What is a Modular Wheelchair Ramp? Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Nick Bishop My name is Nick Bishop - your aluminum Access Solutions Advisor on the Commercial team. I have 9 years of experience at Upside Innovations. I specialize in access to warehouses, distribution centers and commercial buildings. With my expertise—where aluminum meets access, brilliance follows. Jan 11, 2024 Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Understanding the Versatility and Benefits of Modular Wheelchair Ramps When discussing accessibility solutions, the term “modular wheelchair ramp” often surfaces. But what exactly does this mean? A modular ramp, synonymous with a “prefabricated ramp,” is constructed in segments away from the site and assembled and installed at the required location. This innovative approach to accessibility is practical and aligns perfectly with the needs of diverse environments. Typically, modular wheelchair ramps are made from aluminum because it is lightweight and can be easily transported and installed. Modular ramps can also be made from painted or galvanized steel, precast concrete, or a combination of metal and treated lumber. You may even design ramps using construction software to visualize how they look in your facility. Modular ramps not made from aluminum are heavy, difficult to install, and have less longevity. Why Choose Aluminum for Modular Ramps? Ramps are constructed of heavy-gauge aluminum, lightweight yet durable, and won’t rust. This makes transportation and installation a breeze, ensuring a hassle-free setup. While other materials like painted or galvanized steel, precast concrete, or a blend of metal and treated lumber are options — they are not a match to aluminum’s ease and longevity. Advanced construction software can even be employed to tailor the design of these ramps, ensuring they seamlessly integrate into your facility. School Switchback ADA Ramp Modular Building Wheelchair Ramp Commercial Building ADA Ramps Medical Facility ADA Ramp and Canopy School ADA Wheelchair Ramp Elementary School Wheelchair Ramp Your Expert in ADA Compliant Modular Wheelchair Ramps At Upside Innovations, we specialize in crafting modular wheelchair ramps that are not only functional but also adhere strictly to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines. Our ramps are composed of several key components: Ramp Bases: These form the walking surface and foundational structure, designed for stability and safety. Ramp Guardrails: Attached to the ramp bases, our guardrails and handrails are angled to align perfectly with a 1:12 slope ramp, maintaining verticality and a maximum 4” gap for safety. Platforms: Serving as resting or turning points, these flat decks are versatile, allowing for larger walking surfaces and seamless connections to ramps and steps. Platform Guardrails: These are essential for edge protection, ensuring compliance and safety. Step Risers and Guardrails: These components facilitate a smooth transition to the ground, maintaining consistent rise and equipped with connected guardrails and handrails. Supporting Elements: Legs, connectors, and keys form the backbone of our ramps and platforms, ensuring a secure and cohesive structure. Modular Wheelchair Ramps Advantages Our controlled manufacturing environment guarantees that every product meets the detailed ADAAG (ADA Accessibility Guidelines) standards. We rigorously test our ramps for load requirements, confidently supporting a 300-pound concentrated load and 100 pounds per square foot. What sets the Upside modular wheelchair ramp system apart is its adaptability. Should your needs change, our ramps can be relocated, reconfigured, and reused at a new site, all while maintaining ADA compliance. This flexibility is a testament to our commitment to providing long-term, sustainable accessibility solutions. Choose Upside Innovations for Your Accessibility Needs Aluminum Wheelchair Ramps for Modular Offices At Upside Innovations, we don’t just sell products; we offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your unique requirements. Our expertise in ADA-compliant products positions us as a leader in the field, ready to assist you in making your facility accessible and inclusive. What is a Modular Wheelchair Ramp? A modular wheelchair ramp is a customizable, pre-fabricated ramp system designed for easy assembly to provide accessibility for wheelchair users and those with mobility challenges. Why Choose Aluminum for Modular Ramps? Aluminum is favored for modular ramps due to its durability, lightweight nature, low maintenance, safety, eco-friendliness, and aesthetic appeal, making it an ideal material for both temporary and permanent accessibility solutions. Ramps Wood vs. Aluminum Ramps Read More » February 5, 2024 Ramps 6 Benefits of Modular Aluminum Wheelchair Ramps Read More » February 9, 2024
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
