Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Curved Stair Chair Lifts - Convenient but Expensive

Stair chair lifts are a great accessibility solution in modern buildings and residences with curved staircases which pose a problem for people with mobility problems. The new models of these devices offer a convenient way to access both curved and spiral staircases. One of the major advantages of curved stair chair lifts is that they are very convenient and can be installed to suit the shape of any curved staircase. However, as their design needs to be customized, they are much more expensive than straight stair chair lifts.


Curved Stair Chair Lifts – Great Accessibility Solutions

To ensure maximum safety, curved stair chair lifts are equipped with various safety measures such as automatic sensors, pressure up and down controls at the end of arms, emergency brakes, speed governor, remote control, seat belts, wraparound arms, key locks, and more. One of the major advantages of curved stair chair lifts is that they are also useful for bringing heavy loads from one floor to other. Most models can afford loads from 200 to 350 pounds. Moreover, their innovative technology guarantees stable movement even during power breakdowns.

Customized for Your Curved Stairways

As the curved stair lifts are custom-made to suit the curves and corners of your stairways it becomes much expensive to install than the straight stair chair lift systems. Leading manufacturers like ThyssenKrupp Access and Bruno offer various models of advanced curved stair chair lift systems like Electra Ride III, Stair Glide and Flow II. Most of the systems are incorporated with various state-of-the-art features to ensure that mobility impaired people are ensured easy floor to floor mobility.

Besides leading models of curved staircase chair lifts, authorized dealers offer various residential mobility solutions such as elevators, pool lifts, vertical and inclined platform lifts, tub lifts and portable wheelchair lifts.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Dumbwaiter - Adds Elegance and Convenience

Dumbwaiter is a mechanical device that works on the same principle as elevators and is used as a mobility solution for transporting heavy loads including clothes, groceries, firewood, books and toys from one floor to another.

Dumbwaiters run on a track system which makes the movement easier. Most of the dumbwaiters are capable of carrying weights ranging from 75 to 150 lbs. They add elegance and convenience to your home; and are also ideal for commercial use in restaurants, stores and cafeterias.


Dumbwaiters are of two types - manual dumbwaiters and electric dumbwaiters. Of the two types, electric dumbwaiters are the most common. These are powered by motors with varying load carrying capacities (normally up to 750 pounds). They feature high efficiency and longevity. These dumbwaiters are easier to operate, but are more expensive than the manual ones.

Features of electric dumbwaiters:

• Safety brakes
• Built-in interlocks
• Security locks to prevent usage when not necessary
• Made from durable heavy-duty steel material
• Magnetic door switches are provided to prevent it from moving with open doors
• Automatic control switches
• Different loading configurations - single side, opposite side or adjacent sides

At present, a wide range of superior quality dumbwaiters are available for various residential, industrial and commercial applications.

Customized Dumbwaiters Are Available

Dumbwaiters can be used with an existing building structure or a new construction. It is also possible to design a dumbwaiter model based on the layout of your commercial building.

Benefits of Dumbwaiter

• Prolonged use
• Fast and easy installation
• Increased safety
• Comes with manufacturer warranties which include free servicing and replacements for damages
• Saves your valuable time
• Can be used in both residential and commercial buildings
• Adds elegance and convenience to your residence

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Cost of Home Elevators

Installing home elevators will increase the value of your home and at the same time add convenience to your lifestyle. Apart from carrying people, home elevators can be used to carry bulky things such as grocery, laundry and furniture from one floor to another.


There are many factors that affect the cost of a home elevator. These include durability of materials, size, carrying capacity, safety features, number of floors it serves, decoration for the interior of the cab (for e.g. carpeting, mirrors or chandeliers), choice of model and additional accessories you installed to make your home elevator unique.

How an elevator is installed and operated also affects the cost of residential elevators. The cost will also vary based on whether you are installing the elevator in an existing home or in a home which is under construction. Installing a home elevator system to an existing home will cost more than installing it in a home which is under construction.

The price of an elevator varies according to its type. Hydraulic elevator, electric or traction elevator, pneumatic lift elevator and overhead winding drum elevator are the different types available. Prices for the various elevator types change with different companies and when applied in different settings.

With many attractive home elevators available in the market, it is quite challenging for you to select the best elevator at the best price. It is advisable to make a comparative study and then select one that best serves your purpose.

Having a home elevator increases the marketability of your residential property. It not only adds 10% more on the resale of your home but also provides you excellent mobility solution while you own that home.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Stair Lifts for Residential Indoor Use

Indoor Stair lifts - More Accessibility for the Elderly and Disabled People

For people who are aged, or those having physical disabilities and mobility problems, having an indoor stair chair lift installed will definitely be a great help. Stair lifts for residential indoor use helps them move between floors in the house much more easily and without seeking help from others.

Residential stairlifts are available as straight models or curved models; you can choose a suitable model according to the type of staircase in your residence. These stair lifts are either AC or battery operated. These stair lifts can be customized according to the user’s need.

Features of Residential Indoor Stair Lifts

Residential indoor stair lifts feature several handheld controls to facilitate effortless operation.

• Smooth start/stop action
• Adjustable seat– allows maximum passage for others
• Folding tracks, arm and foot rest
• Lockable isolation switch
• Covered track
• Swivel seats
• Comfortable armrests
• Quiet, smooth and stable operation
• Obstruction sensors
• Safety belt – ensures security
• Rack and pinion drive structure
• Hidden gear jack
• Remote control
• Floor-to-floor accessibility in residences

Benefits of Indoor Stair lift

• Provides access to multi-level stairs
• User-friendly operation
• Smooth and safe ride
• Does not require any structural modifications to be made
• Designed with simple installation features
• Can work with electricity as well as batteries

As there is a wide range of indoor stair lift models to choose from, it is necessary for the user to know all details about the product before the purchase. There are certain factors to be considered while choosing an indoor stair lift - the shape and size of the staircase, the user’s requirements, and warranty offered. It is also advisable to make the purchase from well-known manufacturers such as Bruno, ThyssenKrupp Access, Federal Elevator, and Savaria Concord.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Home Stair lifts - Increase Stair Safety and Accessibility

Home stair lifts are the perfect solution to increase stair safety and enhance the accessibility of your residence. You can go to any level of your house with these lifts.


Stair lifts are chairs attached to machinery which moves the chair up and down the stairs. Besides the standard chair, you can also attach a wheelchair or platform to the home stair lift. While some home stair lifts can be installed even on complex stairways, others suit only straight stairways. Many models are battery powered to work even during a power outage.

Combining Functionality, Comfort and Safety

The main features of the latest models of home chair lifts are:
• Besides passengers, the lift can be used to carry light material (up to 375 lbs)
• Push-button, pendant or toggle switch controls
• Compact design which ensure that seat, arms and footrest fold up when not in use
• Safety features like seat belt, obstruction sensors, seat swivels, pressure
controls, and final limits switches (to prevent track overshooting)

You can get a stair lift installed during the renovation of your home or when you are building a new one. Further, there are models that suit both indoor and outdoor environment. Curved stair lifts, designed with unique technology and ability to turn corners, can be customized to any required size and shape to suit the curves and landings of the staircase.

Top-Notch Models

Bruno, Savaria Concord and ThyssenKrupp Access are some of the leading home stair chair lift manufacturers that offer an extensive range of stair-lift models including Stair-Glide, Excel, Flow II, Citia, Electra-Ride II, Electra-Ride III, Electra-Ride Elite outdoor stairlift, Electra-Ride Elite, Step Saver Straight stair chair and B.07 Straight stair chair.

Choose the stair lift model that best suits the specific features of your residence and would ensure stair safety and accessibility, and purchase the stair lift from an established dealer to get the best deals.

Thyssenkrupp Access Home Elevators

If you are looking to increase the value of your home and add more convenience to your life, then a ThyssenKrupp Access elevator is the best choice. ThyssenKrupp Access home elevator models include Volant, Rise, Lev, Signet, Windsor and Minivator. They blend in seamlessly with your home's décor. Another important feature of these elevators is that these can be customized to meet your unique needs and challenges.


Each of these elevators is equipped with advanced safety features which include door interlocks, cable safety devices, emergency light, alarm, phone and more. No matter whether you want to install elevators in your existing building or in a new building, ThyssenKrupp Access has a solution for you.

Listed here are the various models of ThyssenKrupp Access home elevators, including the features integrated. Before making a choice, it is necessary to have an evaluation about the speed, loading capacity, and cost factor as it may vary from one model to the other.

LEV® - the best selling home elevator; Speed: 40 fpm (.20ms), Maximum number of stops: 5 (minimum 17" travel between stops)

Rise® - perfect long-term solution; Features: 2 to 5 stops; travel distances up to 50’; 950 lb capacity; three different car sizes

Signet® - fully customized, luxury elevator; Features: Rated Load: 950 lbs, 700 and 750 lbs; Maximum stops: 5; Maximum travel: 50' (with optional hydraulic drive: 40'); Minimum travel between stops: 17"

Windsor® - ideal for installing in existing homes, compact, inexpensive and is a perfect solution for the 2-floor home. Features: Up to 16' of travel with 2 stops;
32" x 48" Car; 500 lb. capacity; Speed: 20 fpm; Winding drum drive; Interlocks for hoistway doors

Minivator® - ideal for installing in existing homes, compact, inexpensive and is a perfect solution for the 2-floor home. Features: Up to 16' of travel with 2 stops; 30" x 46" inside car; 450 lb. capacity; Speed: 20 fpm; Winding drum drive

Volant® - requires no machine room, pit depth - 12"; comes in 3 standard sizes and countless custom options.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Alumiramp Ramps for Commercial and Residential Use

Alumiramp ramps are helpful options that provide easy access for wheelchair users in different settings. A wide range of ramps including aluminum ramps, small portable ramps, aluminum wheelchair ramps, quick ramp system, A*COM and modular ramp systems are available for commercial as well as residential use.

Types of Ramps Manufactured by Alumiramp

Alumiramp Mini Ramp Series: This series consists of a set of smaller portable ramps that are designed to be lightweight and portable.

• Threshold Ramp – Easy to install, lightweight and durable; helps you to access door thresholds, steps or small raised floor areas.
• Rubber Threshold Ramp – Useful for doorways and sliding doors; slip-resistant and are designed for prolonged use.
• Telescopic Channel Ramp – Useful for wheelchairs and some scooters.
• AlumiLite Folding Curb Ramp – made of aluminum, can be folded in half for ease of carrying; and features an integrated handle and closing strap.
• AlumiLite Solid Curb Ramp – Useful for scooters and provides a safe and secure transition ramp.
• AlumiLite Landscape Collection – Available in four different sizes and colors; adds beauty as well as function to your wheelchair ramp.
• Ready Ramp – Excellent portability and compactness; useful where longer lengths are required.

Armada System: This extremely light and flexible modular ramp system is built of high strength aluminum alloy and is fully anodized for a durable finish. These ramps are manufactured to ADA and ANSI standards, so you can be sure that every ramp is of the highest quality. It can be assembled easily and is completely adjustable with height and slope. Other features include stainless steel fasteners, no set screws or rivets are required, and universal platform.

A*COM System: This system is engineered to meet the code demands of IBC and BOCA building codes. It can be customized and configured to meet other specialized building codes also. The system meets the terms of IBC, BOCA, SBCCI, ANSI, CABO, Florida SREF, ADA and more. Skid resistant surface, heavy duty welded aluminum construction, and non-combustible nature are some of the features of A*COM system.

Quick Ramp System: Having the strength and ease of AlumiRamp’s modular aluminum systems, Quick ramp system can be easily built and installed. It is highly economical, follows ADA guidelines and has handrail option.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Stair Lifts Designed for Straight and Curved Stairs

Known also as chair lifts, stair lifts are mobility equipment, which facilitates the movement of people as well as wheelchairs up and down a staircase. They are designed specifically for those individuals who find it difficult to climb stairs in multistoried buildings.

Even though there are so many solutions to address your mobility challenge, installing stair lifts is the best option to restore access to the upper floors of your residence. Stair lifts are meant to access any kind of stairs - straight, curved or spiral. Straight stair lifts are ideal for stairs that are straight. It is possible to use straight stair lifts on some configurations of curved stairs. Straight stair lifts are the most affordable stair lifts and are easy to install.

Made of aluminum or steel, curved stair lifts are designed specifically for staircases that are curved. These can travel around bends on the stairs and are highly durable. They are custom built so that they can be lifted with ease on the curvature. For the safety of users, curved stair chair lifts are provided with a seatbelt and a swivel lock system. They have an inbuilt sensor to locate any obstacles in the path of movement.

Compared to straight stair lifts, curved stair lifts are more expensive as these require a more complicated manufacturing process. The price of curved stair lifts may vary depending on the length of the stairs and the number and complexity of bends.

Features of Stair lift

• Provides access to multi-level stairs
• Strong and durable
• Ideal for indoor and outdoor use
• User-friendly operation
• Smooth and soundless ride
• Real space saver
• Does not require any architectural modifications to be made

Approach a reputable dealer to help find the model that best suits your purpose. A reliable dealer will not only give expert advice but also take care of the installation process and maintenance of these stair lifts designed for straight and curved stairs.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Electric Stair Lifts for Commercial and Residential Use

Electric stair lifts are a highly systematic and reliable device for commercial and residential use.

Electric stair lifts are practical accessibility solutions for people with mobility impairments. Many leading manufacturers provide advanced models of electric stair lift offering maximum indoor and outdoor mobility for commercial and residential use. Electric stair lifts can be easily installed in both curved and straight stairways. Recent technological advancements have made the electric stair lift a highly systematic and reliable device.

Ensures Maximum Safety and Comfort

Electric stair lifts are motorized gadgets with adjustable chairs or platforms, designed to specifically suit various residential and commercial requirements. An electric stair lift system consists of three main parts - an adjustable chair, rail and motor. Ensuring the maximum safety and comfort of riders, electric stair lifts are equipped with various features such as automatic sensors, speed governor, seat belts, wraparound arms, rack and pinion drives, safety belts, foldable rail and armrests, footrest flip ups, emergency brakes, battery back up and much more. Besides helping the physically challenged people by ensuring mobility, electric chair lifts are also used for carrying heavy loads from one floor to another.

Choose the Right Model

World class companies like ThyssenKrupp Access, Bruno and Savaria Concord manufacture several AC and DC powered models of electric stair lifts ensuring the total safety of users. Citia Stair Lift, Excel Stair Lift, Flow Stair Lift, B.07 Straight Stair Chair and Step Saver Straight Stair Chair lifts are some of the popular stair lifts models available. The B.07 Straight Stair Chair and Step Saver Straight Stair Chair lifts are also suitable for the outdoors. It is important to choose a model that suits your requirements. Authorized dealers provide several models of electric stair lift systems such as elevators, portable wheelchair lifts, vertical and inclined platform lifts, pool lifts, tub lifts and dumbwaiters for commercial and residential use.

Home Elevator - Makes Life Easier

Most of us are quite disturbed when the elderly members of the house have difficulty in accessing staircases. If there are mobility challenged members in the household, then even that becomes a cause for concern. By installing a home elevator we can improve the quality of life for these loved ones and make them more independent. A home elevator makes life easier and is actually beneficial for all members of a multi-level house.

Access All Floors Easily

After a long and tired day who wouldn’t welcome the option of accessing multi-floors with the help of elevators? In fact, for homemakers the upstairs and downstairs routine can be very tiring. This is particularly so when you come back from the stores with heavy loads of grocery and other provisions which need to be carried up two or three floors. Or if your plans to remodel or redecorate the house have been on hold as you are looking for people to help you move your heavy furniture. In those times when we feel unwell or have had a fracture or a sprain, these home elevators can be a real boon. Many a time we have been daunted by the idea of buying a multi-level house, however beautiful it may be, because of the need to climb stairs. Now with these elevators accessing stairs and floors is easy.

Reputable Manufacturers of Home Elevators

There are several models and brands of residential elevators available these days. The good models are manufactured by Savaria Concord, ThyssenKrupp Access and Federal elevators. These models come with integrated safety features. They allow for an easy and smooth ride without jerks. Most of them require only minor architectural changes for installation. The models have a high capacity and can access many floors with many stops.

Get the Elevator Installed by a Reliable Dealer


It is important that you buy the home elevator of your choice from a reputable local dealer. These dealers offer quality installation service along with regular maintenance for the proper running of your elevator. A home elevator makes life easier for all - get one installed now!

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