Handicap-accessible Ramps

observed

Greetings folks: I came to understand today that a home I am estimating is wanting a quote that includes the 32 ft of handicap accessible ramp, as well as wood stairs that have been built over concrete steps to make allowance for the rise of the porch to accomodate the ramp. Unlike a deck, the ramp has a treated plywood service, with an exterior rug nailed to it.

Would you approach this similarly to deck work, instead lifting the rug, removing it and reapplying (if possible) when completed? For the most part, the treated wood seems in fair condition, and a coat of something would do it well, including the plywood. I am hesitant to suggest one would not lift the rug because this is the Midwest...lots of moisture (just got over a flood just down the hill) and humidity...so a rug would seemingly set up its own issues.

Suggestions? Suggestions for approach to estimating the steps?

TIA

Dan_Watson

You are a painter. My suggestion is to hire a contractor that does decks.

neolitic

Ho there big fella!
I believe he's painting/staining
an existing structure.

And yes by all means pull the carpet
and put some oil stain on.

__________________
Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)

Dan_Watson

Well in that case, be careful that whatever you do does not affect the traction of the ramp.

observed

Thanks guys for the input!

The ramp was for a family member who has passed away, but the remaining adults are are of those years where such a ramp may prove helpful before too long. So I want to help them preserve the ramp. My sense is that exterior carpet is tacked/stapled down, and so I am hoping popping it off can be done fairly easy without critical damage to the carpet. If it can, then I definitely want to lift it and get the wood protected (carpet extends to about 4 inches from edge of sheeting). If not, that's an added cost for the homeowner for which I want to be sure he is prepared. I do want to be sure to preserve the traction of the ramp as mentioned.

Need to figure out what this looks like in labor... Thanks!

DavidC

My best guess is that the carpet is causing more problems than it's helping by holding moisture next to the plywood. I'd remove and be prepared for the discovered defects.

For traction we have used a stick on strip and a traction sand additive to the paint. Both should be available at your paint or hardware supplier. The additive is probably easiest/quickest method.

Good Luck
Dave

__________________
www.CookContractingLLC.com

observed

Thank you Dave! Interesting answer to which I hadn't given any thought. I like the approach, because my sense of carpet on sheeting outside is just that...holding moisture against the wood. I'll be sure to talk this over with HO.

neolitic

I had one with carpet stapled to
raw OSB for my old dog.
It was outside for two years, rain,
snow...
When I took it apart I was surprised
to find the OSB was still in fine shape.
Better than sub-floors that only get a
couple of rains before a house is dried-in.

__________________
Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)