DIY Security Systems
A curb ramp is applied for security measures. It allows everyone to have easy access from the road to the sidewalk. At home, you need a curb ramp for your vehicles to run its wheels going to the driveway or the garage. It is also a big help for people with mobility restrictions. It will be easy for them to roll their wheelchairs, or to step with their crutches. So, for safety purposes, you need to know how to build some safety products like the curb ramp.
Purpose of Curb Ramps
When talking about ramps or curb ramp, you would always think of it as something to use by vehicles to smoothly run the wheels. While it is true that it is for that purpose, it can also be an excellent safety apparatus. Most homeowners believe that the use of ramp instead of stairs is much safer for walking. But learning how to build a curb ramp by yourself can be difficult. So, if you want to build one, make sure you have mastered the steps. Otherwise, you will make it unsafe for everyone to use.
Building ramps can also provide a pathway for the elderly who are having difficulty with steps or stairs. It will be a good use for people in a wheelchair or on crutches. The curb ramp will allow them to get in and out of the house without the need for the family member to carry them.
Removable Curb Ramp
There are different ways to build a curb ramp. You can choose from concrete, wood, or steel. Concrete is inexpensive but permanent. If you decide to change it, it will be hard for you to remove it and replace it. The wooden curb ramp is movable. If you can learn how to build a curb ramp, you can make a wooden curb ramp that will fit between the ramp and the street. The steel curb ramp is durable, but it can be hard to install because of its weight.
With the increase of product innovation, it is not a surprise to know that there are ready-made curb ramps that you can buy in any hardware stores or online. These curb ramps vary in materials and quality. So, if you find it challenging to learn how to build a curb ramp, buying a ready-made one is more convenient to you. You just have to follow the installation instructions on the manual provided by the manufacturer, and you are set.
Building a Curb Ramp
One of the persons that can come up with a well-constructed curb is an engineer. They know how to build a curb ramp using equipment and illustrations. They make sure to measure everything. The width, length, and even the thickness of the ramp is measured. If you want to build a curb, you can go ahead and consult a professional. But it can be costly as you need to pay for their services. So, if you want just a simple curb ramp for safety measure, you can build and create your own.
Choosing the Ramp Slope
In learning how to build a curb ramp, you need to ensure that the ground has sufficient space. The length of the ramp should be dependent on the height of the ground level and the slope that you will choose. It should not be too steep as it will be dangerous for those that will use it. For safety reasons, a slope must be 1:8, that is 1-inch rise for every eight inches horizontally. If you are making a curb ramp from your house to the ground, the higher floor level, the longer your curb ramp will be. Let say if your floor is 9 inches from the ground, then you will have 72 inches curb ramp. In this way, it will be safe for everybody, especially if it is to be used by a person in a wheelchair.
Choosing for the right curb ramp materials
Some people choose a wooden ramp, but it can be slippery when it gets wet. But there are anti-slip paints available in the market to be used for your ramp. You can place a rubber mat over the wood, so it is easy for people with limited mobility to step or pass through.
A concrete ramp is always the most durable choice. Using the same measurement, you can make a molder for your ramp. Get any cement of your choice and mix it with other soil types. For some, they use sand to mix with cement. Once you have created the foundation, you can pour cement into it. Use a tamped finish in a herringbone type to make it slip-resistant.
Conclusion
Learning how to build a curb ramp is necessary, especially if it is to be used by one of the family members who has a mobility problem. This will be useful for those who have just recovered from a surgery or an elderly who is having difficulty walking. You also have to decide what materials to use, or if you want it permanent or temporary. Getting a professional to design the ramp can be costly. So, instead of hiring someone to design your curb ramp done, you can make or build it yourself. Here’s how to learn more about Driving Safety.