Although few people like to see the skyline of major cities blocked by the number of high-rise buildings, there is no way around it. There is only so much land upon which to build and as the population grows, the only solution is to build up, not out. With that in mind, you can imagine just how important elevators are, especially in residential units. With a condo that is 20+ stories high and apartments with an equal number of floors if not greater, then elevators are beyond an amenity. They are a necessity. Can you imagine just how important it is to keep them in good repair? Here are some of the most important reasons why maintaining those elevators is necessary.
Figure 1: Elevators in Residential Units (Source: Pixabay.com)
Safety
One of the most important reasons for keeping elevators in good repair is obviously safety. Can you imagine what would be the outcome of an elevator that had a brake failure? It goes without saying that any passengers on the elevator at that time could be severely injured, or worse. For this reason, elevator brakes should be inspected by professionals as required by law and as often as it is required.
Extending the Lifespan
By keeping your elevators in good repair and well-maintained, you are almost certainly extending their lifespan. The same goes for any machine or piece of equipment. By seeing to any repair, no matter how small, you are preventing further damage resulting from a single part in ill-repair. The expense of installing a new elevator can significantly reduce your bottom line, especially if it is before its expected lifespan, so it is also a way of protecting your investment.
Preventing Prolonged Periods of Repair
When an elevator breaks down, it is usually days, if not weeks before repairs can be made. Sometimes it’s parts that need to be ordered and other times it’s scheduling licensed repairmen to do the work. Not only will this cause hardships for residents, but it may make it impossible for disabled persons to get to and from their units above the first floor.
Compliance with the ADA
Speaking of disabled residents, one of the things you need to be aware of when keeping your elevators maintained and in service is in being compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. It has very strict rules about providing elevators in public and residential buildings. Even if there is more than one elevator, getting to and from those alternatives may present a hardship for a disabled person. There are stringent guidelines for the construction of elevators in terms of the level of buttons and access to them, so keeping all your elevators in good repair can go far toward preventing a lawsuit, among which may be liability claims.
Although literally every aspect and function of your residential building is important, the dangers of an elevator in ill repair can sometimes be life-threatening. No matter how insignificant you think the problem is, it can always lead to bigger issues than you are prepared to deal with. Stay compliant with all legal requirements and you should be on a regularly scheduled maintenance routine.