Different Types of Ramps
Ramps allow wheelchairs, strollers, carts, and other wheeled objects to easily access steps, vehicles and other raised landings. A ramp is an inclined plane that is carefully designed so as to help wheelchair and scooter users to move around and enter a building or vehicle with ease. Typically, ramps are needed in areas such as steps from your garage into your home, doors with raised thresholds, vehicle thresholds such as for vans and SUVs, steps leading to front or back entry doors and threshold between the floor and shower in your bathroom.
Ramps can be broadly classified into portable ramps, semi-permanent ramps and permanent ramps.
# Portable Ramps — They are lightweight and can be easily moved from one place to another. This durable ramp is a safe and strong product for wheelchairs and scooters to easily access steps, vehicles and other low to moderate raises. Among these ramps, the most popular type is the folding suitcase ramp that can be folded as well as separated into two lightweight sections each with their own carrying handle, making it easier to carry, use and store them. These easy-to-install ramps are available in both aluminum and rubber material. They are mainly installed in buildings and vehicles such as vans, trucks and SUVs. There are threshold ramps which allow wheelchairs and scooters to conveniently navigate through doorways, sliding glass doors, curbs, showers and raised landings.
# Semi-permanent Ramps –These ramps are durable enough to last for a long time, and can be moved from one place to another if you want. You can use these ramps both indoors and outdoors. Examples include shower ramps that facilitate access to walk-in showers and threshold ramps that enable you to navigate small obstacles, typically less than 3 inches.
>>Permanent ramps — These are ramps that cannot be easily moved from their position, and are usually used to access the front and back doors of a building.
>> Aluminum modular ramps: These can be ordered in sections and joined together to meet your height and length requirements. The advantage is that modules can be bought in a range of styles in keeping with your needs. Aluminum ramps are very strong and durable and have excellent safety features. Their multi-welded fabrication process ensures less deflection of the ramp surface. These ramps have a code-compliant mesh design which allows the rain water and melting snow to pass right through, thus preventing the formation of puddles. Their slip resistant, high traction aluminum tread surface keeps your wheels from slipping even when the ramp is wet. They are 100% maintenance-free and recyclable. Furthermore they are free from rusting, rotting and splinters.
>> Steel ramps: These are cost-effective and robust ramps with all its components coated with a durable powder-coated finish, which makes them more durable. Attributes include textured finish for slip resistance, natural drainage of rain water, easy installation, non-formation of puddles, no high-maintenance issues and modular design to allow virtually any configuration. Galvanized steel ramps last for many years and are relatively easy to maintain. They do not rust if exposed to snow or rain. You can easily walk on them without slipping.
>> Wooden ramps — They enhance your outdoor decks and patios. They are pressure treated to resist insects, mold and rot and to withstand various climatic conditions. As there is adequate gap between the wood decking, natural drainage as well as natural expansion and contraction are viable.
Find a Reliable Dealer
If you are planning to purchase a ramp for your commercial or residential purpose, then you can approach a leading accessibility equipment supplier in New Jersey who makes available a wide variety of quality ramps that enhance accessibility. They provide custom ramps according to your requirements, and also provide a fully accessorized modular ramp kit with its installation guide to build and install a ramp of your own. In addition, they also provide rental ramps to meet all your temporary requirements.
