Ice storms, nor’easters, freezing rain and a long thaw. New England weather tests everything left outdoors, and it makes porch steps treacherous for months of the year. An outdoor stair lift is built to work through all of it.
What it is
A seat that travels on a rail fixed beside your outdoor steps. You sit, fasten the belt and hold a control. It runs on batteries, so it is not affected by a power cut.
How it differs from an indoor lift
- Rail and hardware finished to resist corrosion
- Motor and electronics sealed against moisture
- A seat that sheds water
- A heavy fitted cover
- A key switch
Where it is used
- Front porch steps
- Steps from a driveway down or up to the house
- Deck stairs
- Steps to a detached garage or barn
Winter care
- Keep the cover on whenever the lift is not in use
- Brush snow off the rail and steps before riding
- Use sand or a de-icer that is safe for metal
- Do not chip ice from the rail with a metal tool
- Have the lift serviced in the fall
The steps themselves
The rail fixes to the steps, so they must be sound. Granite, concrete and solid timber all work. Loose or rotted wooden steps should be repaired first.
Who it suits
People who can walk a short distance and sit down safely. If a wheelchair or walker needs to come too, a platform lift is the right equipment.
Roof run-off and snow slides
Position matters. We avoid placing a lift where snow slides off a metal roof or where a downspout discharges.
Before winter
Installation is easiest before the snow, though it can be done at any time of year.
Have your steps looked at
Nationwide Lifts of Vermont offers a free home assessment. Call (802) 734-0869.