A modular wheelchair ramp can usually be installed quickly and without major construction, but a safe result depends on getting a few details right before installation day. Here is what to know before a ramp goes in at your Lexington home or business.
1. Measure the rise
The rise is the vertical height from the ground to the threshold of the door or the top of the porch. It is the single most important measurement, because it determines how long the ramp needs to be.
2. Understand slope
ADA guidelines call for a 1:12 slope, meaning 12 inches of ramp for every inch of rise. A 24-inch rise therefore needs about 24 feet of ramp. The ADA standard applies to public and commercial buildings, but it is also the guideline most often used for homes, because a gentler slope is easier for manual wheelchair users and safer for caregivers.
3. Plan for landings
Landings are flat platforms that make a ramp usable, and they matter as much as the ramp sections themselves:
- Top landing: A level area at the door so the user can stop, open the door, and enter without rolling backward.
- Turn platforms: Needed wherever the ramp changes direction. A platform of about 5 feet by 5 feet gives a wheelchair room to turn.
- Resting platforms: Long ramps are broken into runs so users can rest. ADA guidelines limit a single run to 30 inches of rise.
4. Check door clearance
Note which way the door swings. A door that opens outward needs a larger top landing so the user can move out of its path. Also check the threshold height, since even a small lip at the door can stop a wheelchair or scooter.
5. Width and handrails
ADA guidelines call for at least 36 inches of clear width between handrails. Handrails on both sides add stability for people who walk with a cane or walker as well as for wheelchair users. Our modular aluminum ramps include handrails and a slip-resistant surface.
6. Choose a layout that fits the property
Not every entrance has room for a long straight ramp. Modular sections can be arranged as a straight run, an L-shape with a 90-degree turn, or a switchback with a 180-degree turn. Adjustable support legs let the ramp sit level on uneven ground, and the ramp can be routed around landscaping, driveways, and walkways.
7. Ask about permits and HOA rules
Requirements vary by location and by whether the ramp is temporary or permanent, residential or commercial. Before installation, it is worth checking with your local building office and, if you have one, your homeowners association.
What to expect from professional installation
- Measurement: We measure the rise, the entrance, and the available space.
- Layout planning: We design a layout with the right slope, landings, and turns for your property.
- Delivery and setup: We install the system and make sure it is stable and safe to use. Installation is typically available within 24 to 48 hours.
- Removal: For rentals, we remove the ramp when it is no longer needed.
Get a free ramp quote in Lexington, KY
Mobility Equipment of Lexington rents, sells, and installs modular wheelchair ramps for homes and businesses. If you are still deciding between the two, see our guide to renting vs. buying a wheelchair ramp. Learn more about our wheelchair ramps in Lexington, KY, call (859) 523-0993, or request a free quote.