Selecting the best ADA ramp for your building is a crucial factor to consider to make your building accessible and, more so, legal compliant. There are different kinds of ramps in terms of slope, the material used in installation, and where they are installed, and therefore, there is a need to find a ramp that meets all the requirements.
The right ramp does more than making your building ADA compliant; it also makes it more accessible and usable for everyone. In the following guide, we discuss how to choose the right ada ramps for your building.
Assessing the Building’s Needs
The first thing to do when selecting a good ADA ramp is to consider its requirements; plan the location of the ramp along the exterior dimensions of the building and the height of the entryway. The slope ratio is important; the ADA puts forward the standard that for ramps, the ratio should be no more than 1:12. This, of course, may extend the length of the ramp for taller entryways if it has to meet this requirement.
Thirdly, it’s necessary to define how frequently the ramp will be used and who will use it the most. It is necessary to comprehend how much traffic specific parts of the public building would receive and select more ruthless materials, if needed.
Understanding ADA Guidelines
It is important to be conversant with the ADA signage and standards while choosing an ADA ramp; these regulations are added not only the slope of the ramp but also the minimum width of the ramp, which must be 36 inches. The dimensions at the beginning and at the end of the ramp must be more than or equal to 60 inches so that individuals can move around quickly.
Handrails are required for ramps that have a vertical rise of more than six inches and should be provided in the range of thirty-four to thirty-eight inches. Further, the ramp design should also have a surface that is slip-resistant to avoid accidents during bad weather.
Choosing the Proper Kind of Ramp
There are different types of ADA ramps, and the type chosen should depend on the building and the use of the ramp. These are fixed ramps, which may be of concrete, wood, or metal and are most suitable for permanent installations and can be designed to be sympathetic to the architecture of the building.
Modular ramps are very flexible as far as the ramps can be modified and rearranged depending on the places where they are put in particular. Mobile ramps are convenient and can be used at locations that have minimal use.
Consider Aesthetics and Durability
Utility and compliance are the primary concerns when selecting an ADA ramp, but design and longevity cannot be ignored.
Possible options for the roof design include aluminum, concrete, or treated wood because it is strong, durable, and can be easily painted.
Conclusion
Choosing a suitable ADA ramp is a complicated process that includes analyzing the needs of the building, comprehension of ADA rules, and the definition of the type of ramp. The above article has discussed how to choose the best ramp, and you can reach out for more details.
