6 signs your elevator needs a modernization
Updated: Mar 12, 2020
Noise, jerky stops and starts and frequent callbacks: these are just a few warning signs that your elevators may be leaving your tenants at a standstill. Although professional maintenance will keep your elevators safely on the move for nearly 20 years, eventually your elevator, just like any machine, will reach the end of its service life.
An elevator modernization is a considerable investment, so here are the warning signs and milestones to look out for and determine if the time is right:
Is your system over 20 years old?
Is your elevator noisy or does it make jerky starts and stops?
Does the elevator cab smell like hydraulic fluid, seem stuffy or not well ventilated?
Do your tenants wait a while for the elevator to arrive?
Once the elevator is moving, is the travel slow?
Does your elevator need frequent repairs and service calls?
Start by having your equipment surveyed to reveal deficiencies in performance, safety and code compliance. This process measures acceleration, deceleration, vibration, door opening times and sound to target the components most in need of improvement.
Once you have the results, work with an elevator professional to determine if a full-scale modernization is necessary or if there are other solutions more tailored to your budget. You can also develop a plan to phase in more substantial improvements to help keep your budget in line.
Don't forget your tenants. Unlike installing new elevators, modernizations involve operating in a live environment. This means there will be construction crews working each day in your building full of tenants. There will be a period of inconvenience so work with professionals that have the ability to quickly dissect, understand and avert problems.
Each building and modernization project is unique, so reach out to your local representative for more information because having knowledgeable and resourceful experts is a must for a smooth transition.