FAQ frequently asked questions.
Please click on the questions below to learn more about each topic.
FAQ Understanding Which Ramp Will Work Best For Me?
 Safety
- The surface of the ramp is critical for your safety. Our ramp systems provide a textured nonskid surface for your stability and well being. The highly textured and open pattern of our steel ramp surfaces allow the snow and ice to pass through giving you confidence when navigating in bad weather. Our aluminum ramps are designed with serrated surfaces that allow moisture to run off readily and provide a nonskid surface. Wood ramps get slippery when wet and cause slivers in the hands and feet when the ramp is dry. Concrete is slippery when it is wet or snow covered.
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| Wood |
Concrete |
Aluminum |
Steel |
| Slippery |
Slippery |
Best |
Best |
 Cost
- Steel and aluminum are the lowest in cost. Wood requires a permit, generally raises your tax liability, is expensive to install when done by a contractor and requires yearly maintenance. Concrete requires a permit, is expensive and generally raises tax liability. Steel and aluminum do not require permits, do not impact tax liability, and can be installed and uninstalled in as little as one day.
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| Wood |
Concrete |
Aluminum |
Steel |
| Medium |
Highest |
Low |
Low |
 Maintenance
- Wood rots and needs to be sealed yearly. Steel requires touch up if paint is chipped. Aluminum and concrete require virtually no maintenance.
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| Wood |
Concrete |
Aluminum |
Steel |
| Worst |
Very Good |
Best |
Good |
 Appearance
- Steel may compliment the light fixtures of the home, aluminum is a neutral color and goes with any decor, wood can be matched to an existing deck and concrete is agreeable with the existing drive or walk.
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| Wood |
Concrete |
Aluminum |
Steel |
| Good |
Good |
Good |
Good |
 Can I Rent
Ramps should always be rented until it is established that they will be required on a permanent basis. Ramps can be rented for as little as one day or for as long as desired. Ramps can be rented for visiting out of town guests, graduations, parties, weddings and all events that friends and family may need the consideration for safe and easy access to the event and home.
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| Wood |
Concrete |
Aluminum |
Steel |
| No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
 Who will measure the ramp for me?
- Our trained professionals will visit your home and provide a free estimate of your ramp needs. Our ramps are ADA compliant. Wood and concrete ramps built by unlicensed contractors may not be ADA compliant and can create a hazard and dangerous situation for the home owner.
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| Wood |
Concrete |
Aluminum |
Steel |
| No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
 If I move can I take my ramp with me?
Aluminum and steel ramps can be moved with you to your new location. They can be reconfigured to adapt to your new home and situation very easily. Wood and concrete ramps are not designed to be moved and are considered permanent structures.
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| Wood |
Concrete |
Aluminum |
Steel |
| No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Resale value of my ramp
- Aluminum and steel ramps can be sold when no longer needed.
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| Wood |
Concrete |
Aluminum |
Steel |
| No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
 How fast can I get my ramp?
Aluminum and steel ramps can be made available in as little as a day. Wood and concrete installation are dependent on contractor availability.
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| Wood |
Concrete |
Aluminum |
Steel |
| Weeks |
Months |
Days |
Days |
 Do I need building permits?
Aluminum and steel ramps are classified as durable medical equipment and do not require permits. Wood and concrete ramps require permits because they are attached to the home and therefore are considered permanent.
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| Wood |
Concrete |
Aluminum |
Steel |
| Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
 Do I need to excavate my property to install a ramp?
Aluminum and steel ramps require no excavation of your property. Wood ramps require excavation for framing and support posts. Concrete requires extensive excavation for base material and metal reinforcement of concrete to keep it from cracking.
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| Wood |
Concrete |
Aluminum |
Steel |
| Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
Will my taxes go up when the ramp is installed?
Wood and concrete ramps require permits and therefore property reassessment would be necessary.
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| Wood |
Concrete |
Aluminum |
Steel |
| Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
If I decide to sell my home how easy is it to remove the ramp?
Aluminum and steel ramps can be removed within days of notification. Wood and concrete ramps require removal and disposal of the material often requiring heavy equipment, rental of dumpster and repair to the lawn and shrubbery.
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| Wood |
Concrete |
Aluminum |
Steel |
| Difficult |
Very difficult |
Easy |
Easy |
Will my property be devalued?
Permanent structures such as wood and concrete ramps are costly to remove. If they are not removed when your home is put up for sale it may affect the curb appeal of your home and possibly the price. Steel and aluminum can be removed within hours and do not affect the value of your home.
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| Wood |
Concrete |
Aluminum |
Steel |
| Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
 If I move or change my wheelchair after installing the ramp can I still use my ramp?
Yes. We will move your steel or aluminum ramp with you and customize it to your new location. Wood and concrete ramps cannot be relocated and are costly to reconfigure.
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| Wood |
Concrete |
Aluminum |
Steel |
| No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
 Who needs a ramp?
Anyone who has a friend, neighbor, parents, grandparents or child with compromised mobility could benefit from the use of a ramp. Often a ramp is considered a negative necessity. Ramps are in fact a wonderful opportunity to enable the mobility of our neighbors, family and friends. When people know that they can access a business, home or event utilizing a ramp they are much more likely to participate socially thus staying engaged and healthy. No one wants to be dependent on those around them. Our independence is crucial to our well being. Ramps for our homes and businesses are a vital step in keeping anyone who is temporarily or permanently disabled active and mobile. Our trained professionals can assess your home to ensure that those you love have access to your home at minimal cost. Portable ramps are available as well as threshold ramps to make your home user friendly for your loved ones and friends when they visit. They can be stored away conveniently until the next visit. Your thoughtfulness and consideration in reducing trip hazards in your home and business also reduces your liability for injury.
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