Permanent Access Ramps

Amongst all access ramp types, permanent access ramps are the most durable access ramps available and as its name suggests, also the most solid one.  Permanent access ramps are typically installed in and around buildings or a permanent structure, such as a flight of stairs or steps in public areas.  Permanent access ramps enable quick and easy access for wheelchair, powerchair or mobility scooter users in and out of their homes or buildings in general. 

Permanent access ramps may be designed prior to construction when building plans are still being drawn up or they can be a relatively new addition to an already existing structure.  For public areas, permanent access ramp designs need to comply and adhere to the US ADA or Americans Living with Disabilities Act safety standards.  This not only ensures that wheelchair users can conveniently gain access to areas that may be difficult for them to do so in the first place but also for them to do so with peace of mind as they will be sure that these permanent access ramps are safe and secure.

Permanent access ramps are most assuredly the most expensive access ramp available but they are also the most durable.  The construction of a permanent access ramp will more often than not involve the services of a professional contractor preferably specializing and experienced in the design and construction of access ramps.  Unlike modular access ramps that can be individually assembled and configured, permanent access ramp construction will need an expert’s know-how especially since there can be no margin for error as even the slightest mistake will result in a serious deviation from ADA standards at the cost the wheelchair user’s safety.

There are certain factors that need to be considered when attempting to build or construct permanent access ramps.  There must be an ample amount of space for the placement of the access ramp.  As obstacles usually involve height i.e. like steps or curbs, the height of the obstacle should be taken into consideration as there are specific ADA regulations regarding the gradient of the ramp which is dependent on the length. 

Besides the ramp itself, allowance for landing space should also be given consideration.  Once all the appropriate calculations and allowances have been done, one can then plan one’s budget for the construction of the permanent access ramp.  Being permanent structures, the permanent access ramp does not come with a cheap price tag.  Depending on the size, width as well as the materials used, costs to construct a permanent access ramp can run into thousands of dollars. 

Before committing to the actual construction, one should always check on the physical requirements of the permanent access ramp’s actual users such as their weight for example or the type of wheelchair that they are using.  The requirements for a manual wheelchair would greatly differ from the requirements for a three-wheeled bariatric mobility scooter for example.  It would be wise to take all these factors into consideration as well as consulting with an expert before committing to such an endeavor as even the slightest mistake could prove to be costly.