If you have a home lift that was installed some time ago, the question could arise as to at what point will it need to be refurbished. For some, this will be a case of their lift looking dated and showing obvious signs that it has been well used.
Whilst improving the aesthetics of your residential lift might be a factor, there is an even greater need, which is to ensure the safety of everyone who uses the lift.
Whilst home lifts are inherently safe, and the risks of injury or death minuscule, the fact that they exist at all should give you enough reason to want to ensure that your lift is properly maintained, and when the time comes, for it to be refurbished.
Remember, your family are the ones who will doubtless be using the lift more than anyone else, so presumably you want them to be safe when they do so.
This is why a refurbishment of your residential lift may be in order, which brings us to outlining what some of the tell-tale signs are which indicate the time for that refurbishment has arrived. Here are the most common of those clues.
Unusual Noises
Apart from the low-volume whirring noises of the motor in the background, your home lift should operate extremely quietly. If you, and those using the lift, become aware of increasingly loud noises, then it could be the first signal that your lift is aging.
First, get any unusual noises checked by your lift maintenance company to rule out any serious faults. Thereafter, if the strange noises become louder and more frequent then it may be time to discuss having the lift refurbished.
Longer Wait Times
Whilst home lifts are not exactly built for speed, nor should they be operating at a snail’s pace.
If it is has become increasingly noticeable that your lift takes longer when called, it is moving slowly, or that the doors take longer to open and close, then it could be evidence of an aging home lift that needs to either be repaired or to be refurbished.
Lift Movements Becoming Jerky
You might experience unpleasant jerky movements in a home lift accompanied by strange noises. Further, jerky movements in a lift can cause those who are frail or unsteady on their feet to lose their balance and fall over.
Home lifts are designed to move smoothly and should stop at each floor by decelerating in such a way that you barely notice it. On the flip side, if your lift is jerking and stopping abruptly, it is a clue that is not all well.
Mid Levelling
Mid levelling is a term used to describe a lift carriage that does not stop level with the floor it arrives at. In effect, the floor of the lift will either be slightly above or slightly below the floor level when the doors open.
The risk is that someone entering or leaving the lift may trip as they do so. Mid-levelling indicates that the lift’s brake system is worn and requires an inspection.
Increasing Regularity Of Breakdowns
Whether as a result of the four lift issues we have already referred to, or for any other reasons, if you find yourself calling upon your lift repairs company regularly, it is a sure-fire sign that your lift may be reaching the point in its existence where repairs are no longer the answer, but refurbishment is.
Apart from the potential costs of repairs mounting up, a home lift that is continually breaking down may not be the safest for you and your family.