Handicap Ramps

need how to build a wheelchair ramp for a business. Carolyn

Tim,
I am having an addition constructed to accomodate a child confined to a wheelchair. Included in this addition is an interior ramp. The issue is what to use as a final "floor" covering for the ramp. At the top and bottom of the ramp is tile, but there are concerns that the tile will be too slippery. We also looked into cork, but have been told it wouldn't be durable enough. Any suggestions for a material which would provide the safety we need and the aesthetics we desire? Thank you in advance for your suggestions

David,
Cork will absolutely be durable enough. I would apply satin urethane to it for this purpose. A fantastic surface that is very slip resistant is rubber. You can get attractive rubber tiles at a specialty flooring store or a online suppliers.

We are having to install a ramp,
it has to go up to a 5 foot landing,
How long should it be not to have a steep slope?

I just purchased a new building for my restaurant and need a 38 ft ramp because of the height of current stairs. I would like to only bring it out when needed as that size will take a great deal of current space...any suggestions?
Thanks a ton..

Michele,
I can't solve that one! Hiding a ramp that big is a challenge. How would you ever know in advance when to deploy it????? You must have awesome mystic powers! :->

We had a ramp put in for me as I have a hard time with steps and there were some to get up to my side walk and then also into the house but they made it out of wood so it has been very slippery this winter any time it rained or snowed so I did read about the roofing materials to put on there but have heard there is some kind of paint to put on there also. What is the best recommendations for this as it is quite a long of ramp that I am dealing with. We did purchase some rubber strips from a hardware store but was not sure if they are successful. I know we can not do anything until spring when it warms up and dries out so in the meantime I am basically a prisoner in my own house on days that the weather is bad.
Thanks for any advice
Karen

Karen,
What about rock salt? It will not harm the wood.

Karen,

I am a professional contractor as to your comment about the rock salt. It will help with snow but you will still have wet wood that will; be slipery. When it comes to wood ramps you need to coner the wood with some type of rolled roofing material there are several options, if it is a do it yourself kind of deal I would recomend trying an ice and water shield. Comes in a 50 foot roll and it is pretty easy to work with. The backing has a sticky feel and is covered by a peel away plastic and it can be cut with a utlity knife. I forget the exact but it is aroud 3 feet wide. It also has a granular surface, which is slip resistant when wet.

Michele,

Check into E-Z access ramps. They go together with minimal tools and a typical ramp the size you need 38 ft. can be assembled in about an hour. Storage is also minimal.

We are having to install a ramp,
it has to go up to a 5 foot height,
with 3 U-shaped turnings,should i consider the same specifications as in straight ramp or, do you have any suggestions ...thanks a lot..

I am helping a restaurant owner become comliant with an ADA approved ramp. The problenm is he wants a potable small electric ramp that can deploy upon demand so as not to infringe on the public side walk. Can you please help me with a website. The ones I have resarched are either too much lift or they do not raise and deploy on command. Basically what I need is a lift like a vehicle lift that swings to the side and deplys for the wheelchair bound customer. Help!!!

We used roofing materials to give the ramp a non skid surface.

The roll roofing material works great,
BUT... You will have little pieces of the granular material all over in your house until it wears down, especially when it's hot and sunny.

Any recommendations on a better material?