Sometimes the problem with accessing different levels of your home is not found inside, but is outside. You live in a condo, apartment, or duplex where your home is on the second or third level. An outdoor stair lift can give you easy access, without impeding the stairs for other people. Your needs could be even more simple. Maybe you need to access the deck you built in the back yard, or the entrance to your home is up a few stairs from the driveway. No matter whether it is just a few steps, or an entire staircase you can add a stair lift.
An outdoor stair lift is a specialized form of stair lift. An indoor lift has the safety of being secured from the weather, controlled environment, and easy access to electricity. An outdoor lift must be ruggedized to resist the elements, while still providing you with a comfortable ride.
Resisting the elements is not just a matter of protecting the motor, it includes protecting all components of the lift. An indoor lift does not have the sun, dust, wind, and rain affecting the smooth operation of the rails.
What is different on the outdoor stair lift? To start with, the seats are made of marine grade materials to withstand the water, weather, and abuse from being outdoors. These are the same materials used on seats in ski boats, fishing boats, and other watercraft. They are designed to take a beating and stay in great shape. The next item is the finish on the metal components. Most outdoor stair lifts will use a powder coat surface. Powder coating is not a traditional paint, but a coating which is baked onto the metal. It is harder, chip resistant, and seals tightly against the metal to avoid weather penetration.
The next items critical on outdoor stair lift are the motors and lifting systems. They need to be designed to work in temperatures approaching zero degrees and to the hottest days of summer. As an example the Bruno Outdoor Stair Lift can operate from 0 degrees Fahrenheit all the way to 125 degrees Fahrenheit. This wide range covers the needs of almost every user.
Does your need for maintenance increase with an outdoor stair lift? You may need to lubricate and clean the rails a little more often due to the presence of dust, but overall the lifts do not require much added effort. You will probably wish to clean the lift more often, since you will be accumulating more dust and grime from the outdoor elements. The good news, this cleaning can be done quickly with a little water, and a quick washing. You cannot pull the hose over to your indoor lift and rinse it off.
To help protect your outdoor stair lift most manufactures include a convenient cover. Putting the cover over the chair between uses only takes a moment, and can save you time on extra cleaning, and a longer lasting lift. You will want to take great care of your lift, because once you experience the ease of use, and increased freedom, you will never want to be without it.