Designing A Ramp For Your Home

Designing A Ramp For Your Home

Designing a Ramp
Ramps generally require a lot of space; particularly if they are used to overcome significant changes in level. In addition, landings, which are required at the top and bottom of a ramp, at all changes in direction and where the run is longer than 9 m (30 ft.), further increase the space requirements for ramps. When designing a ramp, special consideration should be given to the following elements:

• Slope
• Length
• Width
• Level landings
• Location
• Handrails
• Effects of snow

Slope
The run (length) of the ramp will depend on two primary factors: the overall rise (vertical change in level) and the slope used. Building codes require a slope no steeper than 1 in 12 for public buildings. That is, for every one inch of change in height, the ramp must be 12 inches in length. For example, if your porch is 18 inches above ground level, the ramp would have to be 18 feet long —and that does not include any landings! Try out ramps recently built in your community at the post-office, bank or municipal offices, for example, to see whether a 1 in 12 (1:12) ramp will work for you at home. Many people find it difficult to independently use a ramp that has a slope of 1 in 12. Slopes of 1 in 15, 1 in 18 or 1 in 20 require less effort and are recommended if the primary users have limited strength or stamina, as they may be easier to use without assistance.

Remember, the less steep it is, the longer the ramp will have to be.

Some people may be able to manage ramp slopes steeper than 1 in 12, especially if they use a powered wheelchair—but such steep ramps are generally not recommended as there may be visitors to your home who cannot safely use them. One possible exception to this recommendation is when a ramp is being constructed solely for use as a secondary exit from your home in an emergency situation: in this case a steeper ramp may be acceptable if there is not enough space to construct a 1 in 12 ramp.

A steeper ramp may also be acceptable when it is used to overcome a small change in level, such as at the threshold of a sliding door, at a single step outside or to a sunken living room. In such cases, a slope of 1 in 10 or even 1 in 8 may be acceptable—but be sure to try it out first! Steeper slopes may also be acceptable when independent use is not a priority and assistance is always available, but check your local building code to see what slopes are permissible.

If you are considering a landscape approach, try to achieve slopes no steeper than 1 in 20.

Length
Unless the ramp user has very good strength and stamina, it is recommended that no single length of ramp be more than 6 m (20 ft.) in length between landings. A single length of ramp should never be more than 9 m (30 ft.) in length between landings.

Width
The clear width of the ramp should be 1,000 mm (39 in.) —this does not include the space required for any handrails, guards or other structural components that might be needed.

Note: If users are unable to steer their walkers, wheelchairs or scooters in a reasonably straight line, consider building a wider ramp.

Level landings
Level landings should be spaced 6–9 m (20–30 ft.) apart and be at least 1,525 mm (60 in.) long. Where the ramp landing changes direction or incorporates a turn, it should be at least 1,525 mm x 1,525 mm (60 in. x 60 in.) to provide appropriate manoeuvring space to make the turn.

Note: If the ramp is designed to accommodate a scooter or another large type of wheelchair, more space will likely be required—a space of at least 2,100 mm x 2,100 mm (83 in. x 83 in.) is recommended. Ensuring there is enough turning space is an application of the universal design principle of size and space for approach and use.

At the top and bottom of the ramp you should incorporate a flat area of at least 1,525 mm x 1,525 mm (60 in. x 60 in.) to provide manoeuvring space to get on and off the ramp. Door swings should not encroach on this space.

Note: If a scooter or another larger type of wheelchair is used, more space will likely be required—a space of at least 2,100 mm x 2,100 mm (83 in. x 83 in.) is recommended.

Location
As the ramp may also be used by people who are walking,  ensure there is clear headroom of at least 2,100 mm (83 in.) above ramps and landings. Also, be sure that protruding objects such as air conditioners, window flower boxes or low awnings do not overhang a ramp or its landings. When deciding on ramp location, consider its position in relation to the driveway, the parking areas and the entrance, as well as existing landscape items such as trees, shrubs, etc.

Handrails
Ramp handrails are usually a building code requirement and are always recommended for ramps steeper than 1 in 20 (1:20).

Where handrails are not required by the building code, it is recommended that a raised lip or edge protection be provided to prevent someone from wheeling off the edge of the ramp.
If the primary users require support on one or both sides of the ramp, handrails should be provided on both sides located 860–920 mm (34–36 in.) above the surface of the ramp .

The handrails should be continuous around the landings.

If the primary users are children, persons of small stature, or  wheelchair users who require railings to assist in pulling themselves up, a second lower handrail should be provided on both sides at a height that is best suited to their needs. Handrails should be of a comfortable size and shape for grasping. A circular shape 30 to 40 mm (1-3⁄16 to 1-9⁄16 in.) in diameter is appropriate for most people, although children and other persons with small hands may prefer smaller sizes.

A handrail should be affixed in a way that allows a user to grasp it continuously along its entire length—the location of brackets or posts should not require a user to let go of the handrail at any time. Some users with limited balance will want to steady themselves using the handrail before they move onto the sloped surface. Handrails should extend horizontally for at least 300 mm (12 in.) beyond the starting and ending points of any sloped surface.

If the change in level at the edge of a ramp or landing is more than 600 mm (24 in.), railings or guards at least 1,070 mm (42 in.) in height are required for safety. Edge protection is required where the edges of ramps are not at grade or adjacent to a wall to prevent someone from wheeling off the edge of the ramp.

What about snow?
If you are building an exterior ramp and live in an area where there is lots of snow or rain, having a covered ramp would be ideal. If this is not possible, consider:

• locating the ramp on the side of your house that is least likely to be affected by snow drifts or wind-blown rain
• locating the ramp to minimize the effect of snow and  falling from the roof
• choosing durable materials for the ramp surface that can be shovelled
• leaving a gap at the bottom of handrails and guards to allow for snow removal
• choosing materials that provide good grip, even when wet.

Other things to think about …
Ramps should be well-lit throughout to create a welcoming area that is safe to use.
Using colour-contrasting handrails helps people with low vision to identify and use them.
Using tactile and contrasting coloured strips on the ground surface across the top and bottom of ramp slopes alerts users to a change from a level surface to an inclining or declining surface.

For safety, ramps should end on a sidewalk or a driveway, not directly on a road.

Drainage should be carefully considered to avoid the accumulation of water on the ramp surface, particularly where it might freeze and cause a slippery surface.

The cross slope should not exceed 1:50 (2 per cent). If drains are provided, they should be located outside the path of travel.

Contact your REALTOR at Coldwell Banker Vantage Realty for more tips and advice on your home renovations and updates.

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