Starting in the hall……
Norfolk Stairlifts will always recommend the most suitable starting point for a curved stairlift. There are various options usually narrowed down by either the layout in the hallway or the mobility needs of the customer or both.
There are a few examples shown below of what type of start a stairlift can have. Norfolk Stairlifts deal with most stairlift manufacturers and can therefore find the best solution.
180 degree wrap start – If you have space in the hallway then this type of start usually means the stairlift is parked out of the way and does not cause a hazard to people walking through the hall. This type of start is also useful if there is a doorway at the foot of the stairs as it avoids using a hinged rail if the stairlift was to be fitted on the other side of the stairs.
A few examples of stairlifts from Norfolk Stairlifts of this type are shown here.
90 degree wrap start – This type of start can be considered for halls where the 180 wrap is not suitable. There are two main issues for consideration here for the Norfolk Stairlift’s Surveyor . Firstly, the width of the hall must be sufficient for the user to easily get on and off the stairlift (some stairlifts can turn in the hall to help with this). Should walking frames or similar be used then allowances for extra space should be considered. Secondly, safety is always the paramount concern for Norfolk Stairlifts. Our surveyor has to ensure that in the event of a stairlift breakdown whilst parked in the hall, that occupants can safely leave the building in the event of an emergency (possibly via a back door, conservatory or side door for example). An example of this type is shown here.
Drop Nose start – Most manufacturers offer a drop nose (or short start) rail start. This means that if space is tight then the rail can finish near to the 1st step. This is useful if there is a door way near the stairbase or the stairs finish into a hall without much space to avoid a trip hazard. The seat of the stairlift is moved up the rail a short way, by using a remote control, after standing up. An example of a drop nose rail is shown below (used to ensure the rail does not overhang a doorway).
Hinged Rail start – Occasionally a power hinge rail is the only option to ensure safe seating and alighting at the bottom of the stairs. The powered hinge is usually needed where there is a hazard (such as a door) and where none of the above options will work. A situation such as this…….
The descending stairlift triggers the hinge to operate. The stairlift seat will travel onto the hinge part allowing the user to stand up in the hall. The stairlift is then parked on the stairs (using the remote control) and the hinge will fold up automatically. Here are a few pictures explaining what the hinge does.
Standard Rail start – And finally the standard start. If there is room a standard start can be used. An example is shown below.
Norfolk Stairlifts give a two year guarantee on new stairlifts. This guarantee offers great peace of mind to the owner as it covers callouts, parts and labour everyday of the year up till 10pm.
The Stairlift is also serviced after the first year at no extra expense to the purchaser.
Norfolk Stairlifts have installed many stairlifts throughout Norfolk & Suffolk.
As the leading stairlift company in East Anglia, we’re confident we’ll be able to help.
We have showrooms located in Hingham NR9 4LF and in Beccles NR34 9TT.
Norfolk Stairlifts is an independent company that installs stairlifts throughout Norfolk and Suffolk.
We offer new and reconditioned stairlifts and install stairlifts for both private customers and for 7 District Councils including Breckland, Waveney, South Norfolk and West Norfolk & Kings Lynn.
At Norfolk Stairlifts, we understand how a stairlift can literally change people’s lives.
We know this because we have installed over 3,000 stairlifts throughout Norfolk and Suffolk and have seen the difference a stairlift can make.
To view our range of stairlifts, click here.
To arrange a no obligation survey or to ask us about anything stairlift related, please click here.
For advice and assistance on choosing the right stairlift for you or your loved one, please call 01953 850 004 or visit; norfolkstairlifts.co.uk