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WELCOMEA Webinar Series

Sponsored by the

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Webcast #6 What’s So Hard About Building a Ramp?

With

Amy McGrath, Movin’ Out, Inc. and

Tom Hirsch, AIA

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What’s So Hard About Building a Ramp?

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It requires attention to:

Needs of the Person

Assessment of their Situation

Planning

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It requires input from others who do:

Design Zoning/Building Permits Construction Contracting

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It requires answers to: Do you have a plan? Do you have the financing you’ll need? Do you have drawings/specifications

that will work for the person? Do you have a building permit? Do you have a contractor? Have you signed a contract with the

builder that includes information on costs, time, materials and specifications?

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It requires assessment of:(The home modifications trinity)

Public Scrutiny

Financially Sound High Quality

Will it pass the test?

Is it a good investment? Does it meet minimum standards?

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So, you (still) want to build a ramp?What you will need to know…

and some things to avoid.

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Ramps provide no-step transition between 2 levels

• “Rise = vertical distance to overcome

• “Run” = horizontal distance over which the rise occurs

• Ratio of Rise / Run = “Slope” referred to as 1:12, 1 in 12, 1 inch per foot

• Building Code term “Ramp” means any pathway greater than 1:20 slope, and which may not exceed 1:12.

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Required elements of a ramp[ Sec 405, ANSI A117.1-2003 ]

• Landings at both top and bottom

• Cross Slope

• Floor surfaces

• Clear Width

• Maximum Rise

• Handrails

• Edge protection

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Required elements of a ramp[ Sec 405, ANSI A117.1-2003 ]

• Landings at both top and bottom - 60” in direction of travel

• Cross Slope max of 1:48

• Floor surfaces - Non-slip & self draining

• Clear Width of at least 36” (measured between handrails)

• Maximum Rise of 30”

• Handrails - 34-38” AFF & grasp-able [see Sec 505 ]

• Edge protection within 4” of the floor

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Alternatives to ramps:Match the exterior approach and the first floor

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Alternatives to ramps:Match the exterior approach and the first floor:

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Alternatives to ramps:Match the exterior approach and the first floor:

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Alternatives to ramps:Inclined walk

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ConstructionIn existing homes, overcoming 16-24”

rise is common, so planning is important

· How steep a ramp can the user handle?

· Location: zoning setbacks may apply and generally do if there is a roof

· Layout: single or multiple runs

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ConstructionFrost protection to prevent heaving

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ConstructionEvery run requires a landing, top & bottom.

Treated lumber must be used for exterior, wooden ramps.

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Non-slip surface

3/8” gaps are the maximum allowed to prevent wheelchair wheels from engaging the openings

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Non-Slip Surface

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The Finished ProductUseable… and safe!

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Other Finished Products Useable ... and safe!

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Other Finished Products

Inside matches the Outside

Not useable…or safe

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Other Finished Products

Neither useable ... or

safe!

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Other Finished Products

Neither useable …or safe

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Other Finished ProductsNeither useable … or safe!

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Like all Other Home Modifications…

Safe

Appropriate for and useable by the person its built for

A good investment and a responsible use of funds

A ramp needs to be:

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Thank You

Thank you for participating in the Home Modifications Webinar series.

If you missed any webcasts or want to revisit them, the power point presentations can be found on the Movin’

Out, Inc. website at www.movin-out.org (An electronic guide will also be available on the site within the next month, after receiving feedback and compiling all questions asked during the series.)

The recorded presentations are available through the DHS archived webcasts site at http://media1.wi.gov/dhfs/catalog/

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FeedbackWebinar Series Feedback

Please send your feedbackregarding the webinar series toinfo@movin-out.org

Such as things you wish had been covered but weren’t, things that were covered that you wish hadn’t been, webcasts you would like in the future regarding housing (or

other topics), whether or not the series was worth your time additional questions you would like answered

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Credits Webinar Series developed and coordinated by Movin’ Out, Inc.

Movin’ Out is a statewide housing agency that works with people with disabilities to develop solutions to their short and long term housing needs. Contact information at www.movin-out.org

Presenters: Movin’ Out staff: Amy McGrath, Howard Mandeville, David

Porterfield Sam Breidenbach, TDS Custom Construction Jim Gormley, Attorney, Foley and Lardner, LLP Tom Hirsch, AIA, Hirsch Group, LLC Larry Taff, CR, GCP, CAPS General Contractor, TZ of Madison,

Inc. Matt Tucker, Zoning Administrator, City of Madison Mike Van Erem, Plan Review Specialist, City of Madison