FAQ
How much does the home evaluation cost?
The home evaluation service that Greater Houston Stair Lifts performs is free. We will assess your access options, demonstrate our sample ramping and consult with you on your needs at no charge. (There may be a charge for traveling to your location. If there is such a charge, you will be notified in advance.)
How much ramp do you recommend?
We always recommend that a ramp be built in compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). These are wheelchair ramps built to that specification, a 1:12 ratio, platforms for turning and resting, and handrails.
What if I want to have less ramping?
Less ramping could be used If space is limited, the user is very strong, a power wheelchair or scooter is used, or an able bodied assistant is at hand. For maximum safety, we always recommend following ADA guidelines.
We can adapt the ramp to your individual needs.
Will the ramp be too steep?
When we do the free home evaluation, we bring along a sample wheelchair ramp. You will be able to see how steep the ramp is at 1:12, 1:8, 2:12 and 3:12 slopes.
What does the Americans with Disabilities Act say about ramps
In part it reads:
4.8.2* Slope and Rise. The least possible slope shall be used for any ramp. The maximum slope of a ramp in new construction shall be 1:12. The maximum rise for any run shall be 30 in (760 mm). Curb ramps and ramps to be constructed on existing sites or in existing buildings or facilities may have slopes and rises as allowed in if space limitations prohibit the use of a 1:12 slope or less.
4.8.3 Clear Width. The minimum clear width of a ramp shall be 36 in (915 mm).
4.8.4* Landings. Ramps shall have level landings at bottom and top of each ramp and each ramp run. Landings shall have the following features:
(1) The landing shall be at least as wide as the ramp run leading to it.
(2) The landing length shall be a minimum of 60 in (1525 mm) clear.
(3) If ramps change direction at landings, the minimum landing size shall be 60 in by 60 in (1525 mm by 1525 mm).
(4) If a doorway is located at a landing, then the area in front of the doorway shall comply with
4.8.5* Handrails. If a ramp run has a rise greater than 6 in (150 mm) or a horizontal projection greater than 72 in (1830 mm), then it shall have handrails on both sides. Handrails are not required on curb ramps or adjacent to seating in assembly areas. Handrails shall comply with 4.26 and shall have the following features:
(1) Handrails shall be provided along both sides of ramp segments. The inside handrail on switchback or dogleg ramps shall always be continuous.
(2) If handrails are not continuous, they shall extend at least 12 in (305 mm) beyond the top and bottom of the ramp segment and shall be parallel with the floor or ground surface
(3) The clear space between the handrail and the wall shall be 1 – 1/2 in (38 mm).
(4) Gripping surfaces shall be continuous.
(5) Top of handrail gripping surfaces shall be mounted between 34 in and 38 in (865 mm and 965 mm) above ramp surfaces.
(6) Ends of handrails shall be either rounded or returned smoothly to floor, wall, or post.
(7) Handrails shall not rotate within their fittings.