A wheelchair ramp is an essential part of any home or business in which anyone with mobility issues is planning on entering. That said, unless you have installed a wheelchair ramp before, it can be hard to do it right. Here are some tips for proper wheelchair ramp installation to help make it a cinch.
How To Choose a Wheelchair Ramp
The first thing you want to consider is proper ramp placement. Not all ramps will fit all spaces, and not all spaces will be ideal for the installation of a ramp. Consider where you plan to install the ramp, as this will help you find the right ramp for your needs and the space you have. Next, you need to consider ramp size. You want to ensure the ramp is the right width, length and height to ensure that you or anyone else in a wheelchair can make it up.
You also need to consider the material that the ramp is going to be made of. Wood, aluminum, steel and more are all materials you can use to make your ramp. Wood is more permanent, aluminum can be easily moved, portable ramps are a great option if you are only temporarily using a wheelchair, and so on. You need to consider the overall maintenance of the ramp as well.
How To Install a Wheelchair Ramp
The first step to installation is to check your surroundings. Remove any obstructions that might make it hard to get to the ramp or install it. Also, make sure you are removing anything that might affect the wheelchair and their access to the ramp. You then want to ensure that you use any safety features included with the ramp. If anchors or other safety features help secure the ramp, they are always necessary.
When placing your ramp, ensure it is firmly and squarely placed. Ensure that it is supported by the supports that come with the ramp. Your ramp needs to be anchored so that it does not move as well. The lip of your ramp should be flush against the surface of the porch or other point of access that it is being used to reach as well to prevent issues with the chair.
When using the ramp, you want to place your wheelchair in the center of the ramp. Make sure you use any safety features like non-slip wheels if your chair comes with them, and take your time to make it up the ramp. Do not rush. Installing a ramp does not have to be difficult, and it does not have to be scary.