Elevators are a common feature in many modern-day buildings since they are usually used in facilitating mobility of people and various items from one floor to another. Here is some useful information about elevator installation for budding owners of multi-story residential buildings that may need elevators.
What types of elevators are available for residential applications?
There are numerous options to choose from when it comes to residential elevators, all based on the type of drive system they use. Some common types of elevators available on the market for residential areas include hydraulic systems, winding drum systems, counter-weight chain drive systems, vacuum tube systems, inline gear drive systems, gearless traction systems, etc.
Bear in mind that every system offers different benefits and advantages as well as disadvantages. For example, even though the traditional winding drum systems are relatively less expensive to install than advanced gearless traction systems, the downside of the winding drum systems is that they use cables, which will eventually need costly replacement after a few years. Before deciding on any elevator drive system, confirm first if it is allowed for residential application in your local area.
Is it safe to use elevators in residential areas?
Although all residential elevators don't function the same way, they can all be used safely, provided you comply with the rules created by code and meet manufacturer-specific installation requirements. That said, you will have to ensure that the elevator you choose is installed by a licensed contractor, such as those at Forte Lift Services, so that you can be sure all safety and legal requirements will be met.
As an additional safety measure, the relevant authorities or bodies often require every elevator to be inspected by an independent, certified inspector immediately after the initial installation.
When next after installation do elevators used in building require inspection?
Once the elevators in your residential property have passed the initial inspection, the elevator inspector will usually provide a permit indicating the expiration date. When you obtain the permit, you should place it where it is easily visible, e.g. near the cab or at the entrance of the elevator, etc. so that inspection service can be sought in good time.
More importantly, you should be aware that the less expensive types of elevators tend to cost more to maintain in the long term. Hence, cable system elevators like the winding drum systems will probably need to be inspected more frequently than gearless elevators, which merge the capabilities of cable systems together with the counterweights of a chain drive systems, to provide smooth and quiet operation.
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