 inches (one foot) of ramp. For example, if the distance from the ground to your door threshold is 24 inches, then you would need 24 feet of ramp, following the 1:12 guideline.
The purpose of this guideline is to keep the ramp slope safe for both the user and any caregivers that aid the user on the ramp. Check out this video showing why ramp slope is very important.
Can I Put a Ramp in My Garage?
Ramps in garages can be challenging for a few reasons, but they aren’t impossible.
There are a couple questions you need to ask yourself before you dive into putting a ramp in your garage.
- Is my garage big enough for a ramp?
- Do I care if I can no longer park a car in my garage?
The biggest challenge is often space. Let’s say you have 3 steps into your home from your garage floor. You probably have approximately 22-23 inches of rise from your floor to your door threshold. In this case, you’d need 22-23 feet of ramp to accommodate the ADA 1:12 guideline.
Remember, the 22-23 feet doesn’t need to be in a straight line. Using platforms, it’s possible to zig zag or turn a ramp in order to fit it into a space. So, if your garage has enough square footage, you might be able to make it work.
One other consideration is whether or not you can fit both a ramp and a car inside your garage at the same time. Some people are willing to sacrifice an inside parking space in order to keep their ramp inside.
Are Metal Ramps Slippery in the Winter
Metal ramps are no more slippery than wood. In fact, they are sometimes more slip resistant than wood, due to the fact that most have metal ribbing built into the surface.
That said, any surface can be slippery when ice and snow are involved, so you’ll want to make sure you keep your ramp as clean and clear as possible during the winter months.
How do I Keep Snow and Ice Off a Metal Ramp?
Winter has a way of making things treacherous, especially for those with mobility concerns. It’s crucial to keep your ramp clear of snow and ice. But what’s the best way to do that without damaging the ramp?
- Make sure you never use a metal shovel on your ramp. Metal shovels can damage the ramp surface. Instead, opt for a plastic one.
- Never use rock salt on your ramp. Salt is corrosive and can do some damage. If you need to melt ice, use an ice melter that is labeled “pet safe” or “pet friendly.” You can buy it at pet stores and even most grocery stores.
Some people have also used leaf blowers to blow the snow off, if the snow isn’t too heavy and wet
How Fast Can I Get a Ramp Installed?
The time to install varies based on whether it is a rental or a purchase.
Rentals
- Only available for metal ramps
- Can be installed in as little as 24 hours, but the average time from payment to installation is about three days.
Purchases
- Aluminum – usually takes 2 to 3 weeks from payment to installation. The reason is because the material has to be ordered from the manufacturer and takes about two weeks to be delivered to the dealer. Then, it’s usually a week or less before it’s installed.
- Wood – usually takes 3 to 4 weeks depending on ramp size.
- Concrete – 6 to 8 weeks
How are Metal Ramps Attached to the Ground?
In most cases, all you need is gravity to keep your ramp on the ground. Aluminum ramps have legs that are attached to wide feet that allow them to sit firmly on the ground. The weight of the ramp material ensures it doesn’t blow away in the wind.
Can I put a Wheelchair Ramp on My Mobile Home?
As long as ADA guidelines can be met, most ramp companies install ramps on mobile homes. However, there are a few factors you need to consider.
Height of your doors
Most mobile homes have doors that are several feet off the ground. If that’s the case, the ramp can end up being fairly long.
Space on your lot
If you need a long ramp because you have a high door, you’ll need to consider how you’ll fit the ramp on your lot. In many cases, the ramp needs to run the length of the home, turn 180 degrees and then back to a driveway or sidewalk.
Often, ramps on mobile homes tend to be longer and more expensive than ramps on stick-built homes.
Have more questions? Give us a all at 810-213-6377!
