Wheelchair Ramp Installation
A wheelchair ramp offers durable and long-lasting access in and out of a house or building for those facing mobility limitations. For the purposes of this article, we will be examining the installation process of an aluminum modular wheelchair ramp.
Aluminum wheelchair ramps can be installed in a matter of hours, without a building modification permit, and can easily be disassembled or relocated without any impact or harm to the existing structure or property. Alternative types of wheelchair ramps, such as wood and concrete ramps, do not meet these criteria and require contractors to drill holes into your existing home structure or concrete the system to stay together. Additionally, the total cost of materials, labor, and maintenance of wood and concrete far exceeds that of aluminum wheelchair ramp options.
To ensure safe installation and use, it is highly recommended that trained and certified technicians professionally install your aluminum wheelchair ramp. While you can find lower-cost DIY ramp options, these come with limited warranties and would require you or someone else to figure out a complex installation. The headaches and hidden costs of purchasing a ramp online are not worth the initial lower-cost benefit.
When considering a wheelchair ramp for your home, it is important to have a solid understanding of the professional installation process. In this guide, we will walk you through what this process looks like if you were to choose Lifeway Mobility for your wheelchair ramp, starting with the evaluation, all the way through post-installation maintenance!
Wheelchair Ramp Installation Process - Topics Covered in this Guide
Evaluating Your Mobility Needs & Measurements
There are several key considerations to address when determining what product solutions best fit your needs. At Lifeway Mobility, we get started by scheduling a free consultation for you with one of our certified local accessibility specialists at a time that is convenient for you. Each of our consultants receives a week of in-person training from industry experts on how to properly measure for aluminum ramp systems and recommend the safest possible solution.
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At this time, the consultant will also work with you to understand your mobility needs so they can identify specific details and recommend the best solution:
- Who is the wheelchair ramp for? Our accessibility experts always take the time to understand who the accessibility solution is for and their mobility needs. In addition, it’ll be helpful to know if the user of the ramp will be utilizing the ramp independently or if someone (i.e., family member or caregiver) will always be available to provide assistance. This information will then determine many of the following considerations, such as ramp placement, slope, options needed, etc., and allow us to recommend the best and safest solution.
- Is the wheelchair ramp needed for a long-term or short-term basis? If the need for the ramp is due to a temporary injury in which the expected recovery time is a matter of weeks, then renting a wheelchair ramp may be an appropriate solution. However, if the prognosis is unknown, or future mobility challenges are a concern, it is typically better to go ahead and plan for the long-term.
Note - If budget is a concern, Lifeway Mobility offers low-monthly payment financing options for wheelchair ramps through Affirm and works with funding sources.
- Which home entryway is the best option for a wheelchair ramp? Factors to consider are the number of steps/rise measurement, width of doorframe, and other barriers to entry. Sometimes a garage might even be the best home entry option for a wheelchair ramp installation. It is important to note that at least a 5-foot level landing is required at the top of the ramp.
- How much ramp is needed for the specific area in which it is to be installed? Our accessibility expert will obtain precise measurements, angles, and calculate rise and run for the ramp. This is a complex process that requires specific training and precision to ensure accuracy. (see below for more info re safe slope verification).
- Other considerations that Lifeway Mobility ramp experts will assess and handle if necessary, include:
- Obtaining homeowner association approval if required
- Adhering to any local building codes that may apply
- Following pertinent ADA guidelines as a rule for best practices even though they are not legally required for residential ramp installs
Slope Verification Process:
How do you ensure the ramp slope is correct & safe?
Lifeway Mobility has strict requirements (following ADA guidelines as the rule of thumb) and very specific training for our sales consultants to pinpoint the correct slopes specifically for your mobility challenges. We see too many times that families end up with a wheelchair ramp that is too steep and ultimately very dangerous for them to use that was recommended by competitors or DIY installers.
Our accessibility experts use the following process to ensure a safe slope:
- We use precision measuring tools to verify the exact rise of your steps
- The ramp length is calculated to achieve your specified slope ratio based on mobility needs and usage (1:12 or 1:10)
- Multiple measurements are taken during assembly to ensure accuracy
- Final slope verification is performed before completion
Other Added Safety Options to Consider
When installing a modular wheelchair ramp for your home, safety is our top priority.
Standard safety features included with every wheelchair ramp installation include the following:
- A minimum width of the ramp surface of 36 inches. This ensures plenty of room for all mobility devices such as scooters and wheelchairs
- Edge protection of all ramp surfaces to prevent wheels or feet from slipping off the edge.
- Ramp tread surface is textured to allow for better grip and to prevent slips and falls.
- Handrails running the length of the ramp on both sides are standard for aluminum ramps
After evaluating the site and mobility needs, there may be some additional upgrade options that are recommended to further ensure safety & access for the user of the ramp, as well as their family members, caregivers, neighbors, etc.
Some of the most common added safety options for aluminum wheelchair ramps are:
- Fabricated stairs with handrails can be added to the ramp for those without mobility issues to access the entryway without traversing the entire ramp.
- Extra landings for level rest areas or transitions.
- Vertical or horizontal rail guards (aka “pickets) can be added for additional safety or as a child proofing measure.
Other aluminum wheelchair ramp added safety options include: gates, angled platforms, and hurricane tie-down straps.
Preparation for Wheelchair Ramp Installation
Once your wheelchair ramp consultation is completed by a Lifeway Mobility accessibility expert and you decide to move forward, our internal team will then begin ordering components as needed. In addition to this, a Lifeway team member will call you to schedule a convenient time for our trained and certified technicians to professionally install the wheelchair ramp at your home.
This entire process can typically be completed within just a couple of days.
What do I need to prepare before the installation team arrives?
Your help with the following items before our technicians arrive on the installation day will ensure a seamless & quick install
- Clear the installation area: Remove vehicles, outdoor furniture, plants, or decorations from the ramp path
- Unlock gates and doors: Ensure our team can access the installation site
- Secure pets: Keep pets indoors or in a secure area away from the work zone
- Clear parking space: Reserve space for our installation vehicle near the work area
- Mark sprinkler systems: Point out any underground utilities or irrigation systems
- Provide electrical access: If needed for power tools (outdoor outlet preferred)
The Wheelchair Ramp Installation
On the day of installation, the technicians will arrive with all the necessary tools, equipment, and components necessary to complete the installation of your wheelchair ramp. The following is an overview of the installation day process:
1. Installation Team Arrival:
- 1-2 certified Lifeway Mobility technicians will arrive at your scheduled installation time (and will call on their way to your home or building)
- They'll introduce themselves and review the installation plan with you
- The team will conduct a final site inspection and set up a safe work zone for the ramp
2. Assembly: Once the work area is ready, the wheelchair ramp installation team will unpack all ramp components and lay them out in the proper configuration. The ramp components will then be assembled in place, ensuring that proper grade incline and agreed layout is followed, and that the ramp is level and sturdy.
3. Final Inspection & Testing: When the ramp is fully assembled in place, the team will inspect all installed components and test it end-to-end to ensure safety and reliability.
4. Customer Walkthrough: After the final inspection, a team member will walk you through all aspects of the ramp including how to safely use it, proper maintenance to ensure longevity (more on this below) and answer any questions that you may have at this time.
Leave Behinds
After the final walk-through, our team will review an installation checklist with you and leave you with the following documents
- Completed ramp installation checklist
- Product warranty information and registration
- Care and maintenance instructions
- Contact information for service and support
- Any permit documentation (where applicable)
Just like that your wheelchair ramp installation will be complete, making it safer, easier, and more convenient to access your home or building!
Wheelchair Ramp Maintenance
Aluminum wheelchair ramps typically require little-to-no maintenance “as is”, but if installed outside, the outdoor elements will require some occasional maintenance to ensure safe/use access. To ensure that your new wheelchair ramp serves your needs well for years to come, we recommend the following maintenance tasks.
Routine Maintenance Tasks:
- Clean the surface debris and check that water is properly draining off the ramp. Use a soft bristle brush or broom to sweep off surfaces, and a water hose to clean off grime or yard waste that has collected on the ramp.
- Visually inspect the ramp, handrails, and landings for any loose connections. Although not typical, these can either be tightened by you or you can always call your local Lifeway Mobility representative to schedule a maintenance call if necessary.
Winter Maintenance Tips for Aluminum Ramps (for true 4-season regions):
- Remove snow by using only plastic shovels only. Metal shovels or scraping tools can scratch and damage the aluminum surface of the ramp.
- If necessary, use only ice melt products that are certified safe for use on aluminum, such as ice melt that is safe for pets.
- Regular clearing of ice/snow and debris from landing areas & pathways
Winterizing your aluminum wheelchair ramp will ensure it is safe accessible to be used year-round.
Wheelchair Ramp Installation FAQs
How much does it cost to have an aluminum wheelchair ramp installed?
While wheelchair ramp pricing can vary based on a variety of factors, such as configuration, material needed, options needed, etc., below are some basics to give you a general idea on how much one may cost.
- Typically, most residential modular aluminum ramp systems start around $1,000, and can exceed $10,000 depending on some of the above factors mentioned
- Commercial wheelchair ramps are usually larger, and cost more due to the need for more materials to meet ADA compliance
- Commercial modular wheelchair ramp systems can range from $5,000-$20,000 on average, but can exceed $20,000 for some applications
How long will a wheelchair ramp installation take?
Typical installation times based on configuration times are as follows:
- Simple ramp configurations with 0-1 turn: 1-3 hours
- Complex configurations with multiple platforms and turns: 3-4 hours
- Large commercial ramp installations: 4-8 hours
Note: Weather conditions and site accessibility can affect timing.
Do I need to be home during installation?
Yes, we require someone to be present during the entire installation process. This person should be authorized to make decisions about the installation and help with access to the installation area. If you can't be present, you can designate a trusted family member or friend.
What happens if it rains on installation day?
Light rain typically doesn't prevent installation of aluminum ramps, but heavy rain, ice, or severe weather may require rescheduling for safety reasons. Our local team will contact you by on installation day if the weather requires a change. Covered installation areas (like garages) can proceed regardless of weather, which is an advantage of having a ramp installed in a garage vs. outside.
Is there a warranty on aluminum wheelchair ramps?
Yes, aluminum wheelchair ramps from Lifeway Mobility do come with a lifetime warranty on the components/parts of the ramp.
What if I notice a problem after installation?
While very uncommon, please contact us immediately if you notice any issues. Most minor adjustments can be resolved quickly, and our installation warranty covers any installation-related problems.
What if I need to move or my ramp needs to be removed temporarily?
Should you need to have your ramp temporarily removed or if you move and would like to have the ramp brought with you, both are options.
Temporary Removal:
Modular ramps can be temporarily removed if necessary (i.e., for home renovations or repairs). Professional removal and reinstallation ensure no damage occurs and would be required to maintain the warranty coverage on your ramp.
Ramp Relocation:
Aluminum modular ramps can be disassembled and moved to a new location. Our local team can disassemble and reinstallation the ramp. However, an evaluation of the new location would be required as modifications would more than likely to be necessary to ensure the ramp can still safely work for you.
Still Have Questions Regarding a Wheelchair Ramp Installation?
If you have additional questions that were not covered in this wheelchair ramp installation guide or would like to set up a free wheelchair ramp consultation, please don't hesitate to contact your local Lifeway Mobility Team. We're here to ensure your ramp installation experience is smooth, professional, and results in a safe, reliable accessibility solution for your home.
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