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The Advantages of Lifts

A lift is typically an open cab and does not require as much equipment. Learn more about lifts and their advantages.

What is a lift?

In some places in the world, the words elevator and lift are used interchangeably and refer to what we call an elevator. But here in the US, elevators and lifts are actually quite different. A lift is typically an open cab and does not require as much equipment. They are typically seen in smaller or residential spaces, and there are different types.

Types of Lifts 

  • Stairlift: A stairlift is exactly what it sounds like, a lift that makes stairs accessible to everyone. It’s typically a motorized seat that travels up and down a staircase on a track or rail. It is powered by electricity and can be operated by the person from the chair. A stair lift can typically be added to any staircase, whether curved or straight. It is a great option for added accessibility without having to change the existing layout of your house.
  • Vertical Platform Lift: A vertical platform lift looks more like an elevator but still has an open cab. These are often seen outside, often to enable someone in a wheelchair to easily go from the ground level to an upper deck level entry into a home, although they can also be installed inside. They have a platform, a lift tower, and controls. They only require about a 6 feet square area of space and can often make more than just one stop. This type of lift is better for someone who is less mobile. 

Advantages

Lifts automatically make your home or space more accessible for everyone. Most of the time, you don’t have to rearrange your house to install a lift because it doesn’t require an entire shaft to be installed to allow it to run. They are less of a commitment than a full elevator, and typically are less expensive, require less space, and require fewer repairs. Adding a lift to your home can also increase your home’s value when you’re ready to sell because there are so many individuals who need their home to be accessible to those who are in a wheelchair or unable to climb stairs or a ramp. 

A lift is a cost-effective option when adding accessibility to your home. For more information, contact us today at (919) 828-8184!

3 Interesting Elevators You Probably Didn’t Know About

Do you know what the tallest elevator in the world is? Here are 3 interesting elevators you probably didn’t know about.

We typically discuss some of the more complex and technical aspects of elevators in our blog posts, but we are switching it up today. Here are 3 of the most interesting elevators in the world that you probably didn’t know much about.

1. World’s Tallest elevator 

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the tallest elevator in the world is located within the Mponeng Gold Mine in South Africa. The elevator takes workers down 7,490 feet in just three minutes. It can reach speeds of up to 40 mph and can carry up to 120 workers at once. After this elevator, there’s another one that takes the miners to the lower levels, another 4,000 feet. The world’s tallest elevator inside a building is located inside the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It’s 1,654 ft long. 

2. The Gateway Arch elevator

The Gateway Arch is located in St. Louis, Missouri. According to the monument’s website, it was created to “commemorate Thomas Jefferson’s vision of a transcontinental United States” and was completed in 1965. Since its creation, people have come from all over to visit the monument and take the ‘elevator’ to the top. We use the term elevator lightly because it’s more like a combination of an elevator and a Ferris wheel. It’s typically referred to as a tram. It takes about 4 minutes to get to the top of the arch, and each cart can hold 5 seated people. During the trip to the top and back, the capsule rotates 155 degrees, relying on the weight of the passengers to keep it balanced.

3. A’DAM Lookout elevator

The A’DAM Lookout is located in Amsterdam and has a 360-degree view of the city. The twenty-story elevator takes you to the top in just 20 seconds, but this is no ordinary elevator. The elevator features a spectacular light show with sound effects and a see-through ceiling. The elevator is just one part of the overall lookout experience. The building also features a giant swing on the top of the building, where you can hang almost 350 feet above the city. Other experiences include a VR Roller Coaster ride, an interactive binocular tour, a sky top bar, and a panoramic restaurant.

Now that you’re well versed in the most interesting elevators around the globe, you might have questions about your own home or commercial elevator. Need to get in touch? Just contact our team. 

 

3 Common Myths about Residential Elevators

Most people don’t even think about putting an elevator in their home because of a few common misconceptions, but in reality, an elevator can be a great addition to your home. Here are 3 myths about residential elevators that you shouldn’t believe.

1. Residential elevators are unsafe and prone to malfunction 

Stereotypically, people think that residential elevators are less reliable than their commercial counterparts, and therefore are unsafe. This is far from the truth. There are many safety regulations and laws that have to be followed when installing an elevator in your home. These laws regulate things like speed, how much weight an elevator can hold, and the safety protocols that are required. 

When thinking about potential elevator malfunctions, people tend to worry about a cable breaking and the elevator falling. Elevators are equipped with multiple cables, so if one breaks there are backups. People worry that they will exceed the weight limit and cause the elevator to fall. This is also untrue. If an elevator is holding too much weight, it will make noise and stay still until people get off and the weight drops below the limit. 

Finally, there are concerns about power outages. Most elevators today are equipped with backup battery power, so if the power goes out, the safety features will engage and lower you to the nearest floor. Just because an elevator is being installed in a home as opposed to a commercial area doesn’t mean it’s any less safe. Similar safety protocols are followed either way.

2. Residential elevators require tons of maintenance/repairs

People might think that a home elevator will break down all of the time and require constant maintenance or repairs. This is why it is important to choose the right company to install your elevator. At Godwin Elevators, we ensure that your elevator is properly installed and works correctly. We also stress the importance of preventative maintenance. If you get your elevator checked every year as we recommend, you are less likely to have unexpected problems. It may seem like home elevators need more maintenance but that is because companies are more likely to have their commercial elevators checked than homeowners. 

3. Residential elevators are only for the wealthy

Many people don’t even consider the option of a home elevator because they associate them with the affluent. This is a myth. Prices for residential elevators can vary based on the number of floors or cab type. Home elevators can vary in price, but if they seem too pricey there are other cheaper options like chair lifts to make your home accessible for everyone.

Residential elevators can be a great addition to your home. Contact us today to talk more about your options.