Shrinkage and Repair
A traditional masonry lift shaft does not allow for timber frame shrinkage and will require remedial ( cracking ) work around the landing entrances approximately 12 to 18 months after building occupancy . These are difficult to complete in communal areas and residents will not be able to use the lift whilst these works are completed .
Trip Hazard
During the settlement period there is a health and safety risk i . e . with a 5 stop lift , the landing door sills may be up to 50mm higher than the top timber floor level . This not only creates a tripping hazard for residents , but also affects the perceived quality of building construction by the end client . The image below shows ramping on landing entrances to rectify the tripping hazard .
Fire Rating Compromised
Landing doors fitted to the masonry shaft will remain in place whilst the landing entrances / floors move vertically down during the settlement period , this will cause gaps around lift entrances due to differential movement . This movement will compromise the fire integrity of landing entrances or the system ' s ability to stop flames or hot gases of a fire from physically passing from one side of the element ( the fire side ) to the other side ( the non-fire side ) through holes , gaps , cracks or any other types of openings .
The Ideal Solution
Our Ideal Lifts Frame System is specifically designed and installed in a way to avoid the above occurring by adjusting with the building settlement as it occurs . Our methods have been successfully used for nearly 20 years across hundreds of installations .
This is an image of remedial works to ramp the lift entrance after settlement caused the building to move .
This is avoided by using the Ideal Lifts Frame System
Tel : 01837 659999 Email : info @ ideallifts . com Web : ideallifts . com
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