Knowing how long your residential elevator will last can seem difficult, but with the proper information, it can be relatively simple.
You can plan for lift maintenance, modernisation, and replacement appropriately to keep your elevator operating smoothly and safely if you are aware of the elevator’s lifespan.
Since most users only ever see the pushes, displays, and internal decoration, it is simple to take an elevator lifespan for granted.
But over the course of its lifespan, the lift system’s mechanical and electrical parts will perform tens of thousands, if not millions, of operations. Like any other component of a machine, those parts will ultimately deteriorate and wear out.
In this guide we’ll discuss the average lifespan of a residential lift, why you should invest in regular maintenance and when it’s time to upgrade to a brand new elevator.
What is the lifespan of a residential elevator?
For your elevator to operate safely and effectively, you must be aware of its lifetime. It can also assist you in budgeting for potential future maintenance costs for your elevator. While many factors can affect an elevator’s lifetime, as a general rule, elevators that are 20 years or older should probably be modernised.
Your elevator will typically have reached the end of its cost-effective existence by the time it is 20 to 25 years old.
After this point, your elevator’s reliability will decrease and more regular maintenance will probably be required. Your lift system will become less effective and more expensive to maintain and run if you put off modernisation at this stage of its life.
You should schedule a proactive meeting with your elevator service company to make arrangements for the capital expenditure required to update your elevator before your maintenance costs start to mount.
What can affect an elevator’s lifespan?
Regardless of the type of lift, environmental factors may affect some aspects of an elevator’s life, with exposure to dampness being one of the most frequent offenders.
Water can enter your building in a variety of ways, including water leaks that enter the elevator tunnel, broken sump pumps, entrances that expose the elevator cab to the elements outside, and subterranean water sources that seep up through your base.
Water is the ultimate destroyer of any mechanical or metal structure, and if your elevator isn’t regularly inspected, it could rapidly deteriorate from the pit below. Additionally vulnerable to underground electrical currents, seismic activity, and high temperatures are hydraulic elevators.
The life cycle of your elevator can be significantly shortened by these unanticipated environmental factors, and it’s not unusual to see elevators that need to be modernised after only 10 to 15 years in operation.
What are the signs a lift needs replacing?
While there may not always be a single indication that your lift needs to be replaced, there are some indications that, when taken together, may suggest that attention is required even if you believe to have a well maintained elevator.
- Age
Any lift older than 15 years should be inspected and repaired or replaced as necessary.
By this point, as the elevator ages, it’s possible that some work was already necessary to guarantee the lift’s continued operation, and this could have cost a lot of money.
It is safe to say that after 15 years, some lift parts may no longer be supported and there could be some safety risks. This can include essential equipment like the control system, which can be one of the most important safety features for your lift system.
- Reliability
If a lift experiences numerous or recurring problems, particularly if it has previously been dependable, it may have worn-out or outdated parts that need to be replaced.
While this might just be a result of routine lift maintenance, it should be considered in light of other signs as a potential indication that a lift is nearing the end of its life expectancy.
The accessibility of spares and replacement components can also be a helpful indicator when a component does fail. Because the original maker no longer supports discontinued equipment, it frequently needs to be replaced as a whole instead of just the broken component.
The client may incur higher costs as a result, and the downtime required to find and install the new equipment may be prolonged. While the new component might increase dependability, the lift’s overall longevity is rarely increased by it.
- LOLER inspection report
Communications from your maintenance contractor or the number of items discovered on the most recent LOLER inspection report can frequently serve as a final warning signal.
These are frequently linked to health and safety and may signal changes to regulations or industry standards. They may not always necessitate mandatory lift improvements, but they may be an indicator that your lift is starting to lag behind in terms of design and health and safety requirements.
Looking for expert lift maintenance?
Regular scheduled maintenance and inspections can keep your elevator operating efficiently for longer than its 20-year expected life cycle, while poor maintenance can have the opposite impact and shorten the life of your elevator by 10 to 15 years.
Through proactive management of your building’s elevators and early detection of ageing symptoms, you can prevent your elevator from abruptly reaching the end of its useful life.
At Future Lift Services, we provide all kinds of lifts in the UK with high-quality installation, repairs, maintenance, and servicing.
A lift servicing call can be completed by our team of qualified engineers at a time and date that works for you, causing the least amount of disruption to your company.
For more information about our lift servicing packages, contact us today.
How long does a residential lift last FAQs?
What is the lifespan of a residential elevator?
The lifespan of a residential elevator is often between 15-25 years, depending on how well it is maintained and other environmental factors. For maximum effectiveness and safety, your elevator’s operating panel, cables, and travelling cables should all be changed if they show any signs of wear and tear.
What is the maintenance of a lift?
Examine each component for any signs of deterioration, unusual vibration, or leaks. Ensure that all electronic components are free from damage, wear, and overheating and check the oil amount. Put component greasing into action as needed.
Do lifts have to be serviced?
It is necessary under the law to maintain the secure and effective operation of your lift. By lowering the likelihood of unforeseen replacements or fixes and extending the lift’s lifespan, scheduled maintenance can also help you avoid a long-term spike in costs.