The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services has multiple rules for buildings to follow to comply with ADA standards. Part of these rules involves working with building access ramps. Montgomery County, MD, requires buildings to use these ramps to make their spaces more accessible. REDD Team can help you get new ramps ready for your Montgomery County location if you need them.
We can create new ramps that comply with many different operating rules. Here’s a closer look at what we can do for your ramps.
Slope Standard
While a typical walking surface in Montgomery County can have a slope of up to 1:20, a ramp in the same area can only have a slope of 1:12. The steeper slope is necessary for overcoming steps and other rises. Still, the measurement means you’ll require plenty of space to ensure the ramp is functional.
REDD Team can prepare an access ramp for your location within Montgomery County standards. We understand that each location is unique, and we can design an ADA-compliant ramp based on its height and the space available for the work. A 1:12 slope will be suitable in most situations, but the county also allows a 1:10 slope if the rise is six inches or less.
Sizing the Ramp
While your ramp needs to adhere to slope standards, you might need to create a turn midway through the ramp to ensure it still fits in the space. A ramp turn will be necessary in cases where the ramp either needs to be secured in a tight spot or the total rise is greater than 30 inches.
For this situation, we can install a landing at the spot where the ramp changes direction. The landing must be 60 inches on each side.
The standard will be different for cases where a 180-degree turn is necessary. If the ramp is at least 36 inches wide, the landing can be 60 inches deep. If the ramp is 42 inches wide or greater, the landing can be shorter at 48 inches deep.
Don’t Forget the Handrails
Handrails are a crucial component of a functional ramp, and REDD Team is ready to assist you in their installation. These rails should be positioned on the sides of the ramp to provide users with a secure grip, regardless of whether the ramp is adjacent to a wall. Our team will ensure that the handrails are at the appropriate height, ranging from 34 to 38 inches, depending on their elevation above the ramp’s surface.
The handrails must also be at least 34 to 38 inches high, based on how high they go over the surface of the ramp.
These rails are also needed for ramps with a rise of at least six inches. Anything with a shorter rise won’t require handrails, although you can always get those ready if you want. In this situation, the rails will still have to be 34 to 38 inches high.
The rules for getting ADA-compliant building access ramps for schools in Montgomery County are extensive, but we’ll ensure your ramp meets all standards. Our experts at REDD Team will be there to serve you and ensure everything works for your needs. You can rest assured that we will guide you through the process and make it as smooth as possible. Contact us at 800-648-3696 or our website to schedule a consultation for services.
