People often have many questions when it comes to purchasing a stairlift as the equipment can often represent a financial investment, so it is only right that people need a few questions answering before they make a commitment and get a stairlift installed.
A stairlift will become part of the home, offering people independent living when they may otherwise no have had it. There are often concerns about the installation of a stairlift damaging part of a property. This is why our team at Trent Stairlifts have put together this guide on some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding stairlift installation.
How Is a Stairlift Attached to The Stairs?
When people are considering having a stairlift installed to make their home more accessible, it can often be a concern that doing so will compromise the structural integrity of the stairs. During stair lift installations, a track is attached on brackets that supports the rail. This keeps the rail elevated from the stairs.
The brackets are attached to the treads of the stairs with between 2 and 5 screws (per bracket). This means there will be no damage to the banister or walls surrounding the staircase or at the top or the bottom of the stairs. The stairlifts are always installed at a reasonable distance from the wall or banister to prevent any scuffing or scraping.
It is always advised that you enlist the help of a professional and reputable stairlift company to install a stairlift for you. This is not a job that people should try and take on themselves.
Will a Stairlift Damage My Carpet?
The brackets of the stairlift hold the track above the floor so there should be no damage to the carpet. The support screws also go through the carpet, so there is no need for the carpet to be lifted and refitted.
The support screws are small in diameter, so once the stairlift has been removed there should be no large visible holes, however they may be some indentation marks from the weight, and there is a possibility of a slight colour difference if the rest of the carpet has faded since installation.
Bear in mind that if a carpet is not in good condition, stray threads and pile may be an obstruction or hazard to the track.
Will A Stairlift Damage My Stairs?
There is only a small number of screws used to attach the stairlift to the stairs, so providing it has been installed by a professional there will be no impact on the structural integrity of the stairs, and this applies to all types of stairlift. With indoor stairlifts, where the brackets have been attached to carpet or wooden tread, there will be a few very small holes that will need minimal attention.
Can A Stairlift Be Installed On Any Stairs?
There are lots of different stairlifts available on the market – some are designed to fit unusually shaped stairs, such as a curved stairlift, while others are aimed at more traditional staircases, like a straight stairlift. Therefore, the question of ‘can stairlifts be fitted to any stairs’ is a common one that is asked when planning to install any stairlift models.
For people who are unsure that a straight or curved stairlift will fit their stairs, an advisor would be more than happy to arrange a home visit and advise on the appropriate model for your stairs.
How Long Does It Take To Install A Stairlift?
When a professional is installing your stairlift it should only take around 4 hours to complete, this will also include teaching the new user how to use, clean and maintain the stairlift.
If you think you need a stairlift installing at your property or would like more information on stairlift installation in Nottingham, then contact Trent Stairlifts today – 0115 8087 383
