LVMC Decks Advises Accessible Ramp Planning Before Winter Snow and Ice

NAZARETH, PA – October 30, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –

As winter approaches in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, LVMC Decks is highlighting the importance of planning wheelchair ramp access before snow and ice create additional challenges. The deck builder serves the Lehigh Valley and Poconos and includes wheelchair ramps among its services.

Freezing temperatures can make travel between a home and a parked vehicle more difficult for people who rely on accessible ramps. Reviewing the entire route before winter weather arrives can help homeowners identify potential problems with slope, drainage, surface conditions, and snow removal.

Planning starts with the route a person uses every day. A ramp at a rarely used door may not help someone who regularly leaves through another entrance. Similarly, a path that ends before reaching the parking area leaves another section to navigate. Homeowners should identify the entrance in regular use, where vehicles stop, the mobility equipment involved, and the space required for approaching and turning.

The distance between the entrance and driveway is only one factor. Threshold height, property slope, and available space beside the home all affect whether a straight ramp is practical. Steps, planting beds, retaining walls, walkways, and door swings can also restrict placement. Measuring these features before choosing a layout helps identify potential problems early.

Landings at the top and bottom require careful consideration. Users need enough room to approach the ramp, open the door, and turn safely where the route changes direction. The U.S. Access Board’s ramp guidance addresses landings, doorway clearances, handrails, edge protection, and drainage for facilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These provisions do not automatically apply to every private residential project, so homeowners must consider the applicable local requirements and the needs of the person using the ramp.

Drainage also affects ramp placement. Downspouts, roof runoff, and low areas near the ground-level landing can leave parts of the route wet. When temperatures fall below freezing, these areas may become slippery. The Access Board’s guidance addresses drainage on landings exposed to wet conditions. At residential properties, evaluating runoff alongside the proposed layout can help identify areas that need attention.

Snow removal is another practical consideration. Homeowners need a way to clear the entire route, space to place removed snow, and access around gates, turns, and landscaping features. A covered section or a different surface may affect exposure to winter weather, but neither eliminates the need for regular inspections and snow removal.

Surface selection should reflect the mobility equipment and the person using the ramp. Traction can change when a surface becomes wet, frosty, or snow-covered, and wear can affect its condition over time. The connection to the existing entrance also matters. Doors need sufficient clearance above the landing, while transitions between the threshold, ramp, and adjoining path should allow a continuous route.

An existing porch or deck introduces additional considerations, including its structural condition and height above the ground. The proposed ramp must account for the entrance, supporting structure, and surrounding grade rather than treating the edge of an existing deck as the only starting point. Site measurements and a review of local requirements are necessary before determining an appropriate design or construction schedule.

Homeowners planning an accessible entrance can begin by documenting the existing route, measuring threshold heights, and identifying drainage and snow-removal challenges before discussing design options.

###

For more information about LVMC Decks, contact the company here:

LVMC Decks – East Stroudsburg
Blaize Boell
+12677628717
info@lvmcdecks.com
138 N New St, Nazareth, PA 18064, United States

Media gallery