The lifespan of lifts: Understanding maintenance schedules

Investing in lifts is a big decision, so it's essential you know how long your investment will last and what preventative care you can take to ensure it serves its purpose for as long as possible. Lifts need to run safely and efficiently for years to come and remain compliant with continuously updated safety regulations, so dedicated maintenance support is required to keep them in good working order. In this blog, we outline how long you can expect your lifts to last, the factors that influence their lifespan, and how proactive maintenance can make a world of difference in their longevity.

The typical lifespan of a lift

The typical lifespan of a lift depends on various factors, including its type, usage intensity and level of consistent maintenance. Generally speaking, hydraulic lifts tend to last between 15-20 years, whilst traction lifts can last over 25 years with proper care. Several factors influence longevity, and the environment can play a significant role in the lifespan of a lift. Lifts in corrosive environments such as coastal areas might experience more wear and tear versus a lift in a well-maintained office with regular maintenance, whilst higher-traffic lifts such as those in commercial buildings will wear out faster.

It's also important to ensure correct installation from a trusted company, as incorrect installation can significantly reduce the lifespan of your lift. Understanding the expected lifespan of your investment is essential, as it enables you to plan maintenance correctly and accurately budget for future replacements or upgrades, as well as avoid the costly surprises that can come with expensive repairs.

Factors that affect lift lifespan

Several key factors influence how long a lift will be operational. Different environments, applications, and technology types all affect the projected lifespan of a lift system.

Environmental conditions

Dust, humidity, and temperature are key concerns that can impact a lift's lifespan. Dust and humidity corrode electrical systems and cause malfunctions. Salt in coastal areas can accelerate the wear of the metal components within the lift system, while extremely hot or cold environments can also affect the hydraulic fluids. However, a longer lifespan is still possible in challenging locations, as preventative measures like filters and seals or even climate control can help protect the system's delicate parts from corrosive or damaging environmental conditions.

Usage intensity

Lifts that experience heavy use (such as those in commercial buildings) tend to wear out much faster than those in quieter residential properties, where they are subjected to lighter use. Overuse or incorrect use (like consistent over-capacity) can also lead to component failure.

Quality of materials and technology

The quality of the components during the installation process directly affects the lift's durability and lifespan. High-grade components and advanced technological upgrades can drastically improve lifts' operational life and prolonged performance.

Regular inspections

Regular inspections are essential for flagging potential issues early and making sure that lifts meet the necessary safety standards and compliance requirements outlined in the UK's LOLER 1998.

Overloading and operational misuse

Exceeding a lift's weight capacity even infrequently can strain and damage its key components, and improper use, such as sudden stops or door obstructions, can cause premature wear.

Technological upgrades

Elongating your lift's lifespan is possible by keeping up with technological advancements. This could include installing energy-efficient drives, upgrading door operators and remote monitoring systems, and upgrading machine roomless technology.

Common lift maintenance issues

There are a whole host of issues that lifts can experience, but here, we've noted the most common maintenance issues that can be reduced with consistent care.

Worn-out cables: If not fixed quickly, these can lead to sudden stops, especially in high-traffic lifts. Inspecting cable systems regularly and promptly replacing any worn cables is critical for maintaining a lift's safety.

Faulty doors: Doors that jam or don't open and close properly are very common and are also a significant cause of underlying electrical issues. On their own, they are disruptive and lead to delays and poor user experience.

Electrical system failures: Lifts' electrical systems are complex, and system failures can lead to lift downtime and expensive repairs if they are not spotted early. Checking the systems regularly will reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns, while slow operation can be an early sign of hydraulic system failures or motor wear.

Scheduling routine checks and inspections monthly or quarterly can catch potential issues before they become significant, costly concerns.  

The importance of a proactive maintenance schedule

Preventative maintenance should be a number one priority when investing in your lift, and a proactive schedule is key to preventing costly repairs and protecting your lift from significant damage. This involves regular inspections, lubrication, and individual part replacement to minimise the risk of breakdowns and keep the system running smoothly. Suppose you opt for reactive maintenance rather than preventative. In that case, you face extended downtime, higher repair costs and increased risk to user safety.

Cost is a big consideration, and by addressing issues early, property managers can reduce their overall maintenance overheads by 25 - 30%. This is a significant saving, and plenty of real-world examples demonstrate proactive maintenance plans' far-reaching benefits and cost-efficiency.

A hotel client that adopted a preventative maintenance schedule reduced their breakdowns by 40%, increasing tenant satisfaction and lowering expenses. Partnering with a reputable and reliable lift maintenance service provider gives you the guarantee and peace of mind that all maintenance is carried out effectively in line with the latest safety regulations. By taking a proactive approach, you can improve lift safety, reduce downtime, elongate the lifespan of your lift and ultimately save money both now and in the future.

Final thoughts on lift maintenance and lifespan

It is essential to know and understand your lift and the factors that can affect its lifespan. Looking after your equipment with a proactive maintenance schedule is necessary from a safety and compliance point of view, as well as a financial one. By staying aligned with the latest regulations and using maintenance tracking apps and tools, you can be confident that your lifts will continue to run safely and smoothly for years to come. CMMSs (computerised maintenance management systems) are used to track lift maintenance and ensure timely servicing. These can help ensure your maintenance is properly tracked, reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of your lift.

Get in touch today to learn more or for tailored advice from our expert team.