Elavator Cab Interior Flooring

Elevators are in a class of their own when it comes to making any type of changes or modifications to an elevator cab. Due to the nature of an elevator's function, additional considerations must go into every update that is made to an elevator. Flooring is an ideal material to use as an example for this discussion.
The typical flooring project requires the local State and County project permits be obtained. A flooring installer must be hired to installs the flooring. Some standard considerations for a flooring project may be the function of project space, traffic levels, lighting levels and project space decor. These types of project concerns are important consideration no matter where a floor is being installed.

What makes elevator flooring projects different from the typical floor project, is mainly due to how an elevator is constructed. Elevators are basically boxes suspended in mid-air between two beams that run vertical in a shaft slightly larger than the elevator cab itself. Due to the fact that elevator cabs are basically large hanging boxes, all components within the elevator cab structure are much more prone to increased movement and flex. An Elevator cab shell is generally manufactured from metal and wood. Therefore flooring installed inside and elevator cab will never be as rigid or stable as a floor installed on a concrete slab.
Material type becomes an important consideration when selecting elevator cab interior flooring. Because of the flexible nature of the elevator cab design, it is important to select material that can with stand the abuse an elevator floor receives. Flooring material that are too rigid or brittle will eventually fail due to regular flex and vibration of an elevator cabs. Selections such as porcelain, ceramic, granite and marble are poor choices for installation in an elevator cab interior. Ideal elevator flooring would be a material that has flexibility and give such as rubber, vinyl or carpet. Flooring selections designed with flexible material will not prematurely wear out due to elevator movement and vibration.

Cab weight is another key factor to consider when updating elevator cab flooring. Elevator cabs operate by either a traction system or hydraulic system. What's important to know regarding these types of systems is that they rely on elevator cab weight in order to function properly and safely. Adding excessive material weigh to an elevator cab, may cause the elevator to become out of balance. If an elevator becomes out of balance additional testing and procedures must be completed to ensure the elevator operates within the correct weight classification. The additional cost for testing and inspection in order to put the elevator cab back into operation would be significant. It is important to consider selecting a lighter weight flooring material due to the increase project complications a heavier material selection can cause.

Talking about the possibility of additional elevator testing and procedures brings me to the final consideration, which should be made when planning for any elevator cab interior flooring project. Elevator code are the unique set of rules that everyone must follow when preforming any work inside an elevator cab. These rules are governed by individual State then by County respectfully. To legally preform any work to an elevator cab, the company hired to perform the work must be properly licensed in the perspective State and County for which the elevator project is located. Unlike your typical commercial flooring project, all elevator projects are bound by these additional set of rules. The reason for the additional set of rules when completing work on an elevator cab is, Safety. The complexity of an elevator makes additional rules necessary in order to maintain a safe work environment as well as a safe riding experience. Violation of these rules can lead to high monetary fines and penalties as well as personal injury. When selecting an elevator contractor, it is vital to ensure that they are properly licensed to preform elevator work in your elevator county. Failure to hire a licensed contractor could lead to your elevator cabs being taken out of service for extended periods of time on top of step monetary penalties.

We have gone through some essential considerations when planning to update your elevator cab interior flooring. We hope you found this article informing. When planning your next elevator cab flooring project, remember to consider the three points mentioned in today's blog post. Think about the best type of flooring material that would be suited for an elevator cab interior. Always consider the weight limitations when installing or removing elevator cab interior finishes. Finally, please save yourself the hassle and always hire a licensed elevator contractor to preform any type of work inside an elevator cab.