Handicap ramps for schools are obviously a must across the country in order to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If your ramps aren’t in total compliance with the ADA, you could be subject to fines or legal action – either scenario can have severe financial consequences. But when you partner with REDD Team, we’ll make sure your ramps are not only compliant, but also reliable, sturdy and very affordable.
What Makes Our Ramps So Strong?
We make our ramps out of aluminum, a material that’s much stronger than you may assume. REDD Team aluminum contains special alloys that make them just as strong as steel, and keep them free of rust and corrosion. These are the same alloys used in a wide range of aluminum products used in buildings around the world.
Comparing Aluminum to Wood, Concrete and Steel
You can find a lot of different types of ramps, of course. You’ve probably seen stairs, walkways and wheelchair ramps made from concrete, steel and wood, as well as aluminum. But when you compare all of these materials with aluminum, you’ll quickly see that aluminum is the clear winner.
Aluminum Vs. Steel
Take steel, for instance. It’s a strong, tough material – there’s a reason things are often referred to as being “as strong as steel.” But as reliable as steel is, it still has many disadvantages. One of the biggest drawbacks is weight. Steel weighs a lot more than aluminum, making it a lot more expensive to ship. But companies that sell steel accessibilities don’t bear the cost – their customers do.
Have you ever seen a rusted out bicycle or car? There’s a good chance they were made of steel. Steel corrodes over time unless is has a special coating, or unless it’s painted. Aluminum, on the other hand, won’t degrade. Steel can also be extremely slippery. In order to keep that from happening, manufacturers have to add expensive non-slip coatings.
Aluminum Vs. Concrete
Concrete is also a very tough material, but it also has its limitations. An aluminum ramp is fast and easy to install. Concrete, on the other hand, is extremely time-consuming. You may also find that you’ll need to move or reconfigure your ramp in the future. If you had an aluminum ramp, it would take no time at all. If it were made of concrete, however, you’d need to demolish it and build a new one.
Aluminum Vs. Wood
Wood is beautiful and doesn’t cost a whole lot of money. But while you might be saving money, you’ll be sacrificing quality and durability. Wheelchair ramps made of wood can warp or splinter unless they’re regularly sealed or varnished. Aluminum ramps will always keep their shape, and they require little to no maintenance.
As you can see, when you put together all the advantages and disadvantages of the various materials that go into making wheelchair ramps, there really is no comparison. Aluminum will always be the clear choice. Not only is it strong and moisture resistant, it’s also hassle-free. Your workers will have an easy time installing your ramps because they won’t require any spot welding.
Ready for More Information?
If you’d like to learn more about REDD Team handicap ramps for schools or anything else we offer, we’d love to hear from you. Call (800) 648-3696 or contact us online.
