Author Archives: Jordan Coburn

Elevator Service

While you know how important it is to have an elevator that runs smoothly, you may know less about what to look for in an elevator service company. At Keystone Elevator, we understand the importance of your elevator to transportation through your commercial business. When choosing an elevator service, there are questions to ask.

How Much Experience Do You Have?

When talking to your elevator servicing company, you should feel comfortable asking about their contractors’ level of experience. All elevator contractors should have the licensing and training necessary to work in the elevator industry. Look for mechanics who have many years in the industry. The longer the experience, the more likely they have dealt with various situations similar to yours.

The elevator industry is constantly changing. Contractors need to have ongoing training to handle new products and technology.

Do You Handle Emergencies?

You can never predict when your elevator may break down. While a maintenance plan helps you avoid sudden breakdowns, you need to be prepared for anything. An elevator breakdown can shut down your business for several hours or days if you cannot find a contractor willing to help. Likewise, if you have someone stuck in the elevator, it can be a frightening and challenging experience for the guest. Ask the potential elevator service company if they handle emergencies. They should be able to give you an emergency number to help you get the elevator moving right away.

When it comes to your elevator, you need a contractor who cares about the service you receive. Poorly serviced elevators are more prone to breakdowns. At Keystone Elevator, we have been serving the Greater Boston Metro since 1995. We have the experience, knowledge, and tools necessary to keep your elevator running safely and efficiently. Contact us today to learn more about elevator repair and the maintenance options we provide.

Elevators have been safely transporting passengers since the 19^th century. Since then, modern elevators have had several upgrades that make elevator travel safer than ever. However, several elevator myths continue to make some apprehensive about using them. Elevator tragedies are familiar storylines in film and television programs, but the frightening scenes that you see onscreen are rarely based on facts.

Freefall Scenarios

One of the most common disaster scenarios in a horror or action film is the out-of-control elevator plummeting to the bottom floor. While this scary situation makes moviegoers cringe, it’s inaccurate and unlikely to happen in the real world. Elevators are designed with capabilities that limit the cabin’s speed. If a malfunction causes the unit to accelerate too much, an emergency brake stops the elevator’s movement. Braking systems are designed to function even if a power outage occurs in the building.

Broken Cables

Cables do not control most modern elevators, and older models are not reliant on a single line for operation. Multiple cables are used to manage the cabin’s movement, and the likelihood of a cable snapping is minimal. Overloading an elevator is also unlikely because the machine will not move if the weight capacity is exceeded.

Elevator Door Malfunctions

Have you watched a film that shows a passenger being squeezed by the elevator door? Elevator doors will not close if the infrared sensor detects a passenger, and the machine’s door locking mechanism prevents the door from opening between floors. When someone enters the elevator when the doors are closing, the fail-safe mechanism forces the door to retract.

Low Oxygen Levels

When passengers become stranded in a malfunctioning elevator, some fear that they’ll run out of air because they believe elevators are airtight. Elevators are constructed with vented areas on the floor, and most are connected to HVAC systems to bring in fresh air. A stopped elevator can elevate anxiety levels, but you’re unlikely to suffocate or have problems breathing. When you need repairs, maintenance, or elevator installations for a commercial property, you can rely on Keystone Elevator.

Your patrons, guests, clients, employees, and other visitors don’t like to wait long on elevator availability. The problem of delay can be compounded when the elevator doors are slow-moving. It is dangerous to ignore slow doors, as it could signify a more significant malfunction. While you should call Keystone Elevator to tackle your elevator problems, some possible issues and resolutions may be appropriate.

New Elevator Assemblies

An elevator is assembled and installed on-site, so if a new elevator is experiencing trouble with the doors, it could be a problem with the assembly or installation. Disconnects between the floor door and the movement of the car door cause doors to open slowly, and it could be an issue with the door locks. Installation engineers have a manual from the elevator design company, but discrepancies can still occur. Keystone Elevator can address and remedy these concerns.

Old Elevator Systems

If the doors on an older system open slowly, look at the horizontal groves above and below the door. If debris, dust, rust, or other unwanted objects are clogging the grooves, it can cause a delay. Clean the grooved thoroughly. An integrated circuit in the elevator may have shorted or become faulty, in which case it would need to be replaced or repaired. There are times when turning the elevator off and on again can help recircuit the system correctly, but any electrical concerns should be left to the professionals.

Look for signs of rust on the door panels, as these can also hinder efficient opening. Older elevators can lose their shine and develop rust quickly, making a metal refinishing job possible.

Solve the Problem

Recurring issues with an elevator could signal unwanted friction between the various components. Keeping up with routine maintenance can help prevent these issues and address any others causing your doors to open slowly.

Keystone has serviced the Boston area for over 20 years. We understand the importance of a safe, functioning elevator, no matter what the weather looks like outside. Contact us today by calling 781-277-4655 or emailing us to find out how we can care for your elevator!

With winter storms just around the corner, you need to prepare your building, including the elevator equipment. At Keystone Elevator, we maintain commercial elevators, no matter the season. If you’re worried about winter elevator maintenance, we have you covered.

Run Elevators Before Opening

If you have hydraulic elevators, you may want to run them before your property opens for the day. When you run the elevators up and down a few times, you can circulate the oil and warm it up. Warm oil tends to pass more smoothly and will reduce wear on your piston and valves.

Manage the Temperature in the Elevator Room

You never want your elevator room to get too cold. It would be best if you had the room remain between 45 degrees and 90 degrees. Additionally, it would help if you never let the humidity exceed 85%. When your elevator room’s temperature and humidity go outside these boundaries, you are more likely to have a malfunction.

Reinforce all Windows

Before the more challenging winter months, make sure the windows in your machine room are reinforced. You do not want the windows to blow open or for water to seep through. You may need to put plywood sheets over your windows to protect the equipment and maintain the elevator’s temperature.

Invest in Weather Stripping and Entrance Mats

To protect your machine room, you need to check the seals around the doors and windows. If you have any damaged areas, you should replace or repair the stripping before the winter weather worsens. In addition, make sure you have entrance mats that catch rock salt and sidewalk deicers from being tracked into the elevator.

Make Preparations for High Water

During heavy rain or thawing, park the elevators near the center of the shaft to prevent water damage. If water accumulates in the pit, you can keep the cab away from the water. Submerging travel cables or the cab in water can lead to extensive repairs.

Keystone has serviced the Boston area for over 20 years. We understand the importance of a safe, functioning elevator, no matter what the weather looks like outside. Contact us by calling 781-277-4655 or email us today to learn how to care for your elevator!

While having an elevator in a commercial building may be standard for many businesses, some buildings do not have one. For some, elevators are a necessity, and even when they are not, all businesses can benefit from an elevator.

How Accessible Is Your Building?

When designing a building, you need to consider accessibility for passengers. Some passengers require another means of access to travel between floors. By adding an elevator, it will provide both the elderly and other riders who struggle with stairs another option.

In addition to those who require accessibility options, you are less likely to appeal to clients or guests if they have to climb several sets of stairs to reach the floor they need. Visitors and employees of your building appreciate elevator travel. Likewise, an elevator makes it easier for your clients to find their way around the building as each floor has clear labeling. With only stairs, it’s easier to get lost.

How Quickly Can Individuals Travel?

Your commercial property will benefit from having less traffic on the stairways. If you have too many people traveling between floors, it can be difficult to get to one place or another quickly with all the congestion.

If your employees have to run up and down the stairs all day, they will be exhausted. Even the most active people become tired when going up and down throughout the day; especially if the departments are split by floors. In addition, rushing when using stairs can be dangerous. An elevator solves the problem when someone needs to travel quickly between floors without injury.

If you have a building that has several floors, then an elevator should be a must-have. At Keystone Elevator, we understand the importance of an elevator in your commercial building. Contact us today to find out how we’ve helped clients in the Greater Boston Metro.