Basic Information about Outdoor Stair Lifts

Posted on April 12th, 2008 in Chair Stair Lift by StairLift

Many houses nowadays are designed with areas for the patio or viewing decks which are mostly accessed by stairs and are found outside for viewing. People who are disabled also miss this pleasure of enjoying this part of the house. They have great difficulty accessing the staircase for these areas and can also be dangerous without a stair lift. A stair lift made for the outdoors has been invented to answer to this need. Today there are several choices to choose for the right stair lift for the areas outside the house like patios.

Parts of the Outdoor Stair Lifts
Every stair lift is made up of four parts that are basic; the train that drives the stair lift, the track, the chair and the chassis. Drive trains are found inside the stair lift’s chassis and are also made up of pulley and a few gears that can make it move along its track. Drive trains can be operated by the cable, pinion or a rack. The system that is run by pinion system and rack system makes use of gears and the rail has a tooth like appearance. The ones that are on a cable system make use of the strength and quality of the cable typically from aluminum that is tied on the pulley also inside the lift’s chassis.

The track is the part of the stair lift that is installed on the stairs and it provides support for the weight of the system like the seat and the chassis and ultimately the one riding it. Many stair lifts already has the tracks with gears made for the cable, pinion and rack systems. Chassis of stair lifts is also made up of a motor run by electricity that can lift the rail. The chair is also installed above the chassis and it can be folded up when it’s not being used.

Other factors are also considered when a stair lift is going to be installed on the stairs. Dealers usually ask the type of material the steps are made from. The concrete type of steps will need another kind of fastener different from the steps made of wood. A correct measurement of the stair’s length should also be accurately obtained to have the correct length for the track and thereby getting a good quotation from a supplier or a dealer.

Since most outdoor stairs are straight a straight stair lift is also needed which is also considerably safe and less expensive. However the owner also has to secure the track and the chassis by sealing it to avoid damage from the elements outside. The chair should also be made of vinyl with a marine type to last despite the moisture of the area and the sun’s rays. Chairs for outdoor stair lifts also have covers from protection when the rider is not using it.

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