3 Ways to Buy ADA Railing
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is designed to protect individuals with disabilities in many areas of life. One way in which this act protects these individuals is by requiring a specific style of handrail to assist in gaining access to public buildings. This may mean that you find yourself needing to design, purchase and install an appropriate railing for your building. But how do you do this?
Working through the ADA code to find out what railing you need can be difficult. You may be able to navigate this quickly or have a clear direction from the inspector. This doesn’t always happen.
We’ll review three different options that you can take advantage of to find the right railing that you need to help those with disabilities.
1. Design the Railing Yourself
The first option available to you is to design the system yourself. If you’re familiar with the ADA code requirements, then this is as simple as laying out the railing that you need and reviewing our ADA handrail parts and components to find the ones that will work with your design. You can use our pipe, which is fully galvanized on the inside and outside, or you can use pipe that you find locally.
This option works great for the true DIYer and those that enjoy full control over their design. This will also let you take as much or as little time as you need to design and order the right solution.
However, keep in mind that you are taking on the responsibility of making sure that this is compliant with ADA and Local Building Code standards. Something else to be aware of is that this limits our specialists’ ability to help troubleshoot issues once you’ve begun installing the railing, as they do not know the design that you’ve created.
2. Pre-Designed ADA Kits
Another way for you to find the right solution is by utilizing pre-designed ADA handrail kits. This is the most straightforward option. Review our kits and match the design to what you are looking for. You have the capability to customize the length and choose a powder-coating paint color. The simplicity of this option is also the thing you need to be cautious of. Kits are different from a tailor-made option and do not have the same on-site flexibility if obstacles suddenly arise. The right kits, like the ones sold on our site, will allow you to order additional components to make those changes. Also, make sure that the kit you are purchasing shows or states that it will work in your application. For example, some kits are designed to work on stairs, but not on ramps.
If you know what you’re looking for and you want to get something done quickly, then this is a good option for you.
3. Specialist Assisted Design
The final option is using a specialist to help you design your ADA handrail system. This will give you the best chance to make sure that your system is both compliant with applicable codes, like ADA, and designed to suit your specific needs.
The process is simple. Connect with one of our specialists and send them drawings, photos, plans, and any other applicable information related to your project. They will guide you in the right direction and help put together a list of materials that you will need to complete the project. The specialists will also be available to help you or your contractor during installation.
This option may take a little longer to finish, but you will have the confidence at the end of the day that it was done right.
If you’re still not sure which option is best for you or you’re ready to get your project started, then reach out to one of our specialists today and we’ll be happy to help.
