Outdoor Stairlifts
What Is It? How Does It Work?
Outdoor stairlifts come in two main forms which are the curved stairlifts and the straight stairlifts. Depending on the pattern of your stairs, you would need to decide on which type best suits your staircase. For straight stairlifts, your staircase should not have any bends, curves, platforms, or even extra staircase landings. Straight stairlifts can travel in a single line only before coming to a stop. As for curved stairlifts, they are suitable for stairs that have curved sides or spiral staircases as well.
Some of our stairlift models are available to provide a solution to your outdoor needs, however, you must use a surveyor who will be able to advise you on the appropriate lift for outdoor use.
A Guide to Outside Stairlifts
If you are dealing with mobility problems, you are likely to be facing challenges outside as well as inside the home. Stairlifts give you the freedom to be able to easily navigate interior stairs, but you can also use this solution for outside your property as well.
The inability to easily get from your front door to your front gate can be a major headache. It can make going shopping or visiting friends too much of an ordeal, and you may begin to feel isolated in your home. Luckily, there is the technology to allow you to come and go as you please.
How Do Outside Stairlifts Work
The purpose of the outside stairlift is to allow for easier access to properties that have stairs or steep slopes – it is sort of like an escalator, but it is only built to accommodate one person at a time.
The person sits comfortable on a motorised seat, and this them moves along a rail to the final destination.
When the chair is not being used, it can usually be folded up so it doesn’t get in the way. Just like the indoor version, there are models available for straight or curved steps, so this really can be the perfect solution for almost any home.
The unit is also going to benefit from technology to ensure that your safety is always maintained.
How Do Outside Stairlifts Differ from Ones Used Indoors
The fact that a stairlift is going to be used outside means that it needs to be able to handle all types of weather condition. It needs to be able to serve you all-year round, and this is why it has to be designed specifically for outdoor use. This means that it needs to be made using the right material and vulnerable components are going to need to be carefully sealed so that the unit is capable of remaining undamaged from rain, sleet, or snow.
Some versions also benefit from a heater as this is needed to keep the engine warm enough to function when the temperature plummets.
One of the other ways that an outside stairlift can differ from an indoor model is that it usually comes with a waterproof cover to protect the armrest and seat.
Outdoor stairlifts are able to handle a wide-range of obstacles outside the home such as:
• Steps
• Staircases (e.g. you may have an outside staircase leading to your basement)
• Stairs on the exterior of the property
• Slopes
• Ramps
• Veranda access
How are Outside Stairlifts Installed
The process of having an outside stairlift installed at a private residence is unlikely to involve much in the way of inconvenience. This job does need to be done by a trained engineer, but the installation is usually complete in two to three hours. There is unlikely going to be any need for structural modifications to your steps or stairs – this type of unit can usually just fit in with whatever is already there.
If you feel that your property is going to involve unique challenges, you can speak to the engineer beforehand, but usually there isn’t much of an issue with the installation.
Outside Stairlift Maintenance
They do say that prevention is better than cure and regular maintenance of your stairlift is going to extend the trouble-free use you get from this unit. It is usually recommended that you have your outside stairlift serviced every twelve months. You need to make sure that this work is carried out by a qualified engineer because otherwise you risk damage to the unit.
If your stairlift comes with waterproof coverings, it is important that you use these when the unit is not being used.
It is vitally important that an outdoor stairlift is serviced every 12 months or you risk damage to the unit when it’s located outdoors.
We Also Offer Stairlift Rentals
Are you or a family member in need of a stairlift but don’t want to spend a large amount of money? StayHome Stairlifts offers rental stairlifts with quick installation to ger you the help you need FAST. Plus we remove it again when needed, all at an AFFORDABLE price.
The StayHome Promise
- Be open 7 days a week 9am - 9pm.
- Give you simple, open and honest advice.
- To never pester you with unwanted calls.
- To recommend the best stairlift or mobility product for your needs.
- To give you prices over the phone so you know what to expect.
- To behave in a professional, caring and respectful manner.
- To schedule appointments at your convenience.
- To never put you under any pressure to buy our products.
- To provide you with a clear quotation.
- To ensure you are completely happy with our services.