A house turns into a home with a unique bond among its residents. Similar to the bond, the needs of all its inhabitants are unique. A house should be accessible to everyone who calls it a home. For individuals who require an accessible pathway where there is no stopping them from moving ahead, wheel chair ramps for home are a good solution.
The installation process involves the strategies for wheel chair ramp design. It also includes the wheel chair ramp specs. The two prominent design strategies are:
- Structural approach
- Landscape approach
Consider these elements for a wheel chair ramp design:
- Slope.
- Length.
- Width.
- Location.
- Handrails.
- Level landings.
- Weather effects.
Types of Wheelchair Ramps Which One Fits Your Needs?
There are different kinds that suit various needs. Some of them are:
- Threshold ramps.
- Modular ramps.
- Wooden ramps.
- Permanent ramps.
- Track ramps.
All these wheel chair ramp for home Dubai have different advantages. Some of them are permanent while some of these are temporary. It depends on what the user needs.
Permanent Concrete
True to its name, it is a permanent option when it comes to wheel chair ramps for home. Permanent concrete ones are durable and need minimal maintenance. This option is expensive though and you need to have it professionally installed.
Modular Aluminum
This is another kind. It offers a solution that is both customizable and semi-permanent. Modular ramps usually are made of adjustable components. They are durable. They can withstand the toughest of weather conditions. This type requires low maintenance. You can install it both ways: with handrails or without the handrails.
They use structural approach for wheel chair ramp design and as such have a variety in their configuration:
- Switchback.
- L-shaped.
- Straight.
These are perfect as a long term solution. Unlike the usual ones that call for a permanent installation, modular aluminum is lightweight so it can be conveniently moved when people relocate. This type has many advantages. It is easy to customize. It can be adjusted. Modular Aluminum is resistant to the whims of weather. The list goes on.
It does however has its downsides too. For example, it might be more expensive than others. You will be having it professionally installed for a safe and proper fit.
These are some wheel chair ramp specs that have to be considered:
- First is the weight capacity. It needs to be sufficient to support the user and the wheelchair’s weight.
- Second on the list will be the length and width. Third factor to consider is the slope and rise.
Threshold Ramps
This is for individuals who require moving over small obstacles including thresholds and doorways.
Threshold wheelchair ramps are often made of lightweight materials. For example:
- Aluminum.
- Plastic.
- Rubber.
They are easy to install and remove. They are easily portable, affordable and inexpensive. They come in different sizes and various styles for varying mobility requirements. They are customizable too.
They do have their disadvantages as they are not as durable as the permanently installed ones. There are limitations to size and weight. They have a higher risk of slip or slide when it is not secured properly.
When opting for installing a threshold ramp, remember these points as part of wheel chair ramp specs:
- Measure height of the threshold.
- Measure width of threshold.
- Consider the weight capacity.
- Note the materials used.
- Check if its portable.
- See if it is easy to use.
- Consider the surface type where the ramp will be placed.
- Check for any potential hazards in the form of slippery or uneven surfaces.
Portable Folding Ramps
This type gives the wheelchair users access over many obstacles including:
- Curbs
- Stairs
- Threshold
Portable folding wheelchair ramps are made of lightweight materials. This makes them easy to transport and set up. They are especially helpful for wheelchair users who require temporary access. For example, when people are recovering from surgeries or when they are traveling to different locations or visiting other people.
They are practical and cost-effective. They are easy to install and you do not need professionals to set them up.
The downsides to it are:
- It might not be very secure. It means they have a higher potential of slipping or sliding risk when not secured properly.
- They might pose difficulty for people with limited mobility or upper body strength.
Benefits of Wheelchair Ramps for Residential Properties
Everything has its upsides. With a wheel chair ramp for home Dubai, a residential property witnesses some benefits too. But the one leading benefit above all is that the home becomes accessible and helps out individuals with mobility issues.
Increased Property Value
The value of property increases. When the house is accessible, there is a significant increase in the property value of the residence. With ramps, rails, and accessibility features installed in a house, it is no wonder that the value goes up. It might benefit the inhabitants of a house later on in the future.
Independence and Freedom of Movement
One of the biggest challenges is freedom of movement. Installation of ramps let the wheelchair users get to move freely. Their autonomy is respected and they engage in their tasks independently. It becomes easier to avoid running into obstacles and find practical solutions suited for mobility issues.
Safety and Risk Reduction
Installing a wheel chair ramp for home Dubai introduces safety into the space. The wheelchair user will have a safe time navigating around the house. They are able to move one place to another with an air of ease.
It reduces the amount of risk that an inaccessible house poses to those using wheelchairs. Potential risk of injuries and running into small or big obstacles is also avoided.
DIY Wheelchair Ramp Construction Pros, Cons, and Safety Considerations
Sometimes you need to take matters into your own hands. Sometimes this means doing it yourself. But its not as simple as just that. Its pros and cons have to be weighed against each other.
The pros are:
- It is cost-effective
- Some of the types are easier to install
The cons to DIY construction encompass:
- Most of the wheel chair ramp types can only be installed professionally.
- There are a lot of safety measures to keep in mind.
- The tiniest amount of negligence can result in accidents or safety hazards.
Then there are safety considerations to remember too.
It depends on the type first. Which one of them are you going for? If it is a modular wheelchair one, then it will not be installed without professional help. Portable and threshold ramps by contrast are far more user friendly and people can install them using their DIY skills.
Portable ones are lightweight making them easily movable and easier to set up as required. Threshold ramps are smaller. They are simple and can be installed without professional involvement.
These are some major considerations when you go full DIY:
- Are you constructing it for temporary or permanent use?
- How long do you need it to be?
- What is the angle of the rise?
- How much weight capacity should it have? The choice should exceed the combined weight of the wheelchair and its user.
Always prioritize safety. Make sure that there are handrails or guardrails. They offer additional support. Add secure handrails on both sides. Select a surface with a non-slip surface. A perforated or textured surface is a good example of this. They prevent any accidental slips and provide traction.
Go for edge protection in the form of raised edges or curbs. These stop any incidents involving accidentally rolling off the side of the ramp. Contact us for a professional installation of wheel chair ramps in your home in Dubai.
