Building A Ramp For Your Home
Building A Ramp For Your Home
Constructing a Ramp
Ramps can be either prefabricated or site-constructed in various configurations and out of various materials.
Do I need a building permit before starting the construction?
Before commencing the construction of any ramp, it is always a good idea to contact your local building department to find out whether a building permit is required. The building department may also be a great source of information on how best to design and construct a ramp in your area.
Building permits are generally not required when the changes in level are minor and a ramp is an integral part of landscaping (sloped sidewalks, re-grading, etc.), or when a portable ramp is used. However, building permits are usually required for longer ramps or where there is a significant change in level.
Prefabricated ramp systems
Prefabricated ramp systems come in two basic types: portable and fixed.
Portable ramps
Portable ramps are usually made of aluminum, generally come in various lengths from 900 to 2,400 mm (35 to 94 in.) and are useful for overcoming smaller changes in level such as a curb or a couple of steps. While they can be a cost-effective solution to overcome smaller changes in level, safety and usability should always be considered. They are an excellent choice for temporary use but their lack of handrails and their steeper slopes do not make them appropriate for many people.
Portable ramps can usually be purchased through local home healthcare and medical supply retailers or ordered on-line.
Modular ramp systems
Modular ramp systems incorporate sloped surfaces of varying lengths, as well as landings, guards and handrails, and can be designed and assembled to meet the specific requirements of almost any situation. They are usually fabricated from metal components and are available in standard “off-the-shelf” sizes or customized.
When using modular ramping systems, it is important to provide a stable and firm base, and the potential effects of ground settlement and frost heave should be carefully considered when locating and fastening a prefabricated ramp system.
Using a modular ramp system may be a practical and cost-effective solution where a temporary ramp is required, as they are quicker and easier to assemble and disassemble than site-constructed ramps. In addition, when dismantled, the ramp components can often be re-used in other locations. Modular systems can usually be ordered through your local home healthcare and medical supply retailers, or on-line.
Site-constructed ramp systems
The three most common types of site-constructed ramp systems are made of poured concrete, interlocking brick and wood framing.
Concrete ramps
In a residential setting, poured concrete ramps are typically used to overcome smaller changes in level. Concrete is poured directly on grade, over a bed of well-compacted granular fill. The surface of concrete ramps should be broom-finished (a coarse broom is dragged over the almost-set concrete) to create a slightly roughened, slip resistant finish, which is very durable.
Concrete ramps can be easily configured in most shapes and can easily incorporate handrails, curbs and landings of any shape and size.
Constructing a concrete ramp could be tackled by a homeowner as a do-it-yourself project, but unless you are familiar with techniques of forming, pouring, tamping, finishing and curing of concrete, this type of work is best left to the experts. When concrete is used for larger ramps, it is usually reinforced with steel bars. Moulds (forms) are built to temporarily support the concrete, which is poured over steel reinforcing bars, until the concrete sets. Such reinforced concrete ramps should be designed and inspected by a structural engineer, and constructed by a licensed contractor.
Interlocking brick ramps
Interlocking brick is frequently used as a material for outdoor ramps due to its flexibility, as well as the variety of colours, sizes and textures that are available. The modular nature of interlocking brick ramps allows them to be configured to almost any shape. Curbs and handrails can also be added.
Interlocking brick ramps are typically used to overcome smaller changes in level.
The bricks are laid directly on grade, over a bed of well compacted granular fill.
The granular fill is a critical component of the ramp system as it drains water away from underneath the bricks—minimizing settlement and the effects of the freezethaw cycle.
Ongoing maintenance is required when choosing an interlocking brick ramp system. It is quite common for some of the individual bricks to settle or heave, resulting in a potential tripping hazard for users. Periodic lifting and relaying of some bricks will be necessary to ensure a safe and level surface. The surface of interlocking brick tends to be “bumpy,” so if you use a wheelchair and your threshold for dealing with vibration is low, an interlocking brick ramp may not be the best choice.
Constructing an interlock brick ramp is relatively simple and may be a realistic do-it-yourself project for homeowners. Your local lumber store or building material supplier is a great source for installation guides and other “how-to” information.
The cost of interlocking brick ramps can vary greatly depending on the type of pavers chosen and features such as handrails, guards and curbs.
Wood-framed ramps
Wood-framed ramps usually incorporate a framed structure constructed from standard lumber and usually finished with either plywood sheets or wood decking. Newer, more durable and/or environment-friendly decking materials, made of recycled plastic, recycled wood or wood-composite, are also available at many lumber stores. Exterior wood-framed ramps should be constructed on a firm and stable base, with
proper footings to minimize the effect of settlement and frost heave.
If decking is used as a finish material, the gaps between the boards should be no more than 6 mm (¼ in.) and the decking should run perpendicular to the path of travel. The use of decking will result in a somewhat “bumpy” surface, which may not be appropriate for some people.
The slip-resistance of a wood ramp surface should be carefully considered. Painted, stained or untreated wood will become very slippery when wet. Consider mixing sand into paint to provide a more slip-resistant finish. “Grit” paint is a specially designed paint that is very durable, long-lasting and easy to maintain. Alternatively, ramps can be finished with a rubberized material such as those used for surfacing children’s playgrounds.
Wood-framed ramps need to be carefully designed to safely support the loads they have to carry, including people, equipment and snow. Local building codes should be consulted for specific design and construction requirements. If you are familiar with basic wood-framing techniques, the construction of a wood-framed ramp could be a realistic do-it-yourself project.
Healthy Housing™ Choices
Consider the following recommendations to maximize resource efficiency, environmental
responsibility and provide a healthier housing environment.
- Use kiln-dried, finger-jointed spruce lumber.
- Minimize use of pressure-treated lumber.
- Use water-based paint and stain finishes.
- When a landscaping approach is used for ramping, incorporate a drip irrigation system, as well as native grasses, native trees and shrubs.
- Avoid the growth of mold in crawl-spaces under ramps through proper ventilation.
Contact your REALTOR at Coldwell Banker Vantage Realty for more tips and advice on your home renovations and updates.
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