Frequently Asked Questions
Stairway Lifts
- Does the stairway lift require extra bracing in the wall or steps?
- Does the stairway lift require power?
- How wide do the steps have to be to accommodate a stairway lift?
- How much space does a stairlift use?
- Is the stairlift easy to care for?
- How safe is a stairway lift?
- Is there a stairlift for a curved stairway, will a stairlift go around corners?
- How long will the installation take?
- Is buying a stairway lift online a good idea?
- What is the price difference between a used stairlift and a new stairlift?
- Can Missouri Stairway Lift Corp. install a stairlift that I purchase from another person or source?
- What happens if my stairlift breaks down after hours?
Elevators
- Is a pit required for an elevator?
- How much space does an elevator require?
- Can my elevator have doors on opposite or adjacent sides?
- How far can the elevator travel?
- Is a separate machine room required for my elevator?
- What permits, if any, are required to install a residential elevator in Missouri?
- Can a residential elevator be installed in a Church, commercial building or public building?
- Can the doors be opened if the elevator is moving or is not at the landing?
- When should I start planning for an elevator for new home construction or my remodeling project?
- How do I plan for a future elevator to be installed in my home.
- What happens if I am trapped in my elevator or it breaks down after hours or on holidays?
- Are there any tax deductions or savings when I purchase a lift?
Wheelchair Lifts
- I need a cost-effective way to meet ADA requirements for my building.
- What is the requirement to build a ramp outside my public building?
- Does the State of Missouri require inspections of my lifts and/or elevator?
- What happens if someone is trapped in my lift after hours or on weekends or holidays?
- What is the difference between a platform lift and an elevator?
- Can my platform lift be installed outside?
- Is a hoistway required for my platform lift?
Stairway Lifts
Does the stairway lift require extra bracing in the wall or steps?
No. Your stairway lift will install on the steps only, there is no connection to the walls. We use heavy-gauge steel brackets with heavy duty anchors to mount your stairway lift. This ensures that you will have safe and troublefree use for many years.
Does the stairway lift require power?
Yes. Your stairway lift will generally require a standard 110v/20amp outlet located at or near the top or bottom of the staircase. For commercial (public use) units, there are additional power requirements. Contact us at 1-800-392-2591 to find out more.
How wide do the steps have to be to accommodate a stairway lift?
We usually require at least 36″ of width on your steps. Occassionally, we may need to remove the handrail to ensure adequate space. Sometimes the handrail can be re-installed on the opposite side of the steps from the stairway lift.
How much space does a stairlift use?
When not in use, the seat and footrest of the stair lift can be folded up, maximizing space on the stairway for others. The stairlift typically takes up about 14″ of space when folded. When in use, the stairlift typically opens to about 25″.
Is the stairlift easy to care for?
Yes. Missouri Stairway Lift Corp. stair lifts are easy to maintain and last for years. With a five year warranty on the drive system, two years on parts, and one year on labor, you will have peace of mind with your stairway lift purchase. Service by our certified technicians once a year is recommended.
There are several safety features incorporated in our stairway lifts. All of our lifts operate using a gear rack and direct drive system, which means that there are no chains, cables or belts to break. Also, there is a safety switch on the seat to ensure that it is securely locked in the proper position before the stairlift moves. There are obstruction sensors in multiple locations on the top and bottom of the unit to ensure that there are no dangers during operation, and a seatbelt and armrests to ensure that you are comfortable and secure as you safely move between floors of your home.
Is there a stairlift for a curved stairway, will a stairlift go around corners?
Yes. Stairway Lifts from Missouri Stairway Lift Corp. can be custom engineered for nearly any staircase. Our design engineers can help you find the most cost-effective solution for your need.
How long will the installation take?
For a standard stairlift on a straight set of steps, installation time by our factory-trained and certified technicians usually takes 2 to 3 hours.
Is buying a stairway lift online a good idea?
At Missouri Stairway Lift Corp., the product is only part of what you are getting. We ensure that your product is sized and installed correctly for maximum safety and long-life of the product. While many online retailers only offer a parts warranty, Missouri Stairway Lift Corp. offers a full one-year warranty on labor and two years on parts. Our trained experts will come to your home to ensure that the stairway is accurately measured and that the stairway lift can be installed without any problems.
What is the price difference between a used stairlift and a new stairlift?
Because Missouri Stairway Lift Corp. stands behind every product we sell, even our used lifts are offered with the same outstanding commitment to satisfaction as our new products. Each used unit that we sell is inspected and refurbished to ensure that it is mechanically sound and trouble-free. The cost of a used unit is generally 40% less than a new unit; However, used stairway lifts are rarely available and we do have a waiting list of customers waiting for this equipment.
Can Missouri Stairway Lift Corp. install a stairlift that I purchase from another person or source?
We do not recommend purchasing from an individual. At first, it may appear that you can save a considerable amount of money on the lift; however, many times, there are considerable costs in re-installing the lift. Every stairway lift is custom-fit to the particular stairway it is installed on. Reinstallation may require cutting the track, resizing power cables, chains and/or drive cables. In many cases, additional materials are required. You are also taking the chance on whether the unit was properly uninstalled, and whether any parts are lost or broken during uninstallation and/or transport. In many cases, the unit must be converted from a left-hand to right-hand or vice-versa. By the time you consider these additional cost, plus installation costs, and the fact that you will have no warranty, you may find that the apparent “price advantage” is little or none.
What happens if my stairlift breaks down after hours?
Missouri Stairway Lift Corp. offers emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All you have to do is call 1-800-392-2591 for help. In many cases, we are able to solve problems over the phone, at no charge for our customers.
Elevators
Is a pit required for an elevator?
Yes, typically, an 8″ deep pit is required. In some cases, we can provide a type of elevator that does not require a pit, but we recommend a standard type elevator that requires a minimal pit depth.
How much space does an elevator require?
The Lev, which does not require a separate machine room, takes up about one-fourth of the space of a typical staircase.
Can my elevator have doors on opposite or adjacent sides?
There are several different ways to configure your elevator to fit nearly any situation, including opposite entrances and/or adjacent entrances.
How far can the elevator travel?
The maximum travel for the Lev elevator is 50 feet, with a maximum of 5 stops.
Is a separate machine room required for my elevator?
The Lev II Elevator by Access Industries, and the Paca-Glide Elevator by Waupaca do not require a separate machine room. Instead, the controller and machine are located at the top of the hoistway. An 30″ x 24″ access door (through the attic or adjacent room) is required.
What permits, if any, are required to install a residential elevator in Missouri?
The State of Missouri does not require any permits or inspections for residential elevators. There are some communities, however, that do require an inspection. Missouri Stairway Lift Corp. can help you determine the local building code requirements for your area, and ensure that our elevators, which are compliant with ASME A17.1-2000, Section 5.3, are properly installed.
Can a residential elevator be installed in a Church, commercial building or public building?
No. The statues adopted by the State of Missouri prohibit installation of a residential elevator in a public use facility. For these applications, a Vertical Platform Lift may be the most cost-effective solution. You can contact us at 1-800-392-2591 for a free, no obligation consultation and information about a product that will suit the needs of your organization and comply with all state and local regulations.
Can the doors be opened if the elevator is moving or is not at the landing?
No. An electro-mechanical interlock device prevents the doors from being opened when the elevator is in motion or away from the landing.
When should I start planning for an elevator for new home construction or my remodeling project?
Preparations for your elevator hoistway need to commence as early as possible. Most home elevators require a minimal 8″ pit at the basement level, which must be sized correctly and meet specific criteria for your elevator. To ensure that the dimensions and house plans are correct for your equipment, we will provide you with detailed engineered prints, preferably, prior to commencement of construction.
How do I plan for a future elevator to be installed in my home.
Elevator manufacturers are constantly changing the dimensions and requirements of their products to meet new codes and for improvements. Because of this, it is impossible to guarantee that a hoistway is properly sized for your equipment unless prints are ordered and the elevator is placed into production. An oversized hoistway is also something that requires careful consideration. Contact Missouri Stairway Lift Corp. for more information about planning for your home elevator.
What happens if I am trapped in my elevator or it breaks down after hours or on holidays?
Missouri Stairway Lift Corp. offers emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In many cases, we can solve a problem over the phone at no charge for our customers.
Are there any tax deductions or savings when I purchase a lift?
In many cases where there is a medical need determined, you can have tax savings, including sales tax exemption. Contact Missouri Stairway Lift Corp. on how to meet the requirements for medical necessity. Contact your tax professional for information on what tax deductions are available for your income taxes.
Wheelchair Lifts
I need a cost-effective way to meet ADA requirements for my building.
We offer several low-cost solutions to accessibility problems. Please contact us at 1-800-392-2591 for more information.
What is the requirement to build a ramp outside my public building?
Most codes require at least 12″ of run for every 1″ of rise for a ramp on a public building. This means that if your front door is 30″ off the ground, you will need a 30 foot long ramp! We have attractive lift products that can solve this problem without taking up precious outdoor space, and do not require a hoistway or a covered area.
Does the State of Missouri require inspections of my lifts and/or elevator?
Not for residential installations. However, all elevators, stairway lifts and platform lifts in commmercial/public use installations in the State of Missouri require annual inspections by a state licensed inspector. This includes churches, non-profit organizations, clubs and commercial buildings. In most cases, a service technician must be present at the time of inspection to perform the required tests. Missouri Stairway Lift Corp. can help you arrange for the inspection and ensure that your equipment is safe and in proper working condition in order to pass the test.
What happens if someone is trapped in my lift after hours or on weekends or holidays?
Missouri Stairway Lift Corp. offers emergency service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Also, all of our elevators and lifts come fully equipped with safety devices: emergency door releases, manual lowering devices, optional battery lowering and telephones.
What is the difference between a platform lift and an elevator?
A platform lift does not have an enclosed cab. It is equipped with 42″ high steel side panels and a steel platform. It is also equipped with either mechanically locked gates or doors depending on your configuration requirements.
Can my platform lift be installed outside?
Yes. The Porchlift by Access Industries is designed for indoor/outdoor use. We can also provide an optional aluminum/plexiglass enclosure for your outdoor unit.
Is a hoistway required for my platform lift?
Depending on the installation, at least a partial enclosure may be required. Missouri Stairway Lift Corp. can help determine your needs and provide engineer drawings for your project. We can assist you throughout the construction of your hoistway, if required, or provide a custom enclosure to meet your requirements. An exterior/outdoor residential application does not require an enclosure.
