Home Uncategorized Steps to Determining the Right Mobility Ramp for Your Steps

Steps to Determining the Right Mobility Ramp for Your Steps

    It is probably safe to say that most homeowners will need to consider getting a ramp at a certain point.
    The reasons for this are various including a visiting friend that won’t be able to get in and out the house with ease without one, or a family member will need one temporarily or permanently after a surgery and many other scenarios. Mobility ramps are not only beneficial for the users of wheelchairs and mobility scooters, but also for the caregivers themselves.

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    These ramps can also come in very handy when transporting equipment, furnishings, groceries and other items. In addition, installing a high-quality mobility ramp can render your home more valuable in the eyes of prospective buyers if you ever need to resell it. This way, your home will attract buyers who may have a family member that uses wheelchair, cane, crutches, walker or scooter.

    One very important aspect to consider when choosing a mobility ramp is the length. The length required depends on the rise measurement (which means measuring from the top step or landing to the ground).
    Manufacturers advise following these guidelines: 1:12 ratio which means that for every inch of rise, there should be 12 inches of ramp extension in length. In the light of that, if for example, a home has three steps the total rise measurement of which is 21 inches, the homeowner will need to install a ramp that is 21 feet long. Width wise, according to the guidelines, the minimum width that ramps ought to have is 36” along with a level platform both at the top and the bottom.

    As mentioned before, one very common reason for installing a ramp is if you have a relative or a friend that requires one to enter your home. However, if that’s the only reason, there is a more convenient option – a portable, lightweight ramp. These ramps are the perfect solution for those of you who require such ramp only once in a few months as it can be laid down for the purpose of providing temporary access and then as they are made of lightweight aluminium, you can easily put it aside.

    Finally, material wise, they are two main options – wood and aluminium. Wooden ramps are more expensive unless you have the time and skills required to build one on your own. Aluminium ones, on the other hand, are easy to maintain, sturdy and not as expensive as wooden ones.