Outside Stair Lifts – The Challenges

There are some tough challenges with exterior stair lifts. Rain, snow and salt present difficulties.

Moisture that gets into the electrical parts is a challenge. Most stair lift manufacturers that offer an exterior model try to address this issue by using silicone coatings on the key parts and in the design of the stair lift. Snow can be a problem with the operation of the gear rack or cable getting clogged up.

When the stair lift is not in use the stair chair must be covered to avoid the elements.

To make a long story short, an exterior stair lift is a viable consideration where the rain, snow or salt elements are not too severe. In other words, an exterior stair lift in Northern Canada will not work well. Nor would a lift on the ocean in the USA.