Important Information to Consider When Buying a Wheelchair Ramp
Determining the type of wheelchair ramp, and measuring for that ramp can be a difficult process. It is important to understand the key to measuring for a wheelchair ramp in order to obtain the proper ramp length. If you purchase a ramp that is too short, it will be difficult and very dangerous to use; getting a ramp which is too long is just throwing money out the window. This is why RIGHT NOW Mobility sends a trained Ramp Specialist to your home to go over all of your options in order to provide the best solution for your wheelchair ramp needs and budget.
A site visit from Right Now Mobility is the best way to obtain an accurate quote.
We'll get answers to the questions above, be able to see the terrain and measure to see what size ramp will fit in the yard.
How to Estimate the Length of a Ramp
First step is to assess the yard to determine the best location for landing the wheelchair ramp. A straight ramp is the lowest cost option, whereas a ramp with turns requires level platforms, more materials and more labor during installation.
Second step is to measure the height difference between the porch or exit door to the place identified where the ramp will land. We need the straight line distance between the two spots and the height difference for the rise. Getting the safest and most accurate height difference measurement can be difficult without an expensive transit level. Our Ramp Specialists utilize these in every FREE estimate.
Rise, Run, and Slope
ADA guidelines recommend for every 1" of height (rise), the ramp be 12" long. This is called a 1:12 slope. You take the height difference between the porch and your landing spot and that is how much ramp you will need. If there is 26" of rise, you need to ensure you have measured at least 26 feet from the porch. If the ground is sloped, additional ramp length may be needed to meet the proper slope.
How Steep of a Ramp Can I Have?
While the ADA guideline is a 1:12 slope (mandatory for commercial installations), Ohio code allows for installation of a ramp up to 1:8 slope. This means for every 1" of rise the ramp is 8" long, which can lead to cost savings in residential installations in certain situations. If the person using the ramp is utilizing a walker, cane, power chair or motorized scooter, this slope is often sufficient for their needs. If the person is wheeling themselves up the ramp, the 1:8 slope will be too steep to safely maneuver the ramp. Our Ramp Specialists can discuss these options with you, and make the best recommendation for a specific residential installation that meets all business codes without compromising safety.
Can I Just Measure the Porch to Get the Proper Rise?
If the ground is completely flat, yes, however if there is even a slight grade to the yard, it could make a big difference at the end of the ramp and compromise safety. Having one of our Ramp Specialists provide a FREE estimate is the best way to obtain accurate measurements and cost.
How Do I Get a Quote?
If you have your measurements based on the ADA recommendations above for all of the locations, give us a call and one of our Ramp Specialists can assist with a range estimate for how much ramp will be needed. For the most accurate (and budget friendly!) estimate, one of our Ramp Specialists can come to your property to assess, measure, and provide a definitive price while onsite. Our goal is to deliver the safest, most cost-effective mobility solution for your wheelchair ramp needs.