These days, lifts aren’t just for large commercial and public buildings. They can be found across a wide array of smaller stores and even in many private homes.
Though every property owner’s situation is a little different, all of them have at least one thing in common: they need to pay careful attention to lift maintenance. Read on to find some helpful tips for how to maintain home and commercial lifts that will help to reduce the chances of unexpected breakdowns.
Perform a Daily Inspection
Homeowners or, in the case of commercial buildings, property managers should check their lifts daily for obvious signs of damage and wear. There’s no need to perform a comprehensive inspection akin to those offered by lift maintenance professionals.
Just check inside the lift to make sure none of the buttons are sticking and there are no signs of interior wear. From the outside, check the doors to look for scratches that can indicate sticking, and test them to make sure they’re properly aligned.
Keep On Top of Professional Maintenance
While it’s wise for property owners to inspect their lifts often, DIY inspections don’t replace the need for routine professional maintenance. There are plenty of affordable lift maintenance services in Singapore that will be willing to set up a service schedule, so find one that has a reputation for reliability.
Make sure to keep on top of these professional maintenance visits, and keep a log of each service call or repair. Scheduling lift service with the same company every time it’s needed is the best way to go. It allows the company to keep more comprehensive internal records and ensures that property owners or building managers know who to call when something goes wrong.
Know When to Call for Help
Well-maintained lifts are far less likely to experience unexpected breakdowns, but that doesn’t mean there’s zero chance of anything going wrong. Property owners should pay attention to issues with their lifts and call for help if they notice:
- Unusual sounds
- Changes in lift speed
- Door misalignments
- Stuck buttons
- Any other unexplained changes in operation
Even if an issue seems minor, it’s always best to call a professional for help immediately. Even something as simple as replacing a damaged button can void a lift’s warranty and, even worse, damage the equipment.
Be Careful with Cleaning
Harsh industrial cleaners can damage the interior of a lift and even corrode its internal mechanisms, which can cause damage to sensitive components. The lift manufacturer or installation professional should give property owners a rundown on cleaning best practices during the installation. If the building has changed ownership since then, ask for advice on how to clean the lift without unintentionally causing damage.
Pay Attention to Lift Safety
Every residential or commercial lift has a set weight limit. Never overload a lift. Those weight limits are there for a reason. They’re designed to protect not just passengers, although there’s no denying the importance of keeping lift riders safe, but also the equipment itself.
The Bottom Line
Having a lift in a multi-story building can be incredibly helpful. Commercial and residential lifts make it much easier to transport both passengers and bulky items between floors, but they can be dangerous if they aren’t properly used or maintained. Follow all safety precautions and stay on top of scheduling service calls to keep the lift in peak operating condition.
