The Role of Commercial Elevators in the Construction Industry

One of the most important things when considering commercial lifts for construction is their reliability and proclivity to maintenance issues. A well-maintained and durable elevator is of the essence at any construction site, and the plethora of elevators company in Dubai are rising to meet this need. 

The reason why it’s important that construction lifts work optimally is firstly to prioritise the safety of construction workers in an already precarious environment, secondly to reduce labour downtime, and prevent financial losses owing to delays. 

Since construction elevators are a significant expense, it is crucial your installation company and service provider be proactive in ensuring continued and frequent maintenance. Any average construction takes around at least a couple of years, and the ideal lifespan of your construction lift must be way beyond that. 

Mitigating Common Issues on your Construction Site 

Commercial elevators, while the underdog of construction sites for their efficiency, productivity and special features, do come across some functionality issues from time to time. 

In this guide, we will detail some of the common issues so you’re aware of what to look for and mitigate it as soon as it occurs. 

1. Doors Malfunctioning

Among the most common issues that plague commercial elevators because of their repeated usage during construction, are door malfunctions. Doors may fail to open and close, get stuck and may sometimes become a serious security hazard to construction worked. Even if you notice a slight shake or rattle in the functioning of the door, it’s important to get it checked prior to a serious problem arising. Commercial lifts in construction sites may also be in remote locations and in empty buildings with few people around, hence their maintenance is of paramount importance. Replacing sensors, tracks, polishing the doors, checking the elevator car for any issues, and assessing the sensors may diagnose the problem and be set right. 

2. Entrapment Malfunctions

Among the scariest experiences to be had on a construction site is being suspended from a crane, yes, but also being stuck in a commercial lift in a 10-storey empty building. To avoid this common malfunction and prevent panic among the passengers inside, you should ensure your lift instalment comes with an entrapment plan, which gets people out of the elevator car safely and securely. Consult a lift company in Dubai for prompt resolution once you notice a malfunction could cause entrapment. Rescue procedures, communication with maintenance staff, swift evacuation and repair, and passenger alarm systems are all systems which must be kept up and running at all times. 

3. Leveling Problems

These are also exceedingly common place, specially if floor plans and building plans didn’t account for elevator space and construction precisely. Commercial elevators on construction sites might face levelling issues, in that they may not be perfectly aligned to the floor, causing a trip hazard. This matter is easily remedied by either a technical adjustment of the levers, ropes or gears (depending on the type of commercial lift) or an  internal assessment of control systems including sensors. 

Advancement in Elevator Tech 

Another important way in which commercial elevators prove to be essential in construction is the continued advancement seen in the mechanics and operations of lift systems. Since real estate is one of Dubai’s largest industries, construction is happening all the time in the emirate- necessitating efficient, smooth and fast commercial elevators. 

Some of the technological advancements in commercial elevators that may interest you include:

1. Energy

Efficiency and Smaller Bills-For construction sites, the large utility bills are a major expense. Innovations in elevator technology mean that newer lifts use energy more sustainably, and many newer models don't require machine room ACs for the elevator car. The metal used in the lift construction is also less heat-generating, requires less cooling for the car, and thus utilises less electricity than older models. In the money already being spent on expensive technology needed on construction sites, commercial elevators become a smaller expense. 

2. Destination systems

The importance of this innovation in construction sites cannot be understated. Commercial lifts can, through this technology, send people, material and cargo through a large building by enabling the passenger to select a floor before entering the elevator. For workmen, and the latter occupants of the building, this reduces wait times, reduces pause times on every floor, and optimises traffic flow. 

3. Touch Displays and Voice Command Technology

These innovations are also extremely important in the hustle and bustle of construction sites. Travelators and lifts now come equipped with information-selection touch displays, and voice command technology, which enables workmen and occupants alike to speak their floor aloud and be taken there if their hands happen to be full. This also enables a more inclusive experience of large residential buildings, malls, or hotels for persons with disabilities.

4. Safety Features

While safety is paramount on precarious construction sites, installing a commercial elevator or travelator on a site which has advanced safety features also benefits later occupants of the building. Features such as advanced alert systems, disrepair analysis systems, emergency brakes, power breakdown lights and door sensors, all enable the utmost safety and comfort, preventing the agony of entrapment in lifts that is usually commonplace. 

Conclusion 

It is important to note that commercial elevators must be specialised to meet the needs of the construction site, and that initial investment is likely to cost a hefty penny. However, the ease with which commercial elevators are converted and suited to all kinds of buildings is a major advantage you should not miss out on.