A wheelchair ramp system is a great solution to increase the accessibility of your house or place of business for wheelchairs or scooters. There are a number of things to think about when assessing your home for wheelchair access through a ramp, such as the installation site and material choice. Ramp systems can be made from a variety of materials, but the most popular ones are aluminium or wood. Here are some things to consider when making a decision between a wood ramp and an aluminium one.
Aluminium Ramps
A metal ramp is dismissed by some homeowners because they believe it would look too industrial and clash with the design of their house. Aluminium ramps, however, have a number of qualities that make them a favorable option. You can now get powder-coated ramps that better complement the appearance of your house or place of work.
Factors to be considered when choosing aluminium ramps:
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Ramps made of aluminium are quick and simple to install. An aluminium ramp may be erected in a day and normally costs $50 per square foot.
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Aluminium ramps are incredibly sturdy and durable and don’t require much maintenance. Plus, aluminium ramps are easy to remove, and they can then be moved or sold.
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Aluminium ramps are frequently available for rental if your requirements are temporary. They also don’t require permits to install.
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Since aluminium ramps are normally deemed temporary, permits are typically not needed. They are therefore put in place over already-existing porches, steps, walkways, and yards.
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They feature built-in feet that rest on the ground. To further distribute the stress on soft surfaces, concrete patio blocks or bricks are placed beneath the pads.
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They also provide outstanding water and snow shedding. Metal ramps, especially aluminium, can withstand the usage of some forms of snowmelt and are less prone to ice formation.
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Aluminium often costs more than steel, making metal ramps more expensive than wood. However, you can get used aluminium wheelchair ramps for sale, making them an affordable option.
Wood Ramps
Some homeowners believe that a wooden wheelchair ramp is the best option since they believe it to be less expensive and more attractive than a metal ramp. Undoubtedly, a properly constructed and maintained wooden ramp may be both attractive and useful.
However, property owners need to consider the following:
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Building wooden ramps takes a lot of effort, time, and resources. A wooden ramp can frequently take up to a week to construct, adding to the hefty labor costs.
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A wooden ramp must be maintained similarly to a wooden deck to keep users safe and keep its beautiful looks. A wooden ramp is more likely to splinter, crack, warp, and fade without it.
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Wooden ramps can become slippery in rainy weather, so safety measures like non-slip treads should be taken into account.
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A wooden ramp cannot be moved and must be removed, which takes a lot of time and labor and often costs money.
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Wood ramps, which are typically regarded as permanent structures, might need survey plats, building permits, and concrete piers positioned below the frost line.
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Wood ramps will decay and need regular repair, even when made of pressure-treated lumber. Ramps in full sunlight suffer from this in particular. Another problem with wood ramps in humid and shaded places is the growth of mold and algae, which is ugly and slick. On these ramps, snow and ice buildup can occur.
Considering the benefits of aluminium over wood ramps, if you decide to buy used aluminium wheelchair ramps for sale, visit our website.
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