When snow arrives, accessibility shouldn't become a challenge. If you rely on a modular wheelchair ramp, proper winter maintenance keeps it safe and functional. The good news? Aluminum ramps like the PATHWAY® 3G are engineered for harsh winter conditions with minimal upkeep.
According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, and winter conditions significantly increase that risk. Your ramp improves accessibility, but only with proper winter care.
Why Aluminum Excels in Winter
Temperature Resilience: Aluminum doesn't expand, contract, or warp like concrete or wood through freeze-thaw cycles.
Built-In Traction: Extruded surfaces with raised ridges channel water away and provide grip when wet.
Corrosion Resistance: Unlike steel, which rusts when exposed to road salt, aluminum naturally resists corrosion.
Self-Draining Design: Expanded metal surface options let rain and melting snow pass through even more efficiently than our most popular, solid surface ramp systems, preventing puddles and ice buildup.
Snow Removal: Tools and Techniques
Never Use Metal Shovels: Metal tools can scratch and gouge aluminum surfaces, compromising the built-in traction that keeps users safe.
Use Plastic Shovels: Standard plastic shovels with smooth edges work perfectly. Push snow off rather than scraping aggressively. Work from top to bottom, clearing handrails first.
Try Stiff-Bristled Brooms: For light snow, thick-bristled push brooms are more effective than shovels and won't damage surfaces.
Clear Everything: Don't just clear the ramp surface. Clear platforms, landings, doorway areas, and the driveway where the ramp ends.
Time It Right: Clear snow immediately after it falls. Fresh powder is easier to remove than compressed or partially melted snow.
Ice Prevention and Removal
Choose the Right Ice Melt: Rock salt (sodium chloride) corrodes aluminum and is harmful to pets. Use magnesium chloride products labeled "safe for aluminum" or "pet-friendly."
Apply Preventatively: Apply ice melt before ice forms. If temperatures will drop overnight or rain precedes cold snaps, treat surfaces in advance.
Don't Overdo It: Follow package directions. Light, even coating works better than heavy piles.
Manual Ice Removal: If ice forms, apply ice melt and wait. Use plastic ice scrapers gently, letting chemicals do most of the work. Multiple applications beat aggressive scraping.
What to Avoid
Don't Use Hot Water: It refreezes quickly, creating more dangerous ice than you started with.
Avoid Abrasive Tools: Wire brushes and sandpaper can damage aluminum surfaces and remove protective finishes.
Don't Ignore Manufacturer Guidelines: Your ramp's care instructions are specific to its engineering.
Skip Sealing Products: Unlike wood ramps, aluminum doesn't need sealants. Coatings can interfere with traction properties.
Handrail Maintenance
Keep Rails Clear: Brush snow off handrails before clearing the ramp so users have a safe grip immediately.
Check Bolt Tightness: Cold causes metal to contract slightly. Check handrail mounting bolts on a regular basis with a socket wrench.
Treat Rails with Ice Melt: Apply the same pet-friendly ice melt to handrails. Icy rails are as dangerous as icy surfaces.
Extra Traction Solutions
Rubber Mats: Place outdoor-rated, rubber-backed mats on platforms where users transfer to doorways. Secure them to prevent slipping and remove periodically to clean underneath.
Improved Lighting: Motion-activated LED lights help users see ice patches, snow, and debris before stepping onto the ramp.
Inspection Checklist
Walk your ramp on a regular basis, checking for:
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Loose bolts or connections
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Settling of legs or posts
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Surface damage
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Pooling water or drainage issues
Clear debris from mesh openings and drainage channels. Check that platforms remain level.
Emergency Preparedness
Stock these supplies before winter:
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Plastic snow shovel
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Stiff-bristled push broom
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Two bags of aluminum-safe ice melt
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Flashlight or headlamp
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Emergency traction sand
Check forecasts daily. Pre-treat ramps before storms. Have backup access plans for extreme conditions.
When to Call Professionals
Contact professionals if your ramp:
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Shifts, settles significantly, or feels unstable
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Has chronic drainage issues despite proper maintenance
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Needs configuration changes for your specific situation
Winter wheelchair ramp maintenance is about consistency, not perfection. Applying preventative ice melt before ice forms, clearing ramp surfaces after each snowfall, and performing regular inspections will help keep your ramp safe through harsh winters.
The PATHWAY 3G and similar EZ-ACCESS® modular access systems feature corrosion-resistant materials and integrated traction designed for winter conditions. With proper maintenance, these ramps deliver reliable accessibility year-round.
Browse our complete selection at ezaccess.com or contact Customer Service for personalized winter maintenance recommendations.
Quick Takeaways
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Use plastic shovels and stiff-bristled brooms only to clear snow without damaging aluminum surfaces
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Apply magnesium chloride ice melt preventatively before storms rather than only after ice forms
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Check handrail mounting bolts regularly, as they're critical for safety and can loosen in cold weather
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Inspect drainage areas regularly to ensure water flows away properly instead of refreezing
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Never use metal tools, rock salt, or hot water, as these can damage aluminum or create more dangerous conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I clear snow from my wheelchair ramp? Clear the snow immediately after each snowfall. Fresh snow is easier to remove than compacted snow. Light dustings take minutes. During heavy storms, clear multiple times to prevent dangerous buildup.
Q: Can I use regular rock salt on my aluminum ramp? No, rock salt is corrosive to aluminum and damages surfaces and finishes over time. Use magnesium chloride-based products labeled safe for aluminum or pet-friendly formulas.
Q: Does snow fall through expanded metal surfaces? Fine snow falls through the diamond-shaped expanded metal surfaces, but accumulated or wet snow rests on top until cleared. The semi-open surface aids in drainage once the snow melts, which can help prevent puddles and ice formation.
Q: When do I need professional winter maintenance? Call professionals if the ramp feels unstable, has settled unevenly, shows structural damage, or has persistent drainage issues despite clearing debris.