L.A. Elavator: When and why should you modernize your elevators.

When and why should you modernize your elevators.
Those are the two most common questions asked by building owners and managers.

First, lets talk about the reasons to modernize…

Why should I modernize?

Most of the elevators in service today were installed 30 to 40 years ago. There are even quite a few elevators that are from the 60′s that are still in service. 30 to 40 years of service out of an elevator is outstanding. Imagine making daily deliveries with a 30 or 40 year old automobile.

These elevators have been around for a lot longer than most of the automobiles on the road today. They also take more abuse than the cars people drive everyday. It is not uncommon for an elevator in a relatively busy hotel to make over 300,000 trips in a year.

The answer to the question “Why?” is the age of the elevator.

When should I modernize?

There are many variables that go into the answer to this question.

First, is there money in the budget?

Most buildings overlook the elevators as one of the parts of the building that need to be overhauled at some point. The result is a crunch to save money to complete the upgrades.

We take pride in the fact that we can keep your older elevator running while you are budgeting the money for a modernization.

Second, the major problem is obsolescence.

At some point in time most older elevators are no longer supported by the manufacturer.

This creates a problem when trying to track down replacement parts. Once all resources are exhausted, the end result is an emergency modernization. We will do everything we can to help avoid this problem.

The answer to the question “When?”… as soon as the budget is ready, as long as the equipment isn’t obsolete.

Additional Information....

Modern elevator equipment has evolved far beyond the relay logic and early microprocessor controls of the 70′s and 80′s. Today’s elevators are fast, smart, and reliable. A good comparison would be for those of you who owned a computer in the early 80′s. Remember how slow it was compared to the computer you are using today. Elevators are incorporating more advanced technology as the years go by.

Modernization can also be the answer for buildings looking to comply with all the latest codes. Seismic codes have changed significantly over the last 20 years and are making elevators very safe during a seismic event.

Fire codes have also changed and there are also new requirements for fire alarm and elevator integration. ADA requirements for handicapped individuals are also standardized for elevators. Any one of these reasons would be instrumental in deciding “why?” to modernize your elevator.

LA Elevator is a freight elevator and commercial elevator specialist. We also offer wheelchair lift repair and installation as well as home lift repair and service.