Things You Should Know About Handicap Access Ramps
It's a fact of life that many elderly and disabled people face the growing need for access to handicap ramps. If they cannot have access ramps, then they'll be marooned in their homes. Owners of newer-built homes are making sure that handicapped ramps are a part of their planned home space. There are things you should know about choosing and building a proper access ramp.
Flooring
Your choice of flooring is important. Never install carpeting on the flooring of your access ramp. Hardwood should be the choice of flooring. This flooring will never buckle or wrinkle. Carpeting wrinkles and is dangerous to someone maneuvering across it in a wheelchair. You also have the choice of using laminated wood or linoleum for flooring, which are quite safe.
Proper Lighting
If your parents or other relatives are now expected to live with you, you have to consider the important aspect of lighting placement. The traditional light switches in your home may be too high for wheelchair users to reach. Plug outlets historically are placed quite low. Have measurements handy so that you can give an electrician valuable information about placing outlets at wheelchair levels. You, of course, have the choice of using smart technology to change the position of plug sockets.
Getting Around With Ease
If your parents have limited mobility, you have to consider very carefully how to ensure that access ramp accessibility needs are met. That helps you to have a proper wheelchair ramp installed. Your mobility-challenged family member will then be able to get around with the most maximum maneuverability inside and outside of your home.
Determining The Right Ramp Measurement
If you hire someone to build the ramp, then proper measurements will be taken. You should first choose the right length wheelchair ramp for your application when you decide to build the ramp yourself. Longer ramps decrease a ramp's slope and make it safer than shorter ramps. A short ramp will increase the ramp's slope, and this can be dangerous. Remember to concentrate on what's safer for your wheelchair-bound relative.
Entrance Door Ramp
It might be easier to install a ramp at your home's entrance door area. For this, you'll probably need to purchase highly durable wheelchair ramps that can be installed with your specifications. You can obtain U-shaped and L-shaped ramps made with all-weather and anti-slip surfaces. You can choose to use these semi-permanent ramps all year round, and they can be easily dismantled if you want to do so. You certainly don't have to comply with building regulations with this choice, and they are safe products.
To learn more about handicap access ramps, consult a resource in your area.
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