How should you Decide on Ramps for Home Use?

Summary

If you want to buy the right ramp for your home, you need to consider a few vital things. This article will help you learn these things.

Ramps may come in various widths, heights, materials, and styles to meet individual requirements. There are various types of ramps, such as portable, modular semi-permanent models, permanent models, etc. In the midst of so many options, you may get confused while deciding on the type of ramps for home use. However, this decision will depend on a number of facts, such as the height of your threshold, the number of steps you are trying to overcome, the type of mobility you are looking for, the weight you need the ramp to bear, budget, etc.

Anything with a slope over the 1:20 is considered as a ramp. Now, you may look for such a slope having additional features. In this article, we will help you reflect on a few facts that will lead you to the right decision.

Users

For whom you are going to install ramps? Normally, an individual can use anything with wheels including strollers, grocery carts, rollators, etc. If you need ramps for differently able or aged persons, you need to consider specially devised wheelchair ramps for homes.

Ramp Types

First, let’s have a glimpse of the different types of residential ramps:

• Threshold

These ramps make the doors passable for the users with a walker, wheelchair, or scooter. Some of the threshold ramps are designed to rest on the ground in front of the threshold or steps. However, some tools are manufactured to be screwed safely.

• Single or Multi-Folded

Single or multi-folded ramps are also known as briefcase or suitcase ramps. These tools can be folded easily to transport from one place to another. Even you can move them aside when not in use. You can use these ramps to overcome tall thresholds, curbs, and one or two-step heights. They can be availed in lengths up to 12 feet.

• Solid Surface

These products don’t have many joints and moveable parts. That’s why they are stronger and comparatively more durable than the foldable ones. This type is ideal for you when you are sure that the product will be needed for a particular place all the time. You can find this type of product up to 10 feet long and they can be used to overcome tall thresholds or a smaller height step.

• Gateway

This is a straight ramp with handrails. Handrails are used to make the ramp safer for the user. The rails ensure the safety of the wheelchair or similar kinds of devices.

• Telescoping

This type enables the ramp to be adjusted with the height of the threshold, curb, or steps you need to overcome. This type is versatile than the hinged or non-folding track ramps.

Required Length and Width of the Ramp

Usually, for every inch of height, a foot of ramp should be at least of 1:12 length. Usually, a ramp should have a minimum width of 36”.

Ramp Location

It is really important to choose the ramp location before purchasing the ramps for home use. Reflecting on the factors mentioned below will help you find out the best location for ramp installation:

• Your purposes behind using the ramps
• Exterior features of the homes
• Interior features of the home
• Safety

By considering these facts, you will be able to make the right decision about the ramp type.