Would a ramp help you live a more independent life by making it easier for you to get in and out of the house? This month we celebrate Independence Day when our nation declared its independence from Great Britain. For many of us, the idea of independence becomes an extremely personal matter as our mobility diminishes with age. Whether we experience a sudden loss of mobility or a more gradual reduction in our mobility, the steps we typically have leading to our homes can be a major obstacle. A good solution for many people is a ramp. People are often hesitant to install a ramp because they think it will be ugly and stigmatize their home. I am going to show you how you can have a ramp that vastly improves access to your home and fits in well with your home’s style and appearance.
When I am looking at installing a ramp there are several things I look for. The proper slope for a ramp is 12” of length for every 1” of height. Sometimes it makes more sense to put a ramp at the back or the side of the house. I also will design a ramp to fit well with the style of the house. Notice how the railings on this ramp matchthe railings on the porch. It is also important to make sure that any landings are large enough to allow turning. 5’ by 5’ is a good starting point. You also may want to accommodate those who may not need or want to use the ramp. This ramp allows people to continue to use the sidewalk and the stairs or to access the house via the ramp. Notice that both of these ramps are on the front of the house but blend in well. Additional shrubbery or other landscaping can also be used to soften the appearance of the ramp. If you have an attached garage or a carport on your home, this is often the best place to incorporate a ramp. In fact if you are building a new home, simply construct the garage or carport floor at the same height as the main floor level and you will never have to worry about access. This is a simple ramp built in a carport to provide access to the house. For more information on ramps or any of the other services we provide at Solid Rock Enterprises, Inc. please give us a call at (540) 384-2064.
Happy Independence Day!
