Wood vs. Aluminum Ramps Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Kevin Sharp Feb 05, 2024 Estimated reading time: 5 minutes We all know there are many material options to consider when purchasing a commercial ADA ramp for wheelchair access. Two of the most popular materials people typically consider are wood and aluminum. While project cost is important, it is also important to meet the project specifications and make the best choice for the building tenant and the people using it. Wood vs. aluminum ramps Here is a technical analysis of the different types of ramp material based on tensile strength and corrosion resistance. When it comes to wood vs. aluminum ramps for commercial use, here are the 3 main reasons to choose aluminum. Benefits of Upside Aluminum Ramps vs. wood Download PDF Wood vs. Aluminum: Cost Wood Cost: Material cost: A wood ramp costs an average of $100-250 per linear foot, according to Fixr.com, so, although variable, a 30′ ramp can cost around $4,600. If you add a 5’x 5′ platform which is required at the door, it would cost a total of about $5,500 for the material. Install time: A 30’ wood ramp with a platform takes roughly (2) 8-hour days for two carpenters to cut and install. Install cost: To build the ramp, you will likely need two carpenters ($60 per hour) for the two days. That means that labor costs will be roughly $1,440. In total, a wood ramp costs about $7,240. Plus, you will have to factor in the price of a building permit which usually costs a couple of hundred dollars. Aluminum Cost: Material cost: Aluminum ramp manufacturers charge a wide range of prices because there are different grades of aluminum and the varying size and load requirements for commercial versus residential. You can expect to spend between $6,400 on material for a 30’ commercial, aluminum ADA including a 5’ x 5’ platform. Install time: You don’t need any prior experience to install an aluminum ramp, and it takes about 3-5 hours to complete the installation of a 30′ ramp. Install time: A novice can install an aluminum ramp system on his/her own, so the installation cost would be free if you decide to install it yourself. Installation costs for an aluminum ramp are typically less than half the cost of a wood ramp installation. Aluminum and wood ramps initially cost about the same amount of money when you consider installation cost. Wood vs. Aluminum: Maintenance Wood Maintenance: Wood requires a lot of attention and maintenance to keep it in decent condition. Maintenance costs include: Yearly paint or stain touch-ups to protect against moisture Termite prevention and/or treatment Replacing warped or rotted pieces Replacing non-slip grip tapes on the walking surfaces because they will wear down and lose the grip Aluminum Maintenance: Aluminum requires very little to almost zero maintenance because it never rusts, which is the main reason why other metals lose their structural integrity. The only maintenance aluminum ramps require is to clear off any snow, brush, and mud that builds up on the ramp. Wood vs. Aluminum: Ease of Assembly Wood Ease of Assembly Building out of wood is extremely time-consuming and tedious, and it’s difficult to get all the walkways and platforms level. One of our installers, who also builds wood ramps and decks, describes building a 30′ wood ramp as such: “Wood [takes] 2 or 3 days, assuming you can even build one to suit a picky building inspector or fire marshal. If I build one, I’ll buy steel or aluminum handrail components for it, because that’s about the only way to satisfy all the code requirements. We have done a fair amount of building a wood common landing between numerous buildings, but then installing aluminum rails, ramps, and steps on that.” – John B. Aluminum Ease of Assembly Our prefabricated aluminum ramp sections consist of 3 components: Ramp walking surface Guardrails with pre-welded balusters and standoffs Handrail pipes Prefabricated products are always faster to assemble than products you have to build on-site. Our prefab ramps take a few hours for a novice to assemble. This is how simple our prefabricated ramps are to put together: ramp section guardrail handrail connection Wood vs. Aluminum: Slip-Resistance Wood Slip-Resistance Wood can acquire a slimy, slippery film from moisture accumulation, and you must apply grip strips to the surface. You will need to replace these strips multiple times throughout the life of the ramp to maintain the ADA-required coefficient of friction. Aluminum Slip-Resistance Aluminum ramps have slip-resistant decking that provides better traction than wood ramps and is much safer for those who use them. Upside Innovations uses a solid, extruded decking with small, raised ridges for traction. Old, rotting wood ramp that has become very slippery Aluminum ramp with non-slip decking that remains intact Conclusion WoodAluminumMaterial$5,500$6,400Labor$1,440$400Permit$300–Total Costs$7,240$6,800AssemblyTime-consuming and custom.About 2-3 daysShips with 3 primary components that bolt together.Assembled in a few hours, not days.MaintenanceOngoing• Annual paint or stain• Termite prevention/treatment• replace warped or rotted pieces• Onting replacement of non-stick tape.MinimalRequires almost zero maintenance. Slip-ResistanceWood ramps tend to become slippery over timeAluminum ramp with non-slip extruded decking keeps traction over time Ramps 6 Benefits of Modular Aluminum Wheelchair Ramps Read More » February 9, 2024 News Creating Safe & Equal Access for All with Wheelchair Accessible Ramps Read More » September 4, 2022
How to Clean Aluminum Ramps Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Tracy Mikulec Tracy Mikulec, a seasoned leader in the digital marketing realm, currently serves as the Director of Digital at SixAxis, a pioneering manufacturer of industrial and commercial safety products from renowned brands like SafeRack, ErectaStep, and Upside. With a career spanning over three decades, Tracy has been at the forefront of digital innovation, ecommerce, and technology strategy. Since January 2015, Tracy has been instrumental in shaping the digital landscape at SixAxis, LLC, based in Andrews, South Carolina. His role involves leading digital strategies and overseeing technological advancements for SixAxis and its diverse portfolio of brands. Dec 19, 2022 Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Cleaning Untreated Aluminum Ramps Aluminum is a light but strong material common for outdoor and commercial applications because of its weather-resistant properties; aluminum doesn’t rust because it forms a natural oxide layer. Oxidation is a confusing process because it is a form of corrosion. Still, unlike oxidation that occurs on other metals, it does not jeopardize the structural integrity of the aluminum – it strengthens the material. Oxidation creates a protective barrier against water and rust, but it can make the aluminum less attractive over time. Cleaning the ramp will decrease the chances of severe oxidation. Step 1: The first step is to ensure all debris, including mud, dust, and leaves, is cleared off the ramp. To do this, you must start at the top of the ramp with a stiff-bristled push-broom and sweep all the debris down the ramp; the edge guards that run along both edges of the ramp prevent the debris from being pushed over the sides. The stiff-bristled push-broom is recommended to clean out the grooves of the ramp, but don’t try to scrub the ramp with the broom as it might scratch the aluminum. Step 2: After brushing off the aluminum ramp, rinse it with water and a mild detergent such as dish soap. Use a generous amount of dish soap over the length of the ramp, and put a concentrated amount on tough spots. Let it sit for a couple of minutes. Next, hose off or lightly pressure wash the ramp to remove the soap and dirt. If possible, it is suggested to use filtered water because unfiltered water may contain sulfur, chlorine, fluoride, and other minerals that could damage the aluminum over time. Ensure all dish soap is washed off before the wheelchair ramp is used. Step 3: If there is dirt on the ramp still, use a towel and dish soap to scrub the area. Do not use steel wool or scouring pads because these materials can scratch the aluminum and give it a dull appearance. Do not use harsh cleaners like baking soda or alkali-based cleaners, as these can cause discoloration. If you want to try a new type of cleaner, test an area on the underside of the ramp to see if it discolors the aluminum. Step 4: If the wheelchair ramp has already oxidized, try spot-treating the oxidized areas with an aluminum cleaner like Aluma Kleen or Aluma Bright (not sponsored links). Cleaning Powder-Coated Aluminum Ramps If the aluminum wheelchair ramp is powder-coated, there is less chance of oxidation because the powder-coating provides an extra layer of defense. However, it is possible for the layer to be breached and form oxidation spots. Most cleaning steps are the same as non-powder-coated aluminum, but the powder-coating is a little more delicate than the aluminum. Step 1: Brush off the ramp, moving from top to bottom, with a stiff-bristled push-broom. Do not try to scrub the wheelchair ramp with the broom, as it might scratch the aluminum. Step 2: The most efficient way to clean outdoor aluminum ramps with a powder-coating finish is with a pressure washer using filtered water at low pressure. Use a mild detergent such as dish soap, and DO NOT use chlorine or harsh cleaning solutions. A high-water pressure and aggressive cleaning products can damage the powder-coated finish. The commercial cleaning solutions will clean the surface but remove micro-layers of finish. The coating might later become hard and crack while losing its protective barrier. Step 3: As stated above, use a soft brush or cloth to clean the surface; do not use anything with stiff bristles or a scratchy pad. Step 4: To keep powder-coated wheelchair ramps looking nice, try a high-grade, non-abrasive car wax that contains a U.V. blocker and/or U.V. inhibitors. Be sure to wipe off residual wax because it could bake in the heat and cause permanent staining. As with any other product applied to the ramp, making a test area on the underside of the ramp is recommended. How to Clean Aluminum Stairs Related Articles Handling Snow and Ice on Your Ramp How to clean aluminum stairs Material Properties Test Your Knowledge of Wheelchair Ramps [10-Question Quiz] StairsTools & Resources How to Clean Aluminum Stairs Read More » July 31, 2022 Ramps Snow & Ice Melt for Aluminum Ramps Read More » November 22, 2023
Ramps for Modular Buildings – Planning Your Ramp Configuration Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Tracy Mikulec Tracy Mikulec, a seasoned leader in the digital marketing realm, currently serves as the Director of Digital at SixAxis, a pioneering manufacturer of industrial and commercial safety products from renowned brands like SafeRack, ErectaStep, and Upside. With a career spanning over three decades, Tracy has been at the forefront of digital innovation, ecommerce, and technology strategy. Since January 2015, Tracy has been instrumental in shaping the digital landscape at SixAxis, LLC, based in Andrews, South Carolina. His role involves leading digital strategies and overseeing technological advancements for SixAxis and its diverse portfolio of brands. Dec 19, 2019 Estimated reading time: 4 minutes You must consider many factors if you plan to install a modular building ramp because every site is different. Follow this guide so that you take the necessary site measurements. step-1 Why does my ramp have to be a specific length? The ramp must comply with ADA regulations if it is going to be used by the public. ADA regulations require a 1:12 slope which guarantees that the ramp will not be too steep for someone in a wheelchair to use. It also requires a landing area at both the top and bottom of the ramp, which must be at least 60” x 60”. If there is no existing landing platform at the threshold, then you will need a platform that connects the door threshold to the top of the ramp. How wide does my ramp need to be? Most standard ADA products have 48″ clearance between the handrails. This specification covers ADA and IBC 2009 compliance across the United States. The outer edge to outer edge of the ramp is close to 60″, but there ends up being only 48″ between the handrails after taking the handrail material, the standoff between the handrail and the guardrail, and the guardrail thickness into consideration. step-2 Why do the width and length of the building matter? If you need to have a switchback ramp, but there is no room for it to switch back in front of the building, you may have to wrap it around the side of the building. Knowing the length and width will help you determine the best layout for the ramp. Why is the door swing important? If the door’s hinge is on the right, then the ramp has to move to the left (from the birds-eye or front view) so that the door does not block the ramp when it is opened. The same concept applies to a door with a hinge on the left. If you need the ramp to go in the opposite direction than the door allows, additional platforms are needed. Double doors and recessed doors also require additional platforms to have an adequate turning radius for a wheelchair. step-3 step-4 Why is the slope of the ground important? If the ground is sloping down, you can use our slope calculator to determine whether additional ramp sections might be required in order to maintain a 1:12 ratio. If the ground is sloping up, fewer ramp sections may be required. View the in-depth guide on how to measure sloping ground. step-5 Why do I need multiple platforms? To be compliant with ADA regulations, you need a 60″ x 60″ resting platform for every additional 30 feet of ramp. This means that if your door is more than 30″ above the ground, you will need at least a 30-foot ramp and a resting platform that will add an additional 60 inches to the ramp length. Here are some benefits of modular aluminum ramps. step-6 Is one configuration better than the others? No. Choose the configuration that best suits your site, given any barriers that might be there and the allotted space you have. If you have limited space on the sides of the building, a switchback ramp would probably be best, but if there is a tree that would prevent the ramp from switching back, an “L” ramp or straight ramp would be better. You might also need to check if you need adjustable steps for your modular office. What if there are obstacles in the way, but I can’t avoid them? Sometimes it is easier to relocate or remove an obstacle instead of trying to configure a wheelchair ramp around it. If relocating or removing it is not possible, then you may need to use a larger platform to push the ramp past the obstacle, adjust the layout, or use a custom access system to avoid it. After preparing the site, contact a ramp manufacturer for a quote. Upside Innovations manufactures modular-style aluminum ramps and installs them nationwide. Aluminum is the most durable commercial-style ramp that requires minimal maintenance and can typically be assembled in a matter of hours. Get a Quote Here More resources: ADAAG Standards What is a modular wheelchair ramp? ADARampsTools & Resources How to Measure Wheelchair Ramp Ground Slope Read More » December 19, 2019 Ramps Wood vs. Aluminum Ramps Read More » February 5, 2024
Types of Wheelchair Ramps Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Tracy Mikulec Tracy Mikulec, a seasoned leader in the digital marketing realm, currently serves as the Director of Digital at SixAxis, a pioneering manufacturer of industrial and commercial safety products from renowned brands like SafeRack, ErectaStep, and Upside. With a career spanning over three decades, Tracy has been at the forefront of digital innovation, ecommerce, and technology strategy. Since January 2015, Tracy has been instrumental in shaping the digital landscape at SixAxis, LLC, based in Andrews, South Carolina. His role involves leading digital strategies and overseeing technological advancements for SixAxis and its diverse portfolio of brands. Dec 09, 2019 Estimated reading time: 3 minutes The US population is aging, and disabled people are living longer due to advances in medical technology. The number of Americans with a disability has increased by more than 20% over the last decade, reaching 10%. Around 3 million full-time wheelchair users can attest that this increase is directly related to our aging society. Wheelchair ramps are required by law to provide accessibility for those who use them. For personal use, there is more than one type of ramp. We’ve assembled the top accessibility solutions for wheelchairs on the market, ranging from portable to permanent. 1. Threshold Ramps Rubber threshold ramp Threshold ramps can be either rubber or metal and are made to butt up against the lip of a door threshold or a curb. They are typically between ½ inch to 6 inches in height, very lightweight, and can be used on both the inside and outside of a doorway. These ramps are simple, cost-effective solutions for people using a wheelchair, walker, or scooter to maneuver over a small barrier. 2. Folding Ramps Tri-fold (left) & bi-fold (right) ramps Folding ramps consist of either bi-fold (two panels) or tri-fold (four panels) with hinges between each panel. The bi-fold ramps fold over once while the tri-fold ramps has three folds. The folding ramp does not have handrails and is not ADA-compliant, so it should only be used for personal use. It can be used for access into wheelchair-accessible vans, or it can be placed over a small set of stairs that lead into a home. 3. Suitcase Ramps Suitcase ramp A suitcase ramp is a type of folding ramp that has handles for easy transport. Typically, it is between 2 and 6 feet long and can support about 800 pounds. It can lay directly over a small set of steps, making it perfect for home access. It is not ADA-compliant, so it should not be used for commercial applications. 4. Telescoping Ramps Telescoping ramp A telescoping ramp often consists of two separate, narrow channels – typically narrower than 12 inches each – that can extend and retract to fit the desired height. The channels are placed side-by-side and line up with the wheels of the wheelchair. These types of ramps are typically used for access into a wheelchair-accessible van, but they are not ideal for mobile scooters as the wheels are often not in line with each other. 5. Modular Ramps Modular ramp A modular ramp is typically a larger, more permanent fixture than the previous ramps. Still, it doesn’t require a building permit because it can be taken down and reassembled at another location. They are constructed out of ramp sections that are built off-site and then transported to the site for speedy assembly. Aluminum is typically the best material to use for outdoor, commercial wheelchair ramp applications because it does not rust or warp, and it is the most cost-effective option. 6. Permanent Ramps Wood ramp Permanent ramps are often fabricated on-site and commonly made from wood, concrete or metal and cannot be moved or adjusted once they are set in place, so a building permit is required. Unlike modular ramps, they are built completely on-site, so the installation and construction time is much longer. These types of ramps are typically used for residences when aesthetics are more important than longevity and code compliance. Lim, S. (2021). Wheeled Mobility Use on Accessible Fixed-Route Transit: A Field Study in Environmental Docility. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18062840 News Creating Safe & Equal Access for All with Wheelchair Accessible Ramps Read More » September 4, 2022 Ramps What is a Modular Wheelchair Ramp? Read More » January 11, 2024
