Aluminum V Steel Wheelchair Ramps
Someone’s ramp may be their only means of coming and going from their own home. When looking to purchase a ramp, it is important to consider more than just the initial price. A ramp’s usability, safety, and maintenance needs are important factors. The material used is an important consideration, as rust or rot can penetrate and destroy the structure.
Aluminum
Steel
Does not rust
Rusts when protective coatings deteriorate
Lightweight
Very heavy
Lifetime warranty standard
Warranty rarely exceeds two years
Low maintenance
Requires frequent and expensive maintenance
Reusable and relocatable
Reuse may be prevented by age or corrosion
Why Material Matters
It is always important to consider how a material will interact with its environment. Wood and steel can last decades when protected from air and moisture, but when exposed to the elements, wood rots and steel rusts, leading to higher maintenance cost and lower longevity. Steel can be protected from rust with paint or powder coating, surface protection is an imperfect solution that will scratch and wear with normal use. Once a steel ramp’s surface is damaged, the metal underneath is exposed to the elements and begins to rust.
Rust is not only aesthetic issue but is also a structural concern. Steel is very strong when uncorroded, but rust has no structural value whatsoever. Rust is brittle, cracking under stress, chipping off on its own, and eventually even turning to dust. Rust might start small, but if unaddressed, it will penetrate deeper day by day, compromising more of the structure until addressed. Small aesthetic issues, over time, lead to substantial structural problems in steel ramps.
Cost and Value Overtime
For a steel ramp to last outdoors, frequent and expensive maintenance is strictly necessary. The entire surface must be regularly inspected. The paint or powder coating must be removed from the entire surrounding even if even minor damage is observed. Painting over surface damage without prepping the surface first risks trapping moisture inside rather than keeping it out. Particularly after rust has set in, this step is strictly necessary. Rust is not only brittle but also porous. It attracts and stores moisture, and painting over it guarantees the progression of the problem rather than mitigating the issue.
Aluminum, in contrast, is immune to water and the elements. When exposed to air and moisture, aluminum forms a protective layer on the surface. Unlike rust, aluminum oxide does not penetrate or compromise the structure. This gives aluminum a higher long-term value with negligible maintenance costs.
Ask Before You Buy
- What material is the ramp made from?
- What is the warranty?
- How is it protected from corrosion?
- What maintenance is required?
- Can it be expanded or relocated?
- Can the components be reused?
- Are removal or buyback options available?
- What happens when the ramp is no longer needed?
Let Access Elevator Help You Choose
Access Elevator, Inc. can evaluate your property, discuss your mobility needs and help you select an accessibility ramp designed for dependable daily use.
Ready to explore your options? Contact Access Elevator, Inc. today for a free evaluation.
Call: 1-844-455-4387
Request a Free Evaluation