How to Install a Stairlift
A stairlift can make life much easier if you or someone you live with has limited mobility. It’s not surprising that stairs can be one of the most troublesome parts of a house for those who find it tiring to climb or painful to bend their knees. The act of climbing the stairs can take a long time and be quite exhausting and even painful.
The stairlift allows you to sit comfortably while the machine does the job of moving up or down the stairs. So, how is a stairlift installed and can you do it yourself?
Why You Need a Technician for Stairlift Installation
The simple answer to the question of whether or not you can install a stairlift yourself is yes, if you’re willing to learn how. However, it’s not recommended that you do it on your own.
A flight of stairs can be a very dangerous place if you aren’t steady on your feet. Any loss of balance or weakness can cause you to fall and it can be lethal in some cases. While the stairlift is there to help you stay safe as you move up and down, if it’s not installed properly, it puts you in greater danger.
Even a DIYer knows when it’s best to leave something to the experts and this is certainly where you want the best possible installation.
How a Stairlift is Installed
When a trained technician is the one doing the installation, a stairlift installation should be fairly straightforward. A regular lift will be done in around two to three hours, while a curved stairlift takes longer, usually up to five hours, depending on the complexity of the design.
Sturdy brackets will be added to the stair treads along the staircase and these are where the track will be attached. This needs to be measured to ensure it will keep the person using the stairlift suspended above it. The space between the wall and the stairlift is minimal but will prevent the walls from being scraped.
Once the track is in place, the chair can be fitted to it and this will be tested carefully to ensure it works well. The chair should glide smoothly to the top of the staircase and back down again without problems.
Finally, you’ll have a chance to try out your new stairlift, with the technicians there to help if you get confused about anything. They will show you how to maintain the system so it will continue to work flawlessly.
Ready to install your stairlift? Alfix technicians are ready to get your lift set up for you in no time. Contact us today for a quote.