Blog

Why Commercial Elevator Maintenance Is Essential

You never realize how much we all take elevators for granted until they have the dreaded “out of service” notice on it, slowly waiting for an elevator repair. Whether you’re in an apartment, hotel or workplace, elevators are essential to function correctly and safely to accommodate those traveling to different floors. This is why it is essential to have commercial elevator maintenance multiple times throughout the year. Here, Vanguard Elevator discusses commercial elevator maintenance and why it is essential in 2022.

What Does Elevator Maintenance Look Like?

Elevator equipment needs periodic adjustments, lubrication, and examination for safe and reliable operation. They also need to be inspected and certified for use by the state. It is an understatement to say it’s important to schedule routine maintenance on your elevator. Here at Vanguard Elevator, we will share issues that may occur with any elevator, as well as prevention tips and signs to schedule an elevator repair. We also specialize in elevator installation so if you’re interested in adding this to your space, we would love to help! 

Above all, commercial elevator maintenance is important for your passengers’ safety. Ensuring you are getting proper elevator inspections and/or elevator repair is important! It is also recommended that if constant breakdowns are happening, or your elevator is more than 20 years old, it is time to consider an upgrade or modernization. The elevator installation process has various components that must be done correctly, so if not, it could lead to problems. Make sure to invest in quality service! 

Commercial maintenance is essential to prevent something as common as stuck doors. This is quite a common issue with elevators and could cause passengers to feel claustrophobic and afraid. What is the cause of stuck doors? Many times, it can be caused by something getting jammed in the door or even not properly shutting. Passengers need to be aware to not try to force the door open because it could lead to more damage. This can be prevented by ensuring nothing gets jammed in the door and scheduling regular maintenance checks.

It is also important to have signs posted in the elevator to inform passengers of how to respond to electrical issues. One example is letting them know to wait for maintenance to arrive and fix the problem instead of forcing the door to open. The elevator door should close properly without any problems when nothing is obstructing it and it has been regularly maintained. Our licensed elevator technicians are trained to provide the highest level of service to ensure such issues will not arise.

Elevator Maintenance Issues

Safety Gaps Growing Too Wide

In order for your elevator to function properly, it’s necessary for there to be a small gap between the hoistway and the elevator car. However, it’s possible for the gap to grow too wide over time, creating a potential safety risk. The gap space should essentially not exceed 75mm or three inches.

How can safety gaps cause concerns? The possibility of something falling in is concerning. If you’re not paying attention, you could drop valuables into the gap and lose them in the shaft. Many people may even be nervous that they will get their foot caught in the door gap entering/exiting, or maybe even their bag strap. Make sure your passengers are worry-free of this issue by staying on top of maintenance! An elevator gap is not a big issue as long as you are staying up to date with your inspections. 

There’s also the possibility of the door gap being too narrow, which would potentially allow the elevator car to scrape against the side of the shaft.  

Overheating

Another common issue that we see in elevator repair projects is overheating. This can be caused by multiple different things. A few examples of overheating causes are an electrical short or excessive use of the elevator. Excessive use is normally an issue with smaller kids who like to press random buttons consistently. 

The elevator may be overheating due to an electrical short. Be sure to wait for knowledgeable experts to come look at the issue before taking matters into your own hands. You could create more issues than solve them. This is why keeping up your elevator’s maintenance is so important for everyone’s safety and the longevity of your elevator.  

Power Failure

A power failure may happen due to a blown fuse or even an electrical storm. What do you do if this happens in your elevator? Do not try to solve the issue yourself due to the dangerousness of the situation. Wait for a maintenance crew to safely resolve the issue. How can a maintenance check help prevent having to have an elevator repaired?

During a maintenance check, our experts will be sure that each system is working properly and is not wearing thin. It is also important to have backup communication systems put into place for this issue. Elevator installation is not only important to think of everyday use, but also to create a plan for potential issues. Due to power loss, there could be a loss in communication. If the elevator is working properly and has been routinely checked, a power outage should have quick solutions for the safety of the passengers. 

elevator maintenance

Call Vanguard Elevator Today!

Need elevator installation? Or maybe you need elevator repair? Call us today at Vanguard Elevator! We do more than commercial elevator maintenance. We provide high-quality installs at the most competitive rates in the industry. Contact us for a free quote today! We will hold your best interests above all else.