Winter Maintenance Tips for Wheelchair Ramps & Installation
Posted on by Eric Rubel
Aluminum wheelchair ramps offer a quick & easy way to make a home accessible. These types of ramps can be used and installed year-round, with proper care & maintenance during winter weather months. If you’re in need of wheelchair ramp, there’s no need to wait for spring to have one installed!
Key Takeaways:
- Clear snow & ice - Keep the ramping, platform, and nearby pathways clear of snow and ice to ensure safe use of the ramp
- Use materials safe for aluminum - Use equipment (i.e. plastic shovel rather than metal) and salt that is safe to use on aluminum surfaces to prevent any damage to your ramp
- Winter ramp installations are possible as aluminum wheelchair ramps can be safely installed year-round and are designed to resist rust an corrosion, which is perfect for areas with harsh winters.
How to Winterize Your Wheelchair Ramp - 7 Tips
Those with limited mobility should always exercise caution during the winter months as cold weather, snow, and ice can pose serious safety and fall risks. Below are some tips to make it easier and safer to use an aluminum wheelchair ramp throughout the winter in cold climate regions.
- Keep your wheelchair ramp clear of snow, sleet, and ice by using a plastic snow shovel or thick bristled push broom. You'll also want to clear platforms, porches, driveways & entry and exit pathways to ensure safe access to the ramp. Avoid using metal shovels that can scratch or dent the aluminum surface of a ramp.
- Apply non-corrosive ice melt for aluminum wheelchair ramps to to prevent ice build up on your wheelchair ramp. If you are unsure if an ice melt is corrosive, select a formula that is safe for pets. This type of solution is gentle on aluminum and will prevent it from corroding or damaging the surface. Rock salt should never be used!
- Keep an eye on handrails - the most obvious part of the wheelchair ramp to clean and keep free of snow and ice in the winter is the actual ramping. However, you'll also want to make sure the rails are still tightly secured. If the handrails start to become slippery, you can apply the same type of non-corrosive ice melt on the top of the rails to melt the ice.
- Utilize a rubber mat - consider putting down a rubber mat to improve traction. This can be helpful if walking on the ramp or using a wheelchair.
- Heating pads or heat tape - Placing heating pads underneath the mats, or installing heat tape along the seams of the ramp can help prevent ice from forming, and will also help melt snow off the ramp.
- Ensure proper lighting - It's important to have enough lighting for visibility during darker winter months. It will allow for safe use of the ramp, especially when navigating nearby areas that may be slippery.
- Look into "snow tires" for your wheelchair's wheels - There are some companies that offer traction wheelchair tires, also known as "snow tires" that can provide better tracking through snow and uneven surfaces. Adding these type of tires in the winter can help ensure a safe ride up and down your aluminum ramp in the winter.
Bonus Tip, if you've not yet purchased a wheelchair ramp, but are in need of one for your home:
- Consider powder coating as it will provide an extra layer of protection from corrosive materials, like ice melts. It also allows you to choose from a variety of colors including black, bronze, or tan. It may add to the price of the ramp, but the benefits of it are worth the cost! Something to think about when weighing the costs & benefits of standard aluminum wheelchair ramps vs powder coating aluminum wheelchair ramps, especially in colder climate regions.
Ice Melting Chemical & Equipment to Avoid Using on Aluminum Wheelchair Ramps
To help extend the life, quality and look of an aluminum wheelchair ramp, it is strongly recommended to avoid using the following chemical products & equipment to melt away snow and ice:
- Rock salt (sodium chloride): This popular de-icer for roads can cause the aluminum parts to rust, weaken or corrode.
- Antifreeze: Not only dangerous and slippery when applied, it simply doesn’t work. Stick to only applying it to cars.
- Metal snow shovels: May scratch the surface of the ramp and allow water or other substances to penetrate the material, which may weaken the ramp’s structural integrity.
- Adhesive texture/anti-slip strips: Any kind of glue may become permanent, and during warm summer months, the glue will show and the ramp will flat out look bad. Anti-slip strips simply can’t take cold weather and their stickiness does not last when wet. These may also leave behind undesirable marks when peeled back after the winter season.
Can Aluminum Wheelchair Ramps be Installed in the Winter?
Unlike wooden ramps, aluminum wheelchair ramps do not require concrete footers to be poured for installation. Their adjustable legs sit securely on large foot plates that provide a substantial base and sit on top of the surface. So yes, aluminum wheelchair ramps can can be installed even when the ground is frozen.
During the winter season, a semi-permanent aluminum wheelchair ramp may be the best option to provide safe access to the entrance of your home. Aluminum ramps are typically maintenance-free, offer built in treads for better traction, and do not rust when exposed to the outdoor winter elements. They also do not expand or warp like wood ramps can during winter months.
Like any ramp surface, aluminum can still become slippery when covered with snow or ice. However, since the surface is extruded, aluminum wheelchair ramps have superior traction to wooden ramps when wet. Should an aluminum ramp settle between winter and spring, all it takes to level the ramp is a socket wrench.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the snow, ice, or cold temperatures prevent you from using your aluminum wheelchair ramp or have one professionally installed during the winter season! By following the maintenance tips outlined in this article, you can ensure safe use of your ramp throughout the winter and enjoy peace of mind.
Lifeway Mobility offers aluminum wheelchair ramps for purchase and rental that can be professionally installed by our trained & certified technicians year-round.
Contact us for more information about wheelchair ramps or to set up a free consultation.
Additional Wheelchair Ramp Resources:
- How Much Does a Wheelchair Ramp Cost?
- Ultimate Wheelchair Ramp Guide
- Wheelchair Ramp Reviews
- Winterizing a Wheelchair Lift