Wheelchair Access Ramps

Although the guidelines for residential ramps are not as stringent as those for public areas, many neighborhoods with covenants, codes and restrictions have specific rules about how and if ramps may be added to a residence. Remember that ramps should have non-skid surfaces and be constructed so water cannot accumulate on walking surfaces.

With wooden ramps, boards may need replacing. Wooden ramps also may need to be repainted or have a nonskid material added to older ramps, and handrails may need to be secured.

Metal handrails may need to be rewelded, rust removed and repainted, guard rails or pickets added.

Although a 1:12 pitch (12 feet of ramp per each foot of elevation) is the maximum slope allowed, a gentler slope of 1:14 or 1:16 is preferable, one might decide to change the slope of a concrete ramp as the disabled person becomes older or weaker.

If you are installing a ramp at your home, use the below ramp codes as your guidelines.