Finding Freedom: When a Vertical Platform Lift Can Change Your Life” is the title of a powerful story about the transformative potential of vertical platforms—whether we’re talking about mobility aids like stairlifts, elevators, or lifts for those with limited mobility, or perhaps metaphorically, about opportunities that elevate a person in a significant way. The idea of freedom in this context refers to overcoming physical, social, or financial barriers through innovative technology or systems that enhance one’s independence.

Discover Freedom with Vertical Platform Lifts - Cairo Contracting

1. The Desire for Independence

  • Vertical Platform Lifts or Porch Lifts play a crucial role in gaining mobility and accessibility, which is central to independence and freedom in a person’s life. 
  • Most common barriers to mobility, such as stairs, tall buildings, and difficult terrain, can limit people’s ability to live fully. We at Cairo Contracting understand this and thus offer the most cost-effective and easily available solutions to its customers.

2. Vertical Platforms: The Game-Changer

  • The concept of vertical platforms— or devices like elevators, stairlifts, and platform lifts is to allow people to move vertically with ease, giving them access to spaces that were once out of reach. 
  • These platform lifts can serve as life-changing tools for people with disabilities or elderly individuals who may struggle with stairs.

3. Real-Life Impact

  • Keryn Todd shared how Cairo Contracting helped her by installing a vertical platform.

She says, “We needed a platform lift to replace the very steep stairs in our newly purchased home. The stairs went from the ground floor down to our basement. The team assessed our needs and suggested a product that would suit us. We accepted their suggestion and the team installed the platform lift. It was one of the best decisions we made as we can now move things safely up and down to and from our basement. Thank you everyone, we are thrilled with the results!!”

  • Allan Brisson emphasized on the emotional and psychological benefits with the Porch Lift installation for his scooter. It helped in gaining freedom, avoiding dependence on others, and feeling more connected to family or community.

4. More Than Just Mobility

  • These vertical platform lifts or porch lifts aren’t just about physical movement—they also represent emotional and social freedom as well. Gaining your independence of moving freely in and around the house is what we all wish for as we grow old. These accessibility solutions are meant for such independence and safety. 
  • These technology based innovations allow people to participate more fully in daily life, from work to social gatherings, and improve overall quality of life.

5. Innovation Meets Accessibility

  • Thanks to the modern vertical platform technologies, which are evolving everyday to become more affordable, efficient, and discreet. Smart homes and intuitive designs are making these solutions more accessible to a wider range of people. 
  • Vertical platform lifts or porch lifts play a significant role in advancing universal design and accessibility, as they help create environments that are inclusive, adaptable, and usable by people of all abilities, regardless of age, size, or physical limitations. Universal design aims to make buildings, products, and services accessible to as many people as possible, without the need for specialized adaptations or retrofits.

6. Challenges and Future Outlook

  • While vertical platform lifts (VPLs) offer significant benefits in terms of accessibility, independence, and universal design, there are several challenges related to their cost, maintenance, and installation. These factors can influence whether they are a viable solution for individuals or businesses looking to improve accessibility.
    • The price can vary depending on the model, weight capacity & building modifications (e.g., enclosed or open, indoor or outdoor).
    • These platform lifts require regular maintenance to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. This includes checking electrical systems, lubricating moving parts, and ensuring that safety features (such as brakes, sensors, and barriers) are functioning properly.
    • Vertical platform lifts or Porch lifts should always be installed by certified professionals like Cairo Contracting who are trained in the complexities of these systems. If not installed correctly, issues such as improper weight distribution, mechanical failures, or safety hazards could arise.

In nutshell, finding freedom often starts with access—access to spaces, to people, and to life itself. Vertical platform Lifts or Porch lifts are tools of independence and freedom, offering a chance to live life without limits. We at Cairo Contracting are here to offer you new perspectives on the possibilities for independence and accessibility. Does that sound like the direction you were thinking, or would you like to explore it from a different angle?

When choosing between custom rails and prefabricated rail sections for a curved stairlift, several key factors can influence the decision. Below are the advantages of choosing custom rails over prefabricated ones:

Why Choose Custom Rails For Curved Stairlift Vs Prefabricated Rail Section

1. Perfect Fit for Curved Stairs

  • Custom Rails: Curved staircases vary in shape, and a custom rail is designed to precisely follow the unique contours of the stairs. This ensures a seamless and smooth ride, enhancing both comfort and safety. Handicare Freecurve from Savaria is one of the best products available in the market for custom rails. 
  • Prefabricated Rails: These are typically designed for straight staircases, and while some manufacturers offer curved sections, they may not perfectly match every curve. The fit might be less precise, resulting in a less smooth ride and possible safety concerns.

2. Aesthetic Appeal

  • Custom Rails: A custom rail system is tailored to blend well with the interior design of the home. It can be made from various materials, finishes, and colors, giving homeowners the flexibility to match their décor perfectly. Handicare Freecurve provides you with the option of choosing from 3 chair and rail colors to match the interior of your home. 
  • Prefabricated Rails: These often come in a standard finish and may not offer the same level of aesthetic customization. The rail might stand out in a way that detracts from the overall look of the home.

3. Design Flexibility

  • Custom Rails: With custom rails, you have complete control over the design, allowing for multiple turns, spirals, or other complex curves that are unique to your home’s staircase.
  • Prefabricated Rails: These are often limited in their ability to handle complex curves, especially if the staircase has multiple twists or sharp angles. The prefabricated design might not accommodate the full layout of the staircase.

4. Long-Term Reliability

  • Custom Rails: Since they are specifically built for the exact dimensions of your staircase, custom rails tend to offer more stability, durability, and reliability over time. Cairo Contracting provides its customers with an extensive warranty option alongwith a phone call away technicians for service. 
  • Prefabricated Rails: While prefabricated rails are mass-produced, they may not provide the same level of quality or durability when installed on an unusually shaped staircase. They may wear down faster or experience operational issues.

5. Improved Performance

  • Custom Rails: The stairlift will operate more smoothly and efficiently on custom rails that perfectly fit the stairs. The system will follow the curves naturally, reducing the risk of misalignment or jerking movements. Handicare Freecurve by Savaria has established credibility over years for its world class ride up & down the curved staircases.
  • Prefabricated Rails: These may cause issues if the pre-manufactured sections don’t perfectly align with the stairs. This misalignment could lead to a rougher ride and additional wear on the stairlift components.

6. Enhanced Safety

  • Custom Rails: With the precision fit of custom rails, the Handicare Freecurve stairlift is more secure and safe for the user, reducing the chances of accidents or malfunctions.
  • Prefabricated Rails: A less-than-perfect fit could potentially lead to safety issues, such as the lift operating in an unstable manner, increasing the risk of falls or system failures.

7. Tailored Functionality

  • Custom Rails: Custom stairlift like Handicare Freecurve rails can be designed to accommodate additional features, such as narrower spaces or obstacles that prefabricated rails may not be able to handle efficiently.
  • Prefabricated Rails: Standard prefabricated sections may not have the versatility to handle specific functional needs, especially in older homes or those with non-standard stairs.

8. Higher Initial Cost but Greater Value

  • Custom Rails: While they tend to have a higher upfront cost, custom rails offer a long-term solution that improves user experience and home aesthetics. The investment is often worth the benefits of a perfect fit, enhanced safety, and long-term reliability.
  • Prefabricated Rails: Prefabricated options tend to be less expensive initially but may require future adjustments or lead to higher maintenance costs due to a less precise fit.

Choosing custom rails for a curved stairlift like Handicare Free curve provides a more personalized, precise, and reliable solution, especially for complex staircases. Though it requires a higher investment, it offers better performance, aesthetics, and safety in the long run. Prefabricated rails, on the other hand, may be a more budget-friendly option but may not provide the same level of quality, particularly for curved stairs. Cairo Contracting is known for providing the best cost effective custom rail solutions for curved stairlifts. Get in touch today for a free quote!