Commercial and industrial property managers understand the significance of having ADA-compliant aluminum handicap ramps. REDD Team designs and manufactures quality aluminum accessibility products for commercial, industrial, military, and municipal facilities. We meet our clients’ needs by offering customized access solutions to fit their specific needs. In addition, our products are incredibly safe for all users.
Winterizing Aluminum Access Ramps
One of the biggest challenges commercial and industrial facilities owners experience is winterizing handicap ramps. During winter, your aluminum handicap ramp may become slippery. However, you can use the following tips to winterize your handicap ramps to prevent slips and falls.
Try to apply sand to the ramp surface to enhance traction. Like roads, ramps become less slippery if you apply a thin layer of sand on their surfaces. The main drawback of this strategy is it may force you to kick off the dust before you enter the facility.
Another tip for winterizing aluminum access ramps is to sweep with a broom. A common practice for many people during winter is clearing their access areas of snow using a shovel, and the downside is that the shovel may damage your handicap ramp with time. To avoid this, try to clear the snow using a broom to prevent nicks and bumps on the surface of your access ramp.
Place rubber mats on top of your aluminum ramp to increase traction. One of the advantages of this strategy is it makes it easier for you to remove snow off your ramp because rubber mats can easily be picked up and shaken off.
If you do not have a budget for ramp winterization, consider using heated pads or tape to melt the snow on your handicap ramp. The heated pads can be installed along the seams of your handicap ramp to melt the snow off the ramp. Once you install the heated pads, you will not have to do anything to keep the snow off your ramp. This is probably the most maintenance-free strategy for winterizing your handicap ramp. However, using this strategy may lead to higher energy bills.
Chemical Products to Avoid Using on Your Ramp
Some people winterize their handicap ramps by applying specific chemical products to their access ramps to melt snow and ice. Chemicals that melt snow include rock salt, magnesium chloride, and anti-freeze.
It is advisable to avoid using these chemicals on your handicap ramps. Although REDD Team aluminum products are designed for saline environments, prolonged exposure to chemicals may damage your handicap ramp.
Contrary to the common misconception, anti-freeze will not winterize your handicap ramp; it will not prevent snow from accumulating on your handicap ramp. Instead, anti-freeze will cause your ramp to become slippery, which increases the possibility of slips and falls. Adding sodium chloride to the surface of your handicap ramp can cause it to rust, and magnesium chloride can have a similar effect on your aluminum handicap ramp.
Avoid using snow shovels on your handicap ramp. It may scratch the ramp surface and cause water and other liquids to penetrate through your ramp, affecting its durability and slip resistance.
Some people apply glue or anti-slip strips on their handicap ramps to prevent snow from accumulating. This strategy is not recommended because the glue may stick to the ramp surface affecting its traction and appearance. In addition, some glue may not stick to the surface of the ramp when wet. Also, anti-slip strips may leave unsightly marks on the ramp surface once removed after the winter season.
REDD Team handicap ramps are premium quality aluminum, making them highly durable and robust. In addition, they are maintenance-free; the ramps do not rust or deteriorate when exposed to the elements.
Our aluminum handicap ramps are ADA compliant and combine strength, durability, and sustainability. Visit the REDD Team website today to order.
