6 Benefits of Modular Aluminum 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. Feb 09, 2024 Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Why Aluminum Wheelchair Ramps Are the Superior Choice for Accessibility Solutions When it comes to selecting a wheelchair ramp for your home or business, the material choice plays a pivotal role in functionality, durability, and maintenance. While various materials are available, aluminum is the stand-out choice for a reliable, low-maintenance solution. At Upside Innovations, we specialize in providing top-tier aluminum wheelchair ramps designed to enhance accessibility with ease and efficiency. AluminumIronSteelWoodConcreteTensile StrengthMedium-HighMedium-HighHighMediumLowCorrosion & Warping ResistanceHighLowMediumLowLow-MediumRequired MaintenanceLowHighMediumHighMediumPriceMedium-HighMediumMedium-HighMedium-HighLow Why Choose Aluminum for Your Wheelchair Ramp? 1. Safety Features Aluminum wheelchair ramps boast a non-slip decking that ensures maximum traction, from rain to snow, under any weather conditions. Unlike wood ramps that require frequent grip tape application, aluminum ramps feature extruded decking with built-in grooves, providing a secure grip for wheelchair wheels without the need for constant maintenance. 2. Optimal Strength-to-Weight Ratio Aluminum’s lightweight yet strong nature makes it an ideal material for wheelchair ramps. It offers comparable strength to heavier metals but is much easier to handle, assemble, and adjust, making it a practical choice for temporary and permanent installations. Our wheelchair ramps come in 8′ and 10′ prefabricated, modular ramp sections. Hook the prefabricated ramp sections together for quick and easy installation. View our ADA ramp installation guide. 3. Durability and Maintenance One of the most significant advantages of aluminum is its resistance to rust and corrosion. Aluminum ramps maintain their integrity and appearance over time, even in harsh weather conditions, without the need for annual maintenance. This not only saves on long-term costs but also ensures your ramp remains safe and functional year after year. 4. Flexibility and Adaptability Our modular aluminum ramps feature adjustable legs to accommodate uneven surfaces, ensuring a level and stable platform. This adaptability extends to the ramp’s configuration; modules can be easily added, removed, or rearranged to meet changing needs, a flexibility not offered by wood or concrete ramps. 5. No Building Permits Required Modular aluminum ramps are considered non-permanent structures, unlike permanent wood or concrete ramps. This means they typically do not require building permits, streamlining the installation process and making them ideal for projects with tight deadlines. HOW LONG DOES YOUR ADA WHEELCHAIR RAMP NEED TO BE? Use our ADA Ramp Length Calculator to find the correct ramp length for your project. Ramp Length and Slope Calculator 6. Cost-Effectiveness While the initial investment in an aluminum ramp may be higher than other materials, the speed of installation, lack of annual maintenance costs and the ramp’s longevity make it a cost-effective solution. Additionally, the high resale value of aluminum allows for recovery of the initial cost, should your needs change. 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. Ramps Wood vs. Aluminum Ramps Read More » February 5, 2024 News Creating Safe & Equal Access for All with Wheelchair Accessible Ramps Read More » September 4, 2022
Wheelchair Ramps for Public Spaces: Improving Accessibility and Inclusivity Liam Hindley Apr 12, 2023 Estimated reading time: 3 minutes This wheelchair ramp was installed at a modular building in Forest View, IL. Regardless of a person’s physical capabilities, accessibility is a fundamental right that should be protected. Yet, despite recent advancements, accessibility for people with impairments remains a problem. The absence of wheelchair ramps in public areas is among the most frequent issues. We’ll talk about the value of wheelchair ramps in public places and how they can increase inclusion and accessibility in this article. It is crucial first to comprehend what a wheelchair ramp is and why it is required. A wheelchair ramp is a sloping surface that serves as an alternative to steps and allows users of wheelchairs or other mobility aids to enter a building or public area on their own. For everyone to have equal access to public spaces, including those with mobility impairments, wheelchair ramps are crucial. However, they have several advantages for everyone, including parents with strollers, delivery personnel, and those who have sustained temporary ailments. Our ADA-compliant wheelchair and access ramps feature modular components that bolt together. The solution eliminates custom fabrication, code compliance issues, and time-consuming engineering while reducing costs, installation time, and complexity. Weather-resistant aluminum can be reconfigured to adapt to changing applications or remobilizations, ensuring the industry’s longest service life. The APEX System is a line of integrated access products that can be configured to meet the most challenging applications. View our wheelchair ramp installations The fact that wheelchair ramps encourage inclusivity is one of its main advantages. People with disabilities can participate in activities and events that they might not otherwise be able to attend by providing wheelchair ramps in public areas. This could be visiting friends, shopping, attending a show or athletic event, or attending class. People with disabilities feel more at home, have more independence, and value themselves more when allowed to enter public spaces. Moreover, wheelchair ramps increase safety. Without a ramp, those in wheelchairs may have to travel across steep or uneven ground, increasing the risk of accidents and injury. People with mobility issues can enter public areas and move around more safely, thanks to wheelchair ramps. Wheelchair ramps also increase the number of clients or guests in shops and public places. For instance, a restaurant’s revenue will increase if it features a wheelchair ramp that attracts people in wheelchairs. Similarly, more people can visit parks if they have wheelchair ramps, which will promote tourism and benefit the neighborhood’s economy. In summary, wheelchair ramps enhance inclusivity and accessibility in public spaces. They promote inclusivity, make traveling easier and safer for those with disabilities, and generate income for local companies and the community. No matter how physically disabled someone is, society must ensure that public spaces are accessible to all. 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
Avoiding Falls, Trips, and Slips in the Workplace 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. Feb 01, 2022 Estimated reading time: 3 minutes According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), slips, trips, and falls inflict 700 fatal injuries and many more accidents in the workplace each year. While mishaps can occur in any setting, managers can avoid these workplace accidents by taking the necessary measures, detecting dangers, and training their personnel. Here are some workplace safety tips to help you avoid slips, trips, and falls: Make Walkways and Work Areas Free of Obstructions The best way to avoid slips, trips, and falls in the workplace is to make sure everyone on your team cleans up the places where they walk and work. Maintain a clutter-free workplace by encouraging staff to “clean as they go” and reminding them not to obstruct heavily used areas with garbage, cables, or equipment. Preparing for Bad Weather Conditions Weather can lead to a higher risk of workplace accidents, such as slips and falls, because water and ice can make paths slippery. Check to see if your business, firm, or building has measures in place to cope with bad weather in a safe manner. In winter conditions, make sure to spread salt, especially in high-traffic areas such as the entry and parking areas. In rainy and snowy circumstances, lay mats at the door and consider installing fans to prevent slick patches at the entry. Most of us are aware that items like salt and doormats may help prevent slip, trip, and fall dangers, but not every company has someone whose job it is to ensure that these measures are followed. Assigning these activities to a single individual will guarantee that these tasks are completed when conditions are less risky. Require Workers to Wear Appropriate Shoes Adequate footwear may go far toward keeping employees safe in the workplace. Ensure your staff understands what kind of shoes are appropriate for your workplace. In general, shoes with soft rubber soles are preferable for reducing the risk of workplace falls. Encourage employees to wipe their shoes on a rug when coming in from wet, rainy, or snowy circumstances and keep their shoes clean to regain traction. Recognize hazards and utilize warning signages to alert employees Trip risks exist in any environment, no matter how skillfully or properly it has been built. Identifying trip risks and putting up prominent signages can assist in reducing the likelihood of slip, trip, and fall occurrences near metal stairs and ramp landings. Curbs and paths with variations in height are two major workplace trip risks. Employers should educate workers to observe warnings when going past a danger by bright paint on the curb or signs that specify elevation changes. Fall protection is everyone’s business in the workplace setting, and everyone needs to do their share to maintain the safety of the workplace environment. News Active vs. Passive Fall Protection: Standing Within OSHA’s Hierarchy of Controls Read More » November 28, 2021 Tools & Resources Stair and Walk Surface Glossary of Terms Read More » December 1, 2022
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
Alternative to Precast Concrete 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. Oct 31, 2017 Estimated reading time: 3 minutes Precast concrete wheelchair ramps are commonly used because they are quicker to install than cast-in-place concrete ramps. While precast concrete can be a good choice for certain applications, it has drawbacks that could be avoided by using aluminum. A few of the drawbacks of precast concrete ramps are as follows: Site measurements must EXACT. Precast concrete wheelchair ramps are poured into the mold off-site and then transported to the construction site, so the site measurements need to be exact. Taking perfect measurements doesn’t sound difficult, but construction sites often experience obstacles, and door threshold heights can change unexpectedly. That means that if the measurements for the ramp were taken before the door threshold height changed, the measurements would be wrong, and the ramp would no longer fit the application. Installation requires rental equipment. Precast concrete wheelchair ramps have a shorter installation time than cast-in-place ramps, but precast concrete structures weigh about 150 lbs. per cubic foot which means that special equipment is required to move the sections. Concrete is prone to cracks. Concrete’s tensile strength is relatively low compared to other materials, which means it is susceptible to cracks. Common types of cracks are settlement cracks and shrinkage cracks. Settlement cracks occur when the building and the wheelchair ramp drop below their original placement height. Shrinkage cracks develop when the concrete is restrained as it dries and shrinks. If the precast for the ramp constrains it while it’s drying, then it is more likely to crack. The best alternative material to precast concrete is aluminum. Why? Installation flexibility. Aluminum wheelchair ramps are built offsite, which means that height measurements are needed to begin production. However, there is a range of installation flexibility with aluminum; the aluminum platform legs typically have about 4 inches of adjustability in case the threshold height ends up being a little different than the original measurements. No special equipment for installation. Because aluminum is lightweight, a wheelchair ramp can usually be installed by hand within a day; no heavy installation equipment is required to install the product. High corrosion resistance. Aluminum has a high tensile strength which means that it won’t crack. It also will never rust or warp. Concrete, along with every other ramp material, experiences at least one of these types of corrosion. While aluminum may be a little more expensive initially, it will remain intact for longer. As you can see in the photo above, there is a set of precast concrete steps next to an aluminum wheelchair ramp. The steps have cracks and rust from the handrails while the aluminum is still in good condition. It might be worth it to consider aluminum for more permanent ramp applications. Related Articles: How to Measure for a Wheelchair Ramp Ramps 6 Benefits of Modular Aluminum Wheelchair Ramps Read More » February 9, 2024 Ramps Wood vs. Aluminum Ramps Read More » February 5, 2024
