Ramps
For people who become disabled and need a ramp to use in conjunction with their wheel-chair, ensuring that the ramp is safe and built to specifications is of the utmost importance. For people in the market for ramps, they should seek not only companies that sell ramps, but those that can offer advice on how to build and maintain ramps. Most ramp companies have their own in-house ramp-makers who can either design custom ramps or build a predetermined ramp. Regardless of your ramping needs, finding a firm that can build and or install your ramp safely, securely, and to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements is a key necessity when putting in a ramp.Different Types of Ramps
Ramps are used for lots of different purposes. Aiding people in wheel chairs, assisting in the movement of goods, loading disabled people in cars, these are all tasks that involve the usage of ramps. When selecting a ramp manufacturer and installer, knowing how your ramp will be used is of the essence as certain firms will certainly specialize in some ramps an not others. That said, some of the more popular types of ramps include: galvanized ramps, portable ramps, aluminum ramps, boat ramps, threshold ramps, concrete deck ramps, van ramps, pick-up truck ramps, and semi delivery ramps.
Galvanized Ramps
This type of ramp is used in permanent ramp situations and is normally 37 ½ inches wide. It cab be made wider if required, up to 48 inches in an extreme situation. This type of ramp also can come with handrails on both sides if necessary. These handrails can be of a single or double bar nature. This type of ramp also is very compatible with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and has a minimum capacity of 1500 pounds.
Aluminum Ramps
Aluminum Ramps are a nice alternative to the more permanent Galvanized Ramps. Aluminum ramps, in contrast to the Galvanized product line, are portable, easily expandable, and completely interchangeable. They normally come available in 5, 6, and 8 foot sections and are extremely light in weight in comparison to the Galvanized ramp. What also makes this a good ramping option is its ease of use in regards to installation and take down. Because the ramp is portable, it is also easy to store and or moved once it's been taken down.
Threshold Ramps and Ramps for Trucks
Threshold ramps are used in situations where small ramps are necessary for entrance ways or exit ways. They are usually small, permanent or portable depending on location and purpose, and able to hold at least a minimum of 300 pounds. Ramps used for trucks and fans require the ability to hold many pounds before they can be employed. Because van ramps are also mechanical in nature in that they contain moving parts, it is necessary to insure that proper maintenance is performed to ensure the safe transport of the wheelchair on the ramp. Because many ramps hold people, safety cannot be overlooked.